Wednesday, February 20, 2013

Making Commitments

Do you make commitments?   Do you fulfill your commitments?

Some of us will say a lot of things in a business meeting without sharing all the details.   These details can be very important to People Like Us while not seen too important by others.

Here is an example.  During a good discussion with a client about a new project, it is shared we can do all kinds of things and we will take care of specific tasks.  Once the project has been launched, the client asks about these items we committed to.   We initially replied with "Oh that was not included and never said it was free, besides it's not even documented on the scope of the project".

So what do you think about this answer to our commitment?

Making commitments is not simply stating them on a contract.   Making commitments is about your honesty and integrity.   The "Golden Rules" are to deliver both at all times and remember to under-promise and over-deliver (not the other way around!)

When there are delays or reasons why your commitments cannot be fulfilled,  communication is the key to update everyone you made these promises to.  

This is how we fulfill commitments.

Wednesday, February 13, 2013

Top 7 Business Networking Tips

Here are some of my networking tips for attending events. 

1.  Arrive early

2.  Bring lots of business cards (caught only once    without a card and good story here, if interested just ask)

3.  Take a genuine interest in each person you meet and ask them to tell their story

4.  Set a goal to meet three new people

5.  Listen attentively (remember names!)

6.  Ask for the other person' business card

7.  Introduce the person you just met to someone else

Working on #5 - any tips you have on remembering names is always appreciated.   

#3 can be challenging especially when you notice others in the background who you may want to also have a good discussion with.  

As the host of an event, #3 is especially difficult to not be distracted or to quickly stop the conversation and greet the other individual.  The balance I have found is to welcome the other person into the conversation, make the introductions and ensure they have started a new conversation.   Most of the time, this provides a graceful way to leave the two and continue networking with others.

What are your networking tips?

Wednesday, February 6, 2013

Being the President

What does being the President of a company mean?

In the last 18 months, my role as President has evolved from a corporate account rep concentrating on day-to-day solution selling, sales manager and president of AlphaKOR, to the role of President, leader and coach.   You probably guessed the biggest challenge (as noted in an earlier blog) was letting go.  Letting go has become a habit and admit some slipping back to the good old habits.

So what is the focus and responsibility of the President? 

Some of us think it's sitting up a big corner office in the ivory tower, telling everyone what to do all the time and not really doing "anything".  Although that sounds nice in a way, to effectively lead, one must have a vision, take on responsibility to chart the entire company on a journey, become the brand of the company and to earn respect from the team, clients, the business community and yes even competitors. 

How has my role changed in the last year or so?  

Spending more time on working on the business, streamlining processes, exploring new opportunities, new products/services together with our team.   Some of the AlphaKOR focus includes Partner one-on-one meetings and Partner meetings with focused agenda's to ensure we are all on the same page.   Leading and keeping communication open to deal with all the good stuff and some of the challenges we face.

Continuing to increase my involvement in the business community by sitting on boards/committees and volunteering as a business mentor.  It is enriching to be involved with these organizations and terrific people making a difference.  

Just recently, I've added another skill set being developed as part of my President' role:  embracing being the genius maker in the room. 

I am truly enjoying leading AlphaKORI now understand it's about the journey and not the destination.  Stay tuned as we are very early in our journey!