The Right Team Provides a Good Fit for Your Passion for the Work

May 20, 2013 by Leave a Comment

I’m thinking about the young baseball enthusiast with a passion for the game, but no formal training. Let’s say that he wants to be a pitcher.Baseb In Hand Stock Photo ID-10036429 by Meawpong3405 He may be a natural – but, odds are, even though he has a deep love of the game, possesses a high level of skill, and an insatiable hunger to play, it will most likely require a lot of work and hours of learning (combined with extra effort) to garner the attention of the pro scouts and eventually make it to the major leagues.

Let’s say that same young man makes it into the farm system and eventually gets called up. He still must work for the position he desires and work to maintain that position. Maybe the coaches love him – maybe they don’t. Maybe they’re not sure how they feel about him and are looking to him to help them make up their minds. Whatever the situation – it is his opportunity to prove what he can do there.

I don’t claim to know exactly what determines it – but I have noticed that some rookies can do all that they’ve been taught, go the extra mile and give 100% of their efforts, yet just can’t seem to do anything right within one club’s system, but as soon as they are traded to another team…they light up the field with their ability and become a contributing factor to that team’s success – even becoming that organization’s stand-out player! Sometimes, it is either just a good fit – or it’s not.

Maybe you are experiencing this within your current role on the job or within your profession. You have the training, the education, the skills or the talent, but even though you’ve done all you can to learn and you’ve given 100% and tried to be a team player – no matter what you do, you just can’t seem to perform to the level or standard required by those over you. Why not take a look around for a new team? It may not be a lack of skill or ability – it may just not be a good fit for all involved where you currently are. Instead, look for a team that is able to see your potential and appreciate your hunger and desire to contribute. Once given the opportunity to perform, ask for whatever help you know you need. If it is a good fit – the tools should be supplied you immediately upon request. And when they are, determine to use them to do your best for the team.

Always remember, there is no shame in having the passion without having the tools. The shame is in refusing the tools when offered – while continuing to blame everyone else for your poor performance. The right team provides a good fit with the necessary help, instruction and support for your work, while pushing you to be even more than you thought possible, so that you can achieve your dreams.

 

 

Image: by Meawpong3405/FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Filed Under: Business Goals, Business Growth, Business Success, Success Business · Tagged With: , , , , , , ,

What You’re Not Getting From Your Virtual Assistant and Why

April 23, 2013 by Leave a Comment

Chances are, if you have ever worked with (or are currently working with) a Virtual Assistant, you have had moments of concern about whether or not you are getting your money’s worth. It’s a legitimate concern and one that is easily measured. Why? Because working with a V.A. involves 3 things:

 
1. What you want
2. What you need
3. What you get
 
It is that simple! Let’s take a look…
 
You seek out a Virtual Assistant or V.A. Team, because you want more. You either want more time, more customers or clients, more sales, more notice, more opportunities…more of whatever it is that you feel you aren’t getting, doing, or accomplishing in your business.
 
In your goal for more – comes the realization of need. To get what you want, you need help, information, guidance, knowledge, wisdom, answers, another set of eyes, another pair of hands…whatever the need, you have it and seek to fill it.
 
Finally, what you get will either be MORE or just more-of-the-same and your NEED will either be neglected, satisfied or (ideally) surpassed. See! It’s not that difficult to measure what you’re getting – or not getting – from your Virtual Assistant or V.A. Team. The “Why” can be a little harder to pinpoint, though. “Why” often requires a deeper look and involves honest answers by you to some or all of the following questions:
 
• What does your V.A. or V.A. Team know that you don’t?
• What tools are you missing that your V.A. or V.A. Team readily provides you?
• What questions are you being asked by your V.A. or V.A. Team?
• What answers are you being given when you have questions of your V.A. or V.A. Team?
• What differences are you able to note since beginning work with your V.A. or V.A. Team?
• How much are you spending on V.A. services?
• How much are you saving in money, time, effort, frustration, etc.?
• How do you get along with your V.A. or V.A. Team?
• How do you communicate – and how often do you communicate with each other?
 
Ultimately, why you succeed or fail to succeed in online marketing will always be on you. So, if you are not getting what you want and need from your Virtual Assistant or Virtual Assistant Team, it’s time to ask yourself, “Why do I continue in this relationship?” Because, that is what you either have or do not have with your V.A. – a relationship – and, of course, a great relationship is built on trust and by meeting one another’s needs. If you are seldom getting what you want or need from your Virtual Assistant or Virtual Assistant Team, the relationship is already over. And now…you know “why”. 
 
If you are getting what you want and need, if your V.A. or V.A. Team is helping you to make the most of your online marketing, be sure to thank them for keeping up their part of the relationship, and making a noticeable difference in how you do business!
Filed Under: Business Failure, Business Growth, Business Management Services, Business Success, CMBS Global, Online Marketing · Tagged With: , , , ,

Know What You Are Doing and Prove It!

September 12, 2012 by Leave a Comment

 

by Charlotte L. Hanna CMO/CMBS Global

 

Boy…do I remember those schoolyard bullies who were always making life miserable for the rest of us! I remember their annoying challenge consisting of just two words – “Prove it!”

As an entrepreneur, you may know what you are doing, but business can be a bully when it comes to performance.

As an entrepreneur, you may NOT know what you are doing in some very important areas of business communication and marketing – but don’t let it back you up against the wall and intimidate like those bullies. [Read more...]

Filed Under: Blog, CMBS Global, Online Marketing · Tagged With: , , , ,

Presentations: It’s a Jungle Out There, But It Doesn’t Have to Be a Zoo – Right Jack Hanna?

September 10, 2012 by Leave a Comment

 

Michele Linn recently wrote about a keynote presentation given by “Jungle Jack Hanna”, the well-known zookeeper, at the close of the Content Marketing World 2012 event.

Michele noted that even though his presentation, which included a number of endangered animals and facts about them, didn’t seem to directly relate to content marketing – he still managed to capture and hold the attention of those in attendance.

This is what experience can do. Experience can give you an edge. Experience can give you a story that captivates and provides knowledge to all who will listen.

Jack Hanna began his career at the Columbus Zoo in 1978. He has learned a lot over the past 34 years. He knows animals and he knows that animals, especially unusual and rare ones, interest people. Therefore, he knows how to get an audience’s attention and keep it, simply by being who he is and sharing what he knows and loves.

It may be that you have been wondering where (and how) you should share your story. You may not have the benefit of 'furry props' like Jungle Jack, but don’t let that discourage you. If you have something compelling to say, something worthwhile and informative, there is most likely an angle you can take that will grab the attention of nearly any group – and with a little creativity – engage them long enough to change their lives in some way.

Tell your story. Be yourself and share what you know. It can be good for business, good for those who hear it – and good for you!

Begin to look at every group of people as a possible audience. It may be a jungle out there, but it doesn’t mean that it has to be a zoo when it comes to finding your niche. Right, Mr. Hanna?

Image: Jungle Jack Hanna’s Facebook Page

Filed Under: CMBS Global, Speaker Management · Tagged With: , , ,

Business Buzzwords Don’t Communicate Concisely to Your Market

September 7, 2012 by Leave a Comment

 

by Charlotte L. Hanna CMO/CMBS Global

If you desire to communicate concisely to your market, avoid business buzzwords that don’t really say much and may be hindering growth.

While certain words may sound impressive when linked together, the resulting message can be vague, failing to articulate what you do for the customer and why clients should find you to be a better choice.

Content is important. It cannot be too complicated and it should not be too simple. Tone is crucial. Speaking over someone’s head or speaking in a condescending manner can both cause offense – but    bloviating just leaves the reader empty-handed and looking elsewhere for real solutions and real information.

Numbers, statistics, comparisons and facts help to form quality content that your market can use. If you are to capture a person’s attention and get them to surrender some of their precious time to read your marketing message, view your portfolio or consider your services, it is important that you speak their language and reward them with more than generalizations and opinions.

What do you do and how do you do it better? Show and tell with a sincere confidence that connects and meets your market’s requirements. In other words, give them what they want in a way they can understand – with benefits. Business buzzwords don’t communicate concisely and are best left to those who just like to hear themselves talk.

“Bee On A Daisy Flower” by Christian Meyn/FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Filed Under: Blog, Business Growth, CMBS Global, Communication · Tagged With: , ,

No Time to Fall Short of Goals -Update Communication, Marketing and Business Solutions

September 5, 2012 by 1 Comment

by Charlotte L. Hanna CMO/CMBS Global

Description: Woman Playing Laptop by Just2shutter FreeDigitalPhotosdotnet ID-10059575.jpg

It’s that time of year when young people go back to school and most of us just wish we could go back to bed. Fall may be in the air, but it’s no time to fall short of goals – time to update your communication, marketing and business solutions, instead.

*        Revisit your goals. It is okay to revisit your accomplishments – as long as you don’t camp out there. If your goals have changed, no problem…as long as you have adjusted your marketing efforts accordingly. Get back to the basics in your online marketing. Don’t rely on content that may no longer be relevant to your business goals. Check your SEO – dust off your press releases, take some of your best ideas off the shelf and polish up your best business practices.

 *        Take inventory of your social media skills. Do you have a business blog? Do your posts reflect your business goals and consistently engage your market? Are you actively using Facebook or Twitter? Your social presence on the web is important to reaching your goals – be everywhere and make your brand’s voice heard. 

*        Update those lists. Your lists must be current for your campaigns to be effective – but that alone will not increase your open rates. If you want those on your lists to also read the emails you send, create more compelling subject lines and keep the content concise and informative.

 *        Exercise your focus. It’s easy to get distracted when the weather is wonderful and the activities of summer beckon…but just as nature recognizes that fall is time of preparation – so should the savvy business owner. Before the holidays come with their own distractions – before a possible cold spell in sales – before any temptation to hibernate…strengthen your focus. Look forward no matter how tempting it may be to look back. Keep your eyes on the prize and your mind on what matters.

Knowing that you should and knowing how can mean all the difference in your success. If you know that it’s time to update your business communication and marketing, but need some real solutions provided by real people – connect with CMBS Global and we’ll take you to your goals this fall.

 

Image: “Woman Playing Laptop” by Just2shutter/FreeDigitalPhotos.net

 

Filed Under: Blog, Business Goals, Business Growth, CMBS Global, Communication, Marketing Plan · Tagged With: , , , , , ,

How Putting Out Fires Interferes With Running Your Business

August 31, 2012 by Leave a Comment

by Charlotte L. Hanna CMO/Director of PMR/CMBS Global

The better your communication and marketing, the better your business runs. Wise management understands that constantly putting out fires wastes too much time and energy and interferes with momentum. How you communicate with your staff and market says much about the way you are running your business. What’s yours saying?
Running a business is about leading. Great leaders use:

  • Awareness
  • Commitment
  • Communication
  • Creativity
  • Discernment
  • Example
  • Experience
  • Foresight
  • Insight
  • Integrity
  • Knowledge
  • Patience
  • Perseverance
  • Skill
  • Strategies
  • Understanding
  • Wisdom

…just to name a few! And yet, the fact is that no one human possesses all of these characteristics – or strengths – so, how do you keep your business running and effectively market as though you do?
Leaders with integrity, whose character reflects their honesty, will not hesitate to surround themselves with others who possess what they lack. They are quick to admit their needs and not above relying on the strengths of others to assist them in their leadership role, while continuing to build on their own strengths – and learn. Learning is essential to leading…and living. Learning provides growth…a sure sign of life. Cease to learn and you die…and your business dies right alongside you.
Even the best leaders find themselves occasionally putting out fires, but preparing for possible seasons of draught in running your business will prevent additional stresses when something unexpected erupts. Instead, a deep well of the above resources from which to draw will keep virtually any threat from overtaking you.

 "Flame" by Salvatore Vuono/FreeDigitalPhotos.net
Filed Under: Blog, CMBS Global, Communication, Marketing, Marketing Plan · Tagged With: , , ,

Pricing Isn’t The Problem – Customers Care About Value

August 29, 2012 by Leave a Comment

by Charlotte L. Hanna CMO/Director of PMR/CMBS Global

Noticing a slump in sales? You may suspect your pricing. This is generally where marketers tend to focus, however it is more often the case that pricing isn’t the problem. Customers care about value. How the perceived value of an item measures against its price tag usually determines the sale.

For instance, let’s say that you need a desk chair. You already know that you want comfort and durability for your money and you know what you are willing to spend to get that. You may even know what color you want. So, what will sell you on the right desk chair? I can almost guarantee that it will not be the price and here’s why: [Read more...]

Filed Under: Blog, Business Goals, Business Growth, Business Success, CMBS Global · Tagged With: , , , ,

Successful People Play Nice and Hire Wisely

August 27, 2012 by 1 Comment

 

by Charlotte L. Hanna CMO/Director of PMR/CMBS Global

Successful teams are comprised of successful people. In building a business or building a team, hiring good people who play nice should be a top priority. I recently read that the late Jim Rohn, known as America’s foremost business philosopher, once said, “Good people are found, not changed.” What a wise idea – hire nice people instead of struggling to teach employees how to play nice.

It eliminates wasted time and energy to hire quality people, because the truth is that we can’t make people change – unless they want to be changed. It’s a bit like trying to force-feed spinach to a baby. Even if you get the spinach in the baby’s mouth – you can’t make them swallow it. You may feel successful the moment the spinach goes in, but when wearing the spinach a few minutes later, the baby will most likely be the only one who approves of the results.

Those who want to lead because they enjoy the power trip, wanting others to listen only to them and recognize them for what they do…are just selfish. Selfish people are only successful in their own minds and even though they may acquire much in their lifetime – they rarely have any pleasure in it because the true enjoyment comes from sharing.

Those who want to change the world by helping others, and who realize the benefits of working alongside others to attain a mutual goal of providing helpful solutions, genuine services and products that make a difference – these are successful people. They recognize that they can’t possibly accomplish enough all by themselves and when building a team, they make it a point to choose from a list of truly nice people who enjoy doing good work.

In today’s economy, you can afford to be picky about whom you hire. Too many good people (who know how to play nice) are still waiting for the opportunity to align with other successful people as part of a great, unstoppable team. Hire wisely!

Image: “Goal Text In Wooden Block” by Stuart Miles/FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Filed Under: Blog, CMBS Global, Marketing · Tagged With: , , ,

What Every Marketer Needs to be Effective When Time is of the Essence

August 24, 2012 by 2 Comments

by Charlotte L. Hanna CMO/Director of PMR/CMBS Global

Every marketer needs an assistant like CMBS Global for effective handling and management of back office tasks, keeping your daily business activities running smoothly, while freeing you to concentrate on the bigger tasks of reaching out to prospective clients and customers, developing products and services and, of course, telling your story.
 
If you have been neglecting the telling of your story because you are just too busy – you have been neglecting one of the most important marketing tools you personally possess for growing your business. Being too busy to share what you do and why you do it, means you absolutely need assistance with your marketing. While there are many directions in which you can take the telling of your story, today’s technology affords an exciting array of choices for making your online marketing more effective by saving you time. And for those who wish to get their story out to their particular market effectively and creatively, time is of the essence! [Read more...]

Filed Under: Back Office Services, Blog, CMBS Global, Marketing, Marketing Plan · Tagged With: , , , , , ,
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