Hope everyone is enjoying the Holidays and all the Best in 2014!
Thank you for being part of our journey in 2013 and making such a difference.
Have a very Happy New Year!
Frank
Connecting business people to share stories of making new business relationships and creating opportunities.
Monday, December 30, 2013
Wednesday, December 18, 2013
Vulerability Makes You a Better Leader
This week sharing the most popular Blog post for Building Circles in 2013.
Being vulnerable makes you a better leader.
"People prefer their leaders with an appropriate balance of confidence and humility. Yet, one of the greatest challenges many leaders struggle with is embracing (and revealing) their own vulnerabilities."
Why do many feel they have to be perfect and never make any mistakes? There is a significant difference between striving for perfection and appearing to be perfect. Many cannot tell the difference and struggle with people like us. Yes we strive for perfection while at the same time we are open to being vulnerable - the balance.
In a recent presentation which included some personal stories, one gentleman approached me to ask why there was such an admission of a weakness? My response was open, honest and straight-forward: "I am not embarrassed to admit sometimes you deal with all the pressure by going home and spending some alone time and yes even cry". He seemed to have a real problem with being this honest and sharing it with the audience. It's the only policy I know!
Continuously raising the bar and striving for excellence while being vulnerable are what makes you a better leader.
Wednesday, December 11, 2013
Holiday Season & Networking
When do you start wishing everyone a Merry Christmas or Happy Holiday?
We have heard many happy holiday wishes since
Mid-November. Personally, I think this is a bit too early and like to start after December 1st.
The calendar in December is filled with holiday company events, customer appreciation events, holiday networking events, friends and family holiday events and many others. How many events can you attend and how many do you want to attend?
Finding the right balance is challenging. When clients and suppliers invite you for their appreciation events it's important to make the effort to attend. Don't forget to wish them Merry Christmas or Happy Holidays in person!
Glancing at the rest of this month, we will be attending many events both professionally and personally. Looking forward to networking this Holiday Season, saying thanks for your business, saying thanks for your referrals and support.
Happy Networking during the Holiday Season!
We have heard many happy holiday wishes since
Mid-November. Personally, I think this is a bit too early and like to start after December 1st.
The calendar in December is filled with holiday company events, customer appreciation events, holiday networking events, friends and family holiday events and many others. How many events can you attend and how many do you want to attend?
Finding the right balance is challenging. When clients and suppliers invite you for their appreciation events it's important to make the effort to attend. Don't forget to wish them Merry Christmas or Happy Holidays in person!
Glancing at the rest of this month, we will be attending many events both professionally and personally. Looking forward to networking this Holiday Season, saying thanks for your business, saying thanks for your referrals and support.
Happy Networking during the Holiday Season!
Wednesday, December 4, 2013
How do you keep moving forward?
How do you keep moving forward?
There are enough challenges and nay-sayers on a good day and even more of them on not so good days. Recently, had the rare occasion of experiencing a rather unusual not so good day and felt like it was "anti-Frank" day.
Ever have one of those days?
As leaders, People Like Us keep moving forward with support and without support. Sure we may slow down a bit, get emotional, vent a bit and throw some "punches" and once we get a grip on it we are focused and plough forward.
What motivates us to keep moving forward?
My motivation is to ensure we are taking care of clients, both our customers and the AlphaKOR Team. The only fear I have, as you know, is the fear of failure. There is an inner drive to strive for excellence at all times, regardless of the situation and whatever else may be thrown at us along our journey.
Why do we want to keep moving forward?
Remember the pendulum never stops; it moves forward or it moves backwards. Your choice as a leader is to keep the pendulum moving forward and make sure it does not start to swing backwards.
So how do you do it?
Leaders know what to focus on and keep looking at different methods and approaches to ensure the Team embraces the concept of moving forward in the right direction. Different personalities require different approaches. Sometimes it is easy and successful, other times it takes modifications to move other personalities forward.
So why do we do it?
It takes great leadership to invigorate the Team to move forward. Standing still and being stagnant or doing things the same way are not options. Look for the early warning signs to step in and tweak, change or create the necessary measures to keep moving in the right direction.
Just do it!
Remove the obstacles and excuses with the focus of every member of the team to "just do it". Nothing more, nothing less except performing the required responsibilities at hand exceptionally well and consistent. You will be amazed at the results. The investment of energy as to why we "can't" or the "excuses" should be channeled to achieving the desired results.
How do you keep moving forward?
There are enough challenges and nay-sayers on a good day and even more of them on not so good days. Recently, had the rare occasion of experiencing a rather unusual not so good day and felt like it was "anti-Frank" day.
Ever have one of those days?
As leaders, People Like Us keep moving forward with support and without support. Sure we may slow down a bit, get emotional, vent a bit and throw some "punches" and once we get a grip on it we are focused and plough forward.
What motivates us to keep moving forward?
My motivation is to ensure we are taking care of clients, both our customers and the AlphaKOR Team. The only fear I have, as you know, is the fear of failure. There is an inner drive to strive for excellence at all times, regardless of the situation and whatever else may be thrown at us along our journey.
Why do we want to keep moving forward?
Remember the pendulum never stops; it moves forward or it moves backwards. Your choice as a leader is to keep the pendulum moving forward and make sure it does not start to swing backwards.
So how do you do it?
Leaders know what to focus on and keep looking at different methods and approaches to ensure the Team embraces the concept of moving forward in the right direction. Different personalities require different approaches. Sometimes it is easy and successful, other times it takes modifications to move other personalities forward.
So why do we do it?
It takes great leadership to invigorate the Team to move forward. Standing still and being stagnant or doing things the same way are not options. Look for the early warning signs to step in and tweak, change or create the necessary measures to keep moving in the right direction.
Just do it!
Remove the obstacles and excuses with the focus of every member of the team to "just do it". Nothing more, nothing less except performing the required responsibilities at hand exceptionally well and consistent. You will be amazed at the results. The investment of energy as to why we "can't" or the "excuses" should be channeled to achieving the desired results.
How do you keep moving forward?
Tuesday, November 26, 2013
13 Things Mentally Strong People Avoid
Are you mentally strong?
1. Waste time feeling sorry for themselves - not worth investing time on this and learned this a long time ago
2. Give away their power - Lead, be a leader and empower your Team to take ownership, yet, never give away your power
3. Shy away from change - Change is the only constant we have as Leaders and the more we embrace change the more successful we lead
4. Waste energy on things they can't control - Guilty and working on this one
5. Worry about pleasing others - Until several years ago, always felt it was about pleasing others 100% of the time
6. Fear taking calculate risks - The only fear is the fear of failure and learn from any failures that occur
7. Dwell on the past - Guilty on this one too and will add to the list of things to improve on
8. Make the same mistakes over and over - Rarely happens, take ownership, learn and move forward
9. Resent other people's success - Always glad to see and help others become successful and to help them to keep growing
10. Give up after failure - Never give up and failures motivate leaders to continue to succeed
11. Fear alone time - Actually the opposite is true and really enjoy when there is some alone time with no interruptions
12. Feel the world owes them something - Always strive to give back to the world and understand it is not always fair
13. Expect immediate results - Except for the "move the whole mountain right now" never had to worry about this one!
What things do you avoid to keep you mentally strong?
http://www.forbes.com/sites/cherylsnappconner/2013/11/18/mentally-strong-people-the-13-things-they-avoid/
1. Waste time feeling sorry for themselves - not worth investing time on this and learned this a long time ago
2. Give away their power - Lead, be a leader and empower your Team to take ownership, yet, never give away your power
3. Shy away from change - Change is the only constant we have as Leaders and the more we embrace change the more successful we lead
4. Waste energy on things they can't control - Guilty and working on this one
5. Worry about pleasing others - Until several years ago, always felt it was about pleasing others 100% of the time
6. Fear taking calculate risks - The only fear is the fear of failure and learn from any failures that occur
7. Dwell on the past - Guilty on this one too and will add to the list of things to improve on
8. Make the same mistakes over and over - Rarely happens, take ownership, learn and move forward
9. Resent other people's success - Always glad to see and help others become successful and to help them to keep growing
10. Give up after failure - Never give up and failures motivate leaders to continue to succeed
11. Fear alone time - Actually the opposite is true and really enjoy when there is some alone time with no interruptions
12. Feel the world owes them something - Always strive to give back to the world and understand it is not always fair
13. Expect immediate results - Except for the "move the whole mountain right now" never had to worry about this one!
What things do you avoid to keep you mentally strong?
http://www.forbes.com/sites/cherylsnappconner/2013/11/18/mentally-strong-people-the-13-things-they-avoid/
Wednesday, November 20, 2013
I'm a Heinz Baby
This
week' blog is dedicated to all the family and friends who are part of
the Heinz family. We heard it a few times before and it was surreal
when it was actually announced last week the plant will be closing next year.
Growing up in the Tomato Capital of Canada (arguably in the World) it is still hard to believe the news.
Do you remember the baby question: "Are you a Heinz Baby or a Gerber Baby?". There was another baby food out there?
Proud to say I am a Heinz Baby, born and raised in Leamington, thanks to my Father who immigrated to Leamington in 1953. Dad worked at Heinz for 36 years and has been retired now for 24 years. That makes him part of the Heinz family for 60 of their 104 years!
At the 100th Heinz banquet, my Dad brought back the 100-year Heinz anniversary book and enjoyed reading the history of the Leamington plant. It was interesting to read about the business challenges of the late 1800's and early 1900's as Leamington town council was looking for a company to move in and create jobs.
Growing up in Leamington, it was the company to work for and you knew they would always take care of you. I chose to move Windsor and pursue a different path. I do remember when I was younger dreaming of working in the office at Heinz.
The Heinz whistle was our clock every summer when we were working on the farm or trying to get out of work! Mid-day the whistle blew and it was time to head in for lunch. Late afternoon, the five-minute warning whistle blew at 4:55 and it seemed so long for the 5 O'Clock whistle to blow.
Once, with my brother Rick, we were very fortunate to slip in with friends making a tomato delivery during "Busy Season". We met up with Dad for a quick tour. It was very fascinating as a young kid to see such a vast plant with so many people and so much machinery.
During my career, I was able to meet with the IT department on a few occasions and we did some business. The second tour of the facility as an adult never came and would have enjoyed it.
Heinz ketchup says it all and can't even think of another brand at the top of my head.
Wishing all the workers will find work afterwards and this Community will continue to help and support you.
Click on this link for some vintage pictures: http://business.financialpost.com/2013/11/14/heinz-in-leamington-a-look-back-at-ketchup-giants-history-in-canadas-tomato-capital/
Heinz Canada - Timeline:
http://www.heinz.ca/assets/heinz_canada_timeline.pdf
Growing up in the Tomato Capital of Canada (arguably in the World) it is still hard to believe the news.
Do you remember the baby question: "Are you a Heinz Baby or a Gerber Baby?". There was another baby food out there?
Proud to say I am a Heinz Baby, born and raised in Leamington, thanks to my Father who immigrated to Leamington in 1953. Dad worked at Heinz for 36 years and has been retired now for 24 years. That makes him part of the Heinz family for 60 of their 104 years!
At the 100th Heinz banquet, my Dad brought back the 100-year Heinz anniversary book and enjoyed reading the history of the Leamington plant. It was interesting to read about the business challenges of the late 1800's and early 1900's as Leamington town council was looking for a company to move in and create jobs.
Growing up in Leamington, it was the company to work for and you knew they would always take care of you. I chose to move Windsor and pursue a different path. I do remember when I was younger dreaming of working in the office at Heinz.
The Heinz whistle was our clock every summer when we were working on the farm or trying to get out of work! Mid-day the whistle blew and it was time to head in for lunch. Late afternoon, the five-minute warning whistle blew at 4:55 and it seemed so long for the 5 O'Clock whistle to blow.
Once, with my brother Rick, we were very fortunate to slip in with friends making a tomato delivery during "Busy Season". We met up with Dad for a quick tour. It was very fascinating as a young kid to see such a vast plant with so many people and so much machinery.
During my career, I was able to meet with the IT department on a few occasions and we did some business. The second tour of the facility as an adult never came and would have enjoyed it.
Heinz ketchup says it all and can't even think of another brand at the top of my head.
Wishing all the workers will find work afterwards and this Community will continue to help and support you.
Click on this link for some vintage pictures: http://business.financialpost.com/2013/11/14/heinz-in-leamington-a-look-back-at-ketchup-giants-history-in-canadas-tomato-capital/
Heinz Canada - Timeline:
http://www.heinz.ca/assets/heinz_canada_timeline.pdf
Wednesday, November 13, 2013
5 Great Challenges Businesses Face
1. Integrity
Absolutely agree this is on top of the list of challenges faced in business. Integrity and Honesty are qualities that set great companies apart from the rest. Quality of work goes hand in hand with Integrity.
How do you ensure your team has Integrity? How do you handle individuals not delivering Integrity?
Tough challenges and must be dealt with, the sooner the better once discovered. Lack of Integrity tarnishes your reputation and your brand.
Deliver Integrity and insist upon it across your company. Lead with Integrity.
2. Customer Loyalty
We are very fortunate at AlphaKOR to have an audience following us who are very loyal. Thank you to all the clients and associates who share their voice so we can keep striving for excellence. It is with this utmost loyalty we can visualize advanced "early warning signs" to help us stay focused on the right path.
Customer Loyalty is about building trusting, long-term relationships. We are Partners with our clientele and provide more than a vendor selling products and services. Customer Loyalty is about relying on your Team for expertise to solve their challenges. It also means collaborating with other experts to work together for the client.
3. Problem Solving
Trusted relationship building entails listening to problems and providing a plan to solve the problem. We solve problems both in a reactionary mode as they arise and we provide solutions and plans to avoid and minimize problems in the future.
We collect, analyze and discuss problems faced by companies. Offering solutions both for short-term and long-term strategies to address and solve the problems shared and uncovered during our process.
How does your Team offer Problem Solving?
4. The Element of Uncertainty
Experience and expertise help reduce the element of uncertainty. Let's not forget about our hunches and gut feelings. Entrepreneurs, leaders and visionaries have these feelings and sometimes it is challenging to follow them. Stay focus and listen to your customers will increase the element of certainty and success.
Technology adds another level of uncertainty as it changes so rapid and as I like to say "Our business has to change hourly to stay on top of technology".
5. Competition
Define your competition and set your company apart as the leaders. Many competitors exist and this is good for the customers and the companies servicing specific sectors. Good, healthy competition puts pressure on better quality, attention to details and taking care of business.
What are your Top 5 Challenges your Business Faces?
This week' topic was inspired by: http://www.forbes.com/sites/cherylsnappconner/2013/03/04/the-8-great-challenges-every-business-faces-and-how-to-master-them-all/
Absolutely agree this is on top of the list of challenges faced in business. Integrity and Honesty are qualities that set great companies apart from the rest. Quality of work goes hand in hand with Integrity.
How do you ensure your team has Integrity? How do you handle individuals not delivering Integrity?
Tough challenges and must be dealt with, the sooner the better once discovered. Lack of Integrity tarnishes your reputation and your brand.
Deliver Integrity and insist upon it across your company. Lead with Integrity.
2. Customer Loyalty
We are very fortunate at AlphaKOR to have an audience following us who are very loyal. Thank you to all the clients and associates who share their voice so we can keep striving for excellence. It is with this utmost loyalty we can visualize advanced "early warning signs" to help us stay focused on the right path.
Customer Loyalty is about building trusting, long-term relationships. We are Partners with our clientele and provide more than a vendor selling products and services. Customer Loyalty is about relying on your Team for expertise to solve their challenges. It also means collaborating with other experts to work together for the client.
3. Problem Solving
Trusted relationship building entails listening to problems and providing a plan to solve the problem. We solve problems both in a reactionary mode as they arise and we provide solutions and plans to avoid and minimize problems in the future.
We collect, analyze and discuss problems faced by companies. Offering solutions both for short-term and long-term strategies to address and solve the problems shared and uncovered during our process.
How does your Team offer Problem Solving?
4. The Element of Uncertainty
Experience and expertise help reduce the element of uncertainty. Let's not forget about our hunches and gut feelings. Entrepreneurs, leaders and visionaries have these feelings and sometimes it is challenging to follow them. Stay focus and listen to your customers will increase the element of certainty and success.
Technology adds another level of uncertainty as it changes so rapid and as I like to say "Our business has to change hourly to stay on top of technology".
5. Competition
Define your competition and set your company apart as the leaders. Many competitors exist and this is good for the customers and the companies servicing specific sectors. Good, healthy competition puts pressure on better quality, attention to details and taking care of business.
What are your Top 5 Challenges your Business Faces?
This week' topic was inspired by: http://www.forbes.com/sites/cherylsnappconner/2013/03/04/the-8-great-challenges-every-business-faces-and-how-to-master-them-all/
Wednesday, November 6, 2013
How do you Prioritize?
Thanks to those who asked to blog again about prioritizing as many of us keep working on how best to do this.
Do you prioritize based on certain criteria? The worth of the task? FIFO or LIFO? (just ask if you do not know what these are). What you like or dislike the most/least?
With the volumes of information hitting us today, prioritizing has become more important to successfully move forward. Part of the ongoing process needs to include knowing when to say no, as much as it goes against our grain. There are times when no is the right answer.
Today it's about making a top 3 priority list with the biggest and most challenging one at the top (Eat That Frog). Once that is out of the way, #2 and #3 seem a lot easier. Maybe it's the early-bird routine of getting out of bed at 5 am, reviewing what's on the plate for the day, prioritizing the top 3 things and then head to the gym for 6:30 workout have made this a habit.
At the office for 8:15 am with the priority list completed, the day organized and scheduled and adjustments made for new information/tasks received.
Interruptions, new incoming information and change of time-frames/deadlines are all reasons to build a flexible schedule, yet sticking to the top 3 priorities to complete them before moving onto anything else, within reason. Yes "emergencies" and other pressing matters will take precedent, however, it is important not to allow everything to become an emergency.
How do you deal with the new tasks and re-prioritizing your day? Please do not share you follow LIFO!
Do you prioritize based on certain criteria? The worth of the task? FIFO or LIFO? (just ask if you do not know what these are). What you like or dislike the most/least?
With the volumes of information hitting us today, prioritizing has become more important to successfully move forward. Part of the ongoing process needs to include knowing when to say no, as much as it goes against our grain. There are times when no is the right answer.
Today it's about making a top 3 priority list with the biggest and most challenging one at the top (Eat That Frog). Once that is out of the way, #2 and #3 seem a lot easier. Maybe it's the early-bird routine of getting out of bed at 5 am, reviewing what's on the plate for the day, prioritizing the top 3 things and then head to the gym for 6:30 workout have made this a habit.
At the office for 8:15 am with the priority list completed, the day organized and scheduled and adjustments made for new information/tasks received.
Interruptions, new incoming information and change of time-frames/deadlines are all reasons to build a flexible schedule, yet sticking to the top 3 priorities to complete them before moving onto anything else, within reason. Yes "emergencies" and other pressing matters will take precedent, however, it is important not to allow everything to become an emergency.
How do you deal with the new tasks and re-prioritizing your day? Please do not share you follow LIFO!
Wednesday, October 30, 2013
Business Executives Need to Be Healthy
This week we welcome Guest Blogger Rob Santarossa, Body Transformation Coach, Creator, Power-Cardio 30: Kettlebell-Interval Fitness System.
Joined Rob' program in January and proud to say lost 20 pounds! Thanks Rob for helping me run out of excuses - Frank
Get Healthy or Die - The Choice is Yours.
I recently read an article about a major increase (25%) in strokes in younger people and they’re attributing it to lifestyle choices.
Choices is the key word here.
As an entrepreneur or businessperson I understand that you're crazy busy. But your stroke, heart attack or other major illness is coming and it doesn't care that you're tired, or you have to get up a little earlier to workout, or that it's hard to eat right when you're entertaining clients.
You live every day with loads of stress, you eat poorly, you don’t exercise (BTW “activity” is NOT exercise). Do you really believe you’re not going to pay the price with your health or maybe even your life? And no fad diet or pill is going to fix your problem.
As an entrepreneur myself I know you're thinking that taking time to exercise is time away from your business or family that you don't have and eating right when you're constantly "on-the-go" or having to eat out is impossible.
You don't really want to work out because it's hard and you enjoy your unhealthy meals because they're convenient and they taste good. I know because I used to do the exact same thing until I made the better choice.
The reality is working out and living a healthier lifestyle gives you more energy which makes you more productive.
This gives you three important things:
1) You get more done each day in less time because you're alert and "on", so you make more money.
Joined Rob' program in January and proud to say lost 20 pounds! Thanks Rob for helping me run out of excuses - Frank
Get Healthy or Die - The Choice is Yours.
I recently read an article about a major increase (25%) in strokes in younger people and they’re attributing it to lifestyle choices.
Choices is the key word here.
As an entrepreneur or businessperson I understand that you're crazy busy. But your stroke, heart attack or other major illness is coming and it doesn't care that you're tired, or you have to get up a little earlier to workout, or that it's hard to eat right when you're entertaining clients.
You live every day with loads of stress, you eat poorly, you don’t exercise (BTW “activity” is NOT exercise). Do you really believe you’re not going to pay the price with your health or maybe even your life? And no fad diet or pill is going to fix your problem.
As an entrepreneur myself I know you're thinking that taking time to exercise is time away from your business or family that you don't have and eating right when you're constantly "on-the-go" or having to eat out is impossible.
You don't really want to work out because it's hard and you enjoy your unhealthy meals because they're convenient and they taste good. I know because I used to do the exact same thing until I made the better choice.
The reality is working out and living a healthier lifestyle gives you more energy which makes you more productive.
This gives you three important things:
1) You get more done each day in less time because you're alert and "on", so you make more money.
2)
You feel better about yourself and your appearance so you have more confidence
and energy when interacting with clients and prospects (oh, and your spouse).
3)
You have the energy at the end of each day to spend quality time with your kids
instead of just plopping on the sofa and watching TV.
Richard Branson, the billionaire owner of the Virgin label was asked how at 62 years old he was still able to run the over 400 companies in his empire. He answered in one word "workout". He says his daily workouts give him an extra 3 -4 hours of productive time each day.
Now let's deal with the "I don't have time" issue. I've met and coached hundreds of successful people who've discovered that you can get a great workout in just 30 minutes a day or less (if you do it right). And delicious, healthy dinners can take just 10 - 20 minutes. Breakfasts and lunches take 1 - 5 minutes.
And no, I'm not talking about rabbit food, rice cakes or pre-packaged junk, and no you don't have to eat like a bird. You don't have to cut out any of the foods you love or even restaurant meals. You just have to learn to be strategic.
The CHOICE is up to you.
You can die fat and unhealthy while living every day with no energy trying to survive on coffee, sugar and energy drinks making excuses and eventually paying the price for your lifestyle with your health maybe even your life, or...
You can pay the price of discipline. Get on a sensible (not fad or quick fix) fitness and eating program so you can live each day feeling great with TONS of energy in a healthy, fit body. You'll get more done at work, you'll get to spend quality time with your kids and you'll even have a better love life.
Either way you're going to pay a price. The price you pay is your choice.
Rob Santarossa, Guest Blogger
Body Transformation Coach,
Creator, Power-Cardio 30:Kettlebell-Interval Fitness System
(519) 979-3238
http://www.IronCoreKettlebellClub.com
Richard Branson, the billionaire owner of the Virgin label was asked how at 62 years old he was still able to run the over 400 companies in his empire. He answered in one word "workout". He says his daily workouts give him an extra 3 -4 hours of productive time each day.
Now let's deal with the "I don't have time" issue. I've met and coached hundreds of successful people who've discovered that you can get a great workout in just 30 minutes a day or less (if you do it right). And delicious, healthy dinners can take just 10 - 20 minutes. Breakfasts and lunches take 1 - 5 minutes.
And no, I'm not talking about rabbit food, rice cakes or pre-packaged junk, and no you don't have to eat like a bird. You don't have to cut out any of the foods you love or even restaurant meals. You just have to learn to be strategic.
The CHOICE is up to you.
You can die fat and unhealthy while living every day with no energy trying to survive on coffee, sugar and energy drinks making excuses and eventually paying the price for your lifestyle with your health maybe even your life, or...
You can pay the price of discipline. Get on a sensible (not fad or quick fix) fitness and eating program so you can live each day feeling great with TONS of energy in a healthy, fit body. You'll get more done at work, you'll get to spend quality time with your kids and you'll even have a better love life.
Either way you're going to pay a price. The price you pay is your choice.
Rob Santarossa, Guest Blogger
Body Transformation Coach,
Creator, Power-Cardio 30:Kettlebell-Interval Fitness System
(519) 979-3238
http://www.IronCoreKettlebellClub.com
Wednesday, October 23, 2013
Top Ten Qualities that make a Great Leader
What would you add or remove from this list?
Top Ten Qualities that make a Great Leader:
1. Honesty & Integrity
2. Ability to Delegate
3. Communication
4. Sense of Humour
5. Confidence
6. Commitment
7. Positive Attitude
8. Creativity
9. Intuition
10. Ability to Inspire
Highly agree Honesty is #1 on the list and added Integrity to top the list in making a great leader. Personally, have been working on #2 for quite some time and happy to report doing very well after having a tough time embracing this (remember letting go?).
All issues/challenges seem to relate to some sort of communication, misunderstanding the communication or lack of any communication. Many have defaulted to e-mail and text messages to replace better forms of communicating such as the phone or face-to-face discussions.
While e-mail and text messages are good tools for convenience and non-intrusive communication, they lead to many challenges such as open to misinterpretation, no emotion and no pulse check on the other party how they are feeling. One pet peeve is three to five e-mails back and forth just to schedule an appointment.
Adding some sense of humour instead of being a stuffed shirt helps with most situations. Everyone likes to laugh and making people smile means we are doing a good job leading.
#5 is powerful when you can be confident and actually deliver and back it up instead of just acting it - see #1 Integrity. When you present yourself with over-confidence and not able to back it up you lose your Integrity.
#6 & #7 are qualities you must have as a great leader and without them it will be tough to lead any team. It's too easy to quit and to be negative. Being a great leader is be committed and to be positive.
#8 is a struggle for some of us. Yes drawing "stick people" is what People Like Us without a lot of artistic creativity do. However, when it's time to generate ideas, another kind of creativity kicks in making us great leaders.
Intuition is part of what surviving and adapting to rapid changing environments is all about. Keeping composure and instilling confidence are key here. It's required in our business as technology virtually changes hourly!
Having the ability to inspire your team is a special quality. Motivating and invigorating the Team requires investment of effort and most of the other nine qualities listed.
There are many others that can be added to the list. One of my favourites to add is passion. Bring your passion to everything you do. Your team and everyone around you will embrace it.
This blog was inspired by: http://www.forbes.com/sites/tanyaprive/2012/12/19/top-10-qualities-that-make-a-great-leader/2/
Top Ten Qualities that make a Great Leader:
1. Honesty & Integrity
2. Ability to Delegate
3. Communication
4. Sense of Humour
5. Confidence
6. Commitment
7. Positive Attitude
8. Creativity
9. Intuition
10. Ability to Inspire
Highly agree Honesty is #1 on the list and added Integrity to top the list in making a great leader. Personally, have been working on #2 for quite some time and happy to report doing very well after having a tough time embracing this (remember letting go?).
All issues/challenges seem to relate to some sort of communication, misunderstanding the communication or lack of any communication. Many have defaulted to e-mail and text messages to replace better forms of communicating such as the phone or face-to-face discussions.
While e-mail and text messages are good tools for convenience and non-intrusive communication, they lead to many challenges such as open to misinterpretation, no emotion and no pulse check on the other party how they are feeling. One pet peeve is three to five e-mails back and forth just to schedule an appointment.
Adding some sense of humour instead of being a stuffed shirt helps with most situations. Everyone likes to laugh and making people smile means we are doing a good job leading.
#5 is powerful when you can be confident and actually deliver and back it up instead of just acting it - see #1 Integrity. When you present yourself with over-confidence and not able to back it up you lose your Integrity.
#6 & #7 are qualities you must have as a great leader and without them it will be tough to lead any team. It's too easy to quit and to be negative. Being a great leader is be committed and to be positive.
#8 is a struggle for some of us. Yes drawing "stick people" is what People Like Us without a lot of artistic creativity do. However, when it's time to generate ideas, another kind of creativity kicks in making us great leaders.
Intuition is part of what surviving and adapting to rapid changing environments is all about. Keeping composure and instilling confidence are key here. It's required in our business as technology virtually changes hourly!
Having the ability to inspire your team is a special quality. Motivating and invigorating the Team requires investment of effort and most of the other nine qualities listed.
There are many others that can be added to the list. One of my favourites to add is passion. Bring your passion to everything you do. Your team and everyone around you will embrace it.
This blog was inspired by: http://www.forbes.com/sites/tanyaprive/2012/12/19/top-10-qualities-that-make-a-great-leader/2/
Wednesday, October 16, 2013
Learn how to Give
This week' blog topic is learn how to give and was inspired by Hugh MacLeod and Glen Barcarro.
Hugh MacLeod's picture "The minute you learn how to give is the minute you become successful"
The other very inspiring source was going to see Glen Bacarro tell his story, so openly and candidly. Glen challenged the audience to ask who, if anyone, we have mentored to make a difference in their life. His message, amongst many others, was clear to give and make a huge difference. For his story go to https://www.facebook.com/TheGlenProject
How many of us truly give on a daily basis? How many of us have mentored someone?
When we give to others and when we expect nothing in return, it is very enriching to see the other person benefit. Mentoring is a great experience and highly recommend it if you have not taken part. Listening and asking tough questions while sharing your experiences results in the other person learning valuable knowledge.
You also provide the skills for confidence and for making tough decisions. Of course, we all have to make mistakes to learn and sharing our lessons learned with others helps them grow.
Currently volunteering for several organizations to help others and finding it very self-rewarding. Giving back to this great Community that supports us is how I personally have learned to give.
Hugh MacLeod's picture "The minute you learn how to give is the minute you become successful"
The other very inspiring source was going to see Glen Bacarro tell his story, so openly and candidly. Glen challenged the audience to ask who, if anyone, we have mentored to make a difference in their life. His message, amongst many others, was clear to give and make a huge difference. For his story go to https://www.facebook.com/TheGlenProject
How many of us truly give on a daily basis? How many of us have mentored someone?
When we give to others and when we expect nothing in return, it is very enriching to see the other person benefit. Mentoring is a great experience and highly recommend it if you have not taken part. Listening and asking tough questions while sharing your experiences results in the other person learning valuable knowledge.
You also provide the skills for confidence and for making tough decisions. Of course, we all have to make mistakes to learn and sharing our lessons learned with others helps them grow.
Currently volunteering for several organizations to help others and finding it very self-rewarding. Giving back to this great Community that supports us is how I personally have learned to give.
Wednesday, October 9, 2013
Embracing Continued Growth
One of the challenges with continued growth is running out of space. Our move in the Fall 2008 was to provide head room for at least ten years and here we are five years later surpassing all forecasts!
As the team grows and the space is utilized, you reach a point where a decision is required to address this challenge.
Different options were reviewed. Several Partner meetings were held to discuss best ways to move forward. Some options included; adding on to the current building, renovating the current space with major investment to utilize the third floor (basement) and we look at other buildings.
Finding the right location needs to provide the level of decor to fit our brand, ample parking and has to support the company culture.
Tough decisions were made to agree on best strategy to move forward. We decided to lease a second location nearby with overflow parking. This was a short-term decision to provide us with resolving the immediate challenges.
The next step on our journey is to find the right location as part of our long-term strategy. There are a lot of choices and our decision was made not to settle just for the sake of settling on a location.
Glad we made the tough decisions as we continue to embrace the growth.
As the team grows and the space is utilized, you reach a point where a decision is required to address this challenge.
Different options were reviewed. Several Partner meetings were held to discuss best ways to move forward. Some options included; adding on to the current building, renovating the current space with major investment to utilize the third floor (basement) and we look at other buildings.
Finding the right location needs to provide the level of decor to fit our brand, ample parking and has to support the company culture.
Tough decisions were made to agree on best strategy to move forward. We decided to lease a second location nearby with overflow parking. This was a short-term decision to provide us with resolving the immediate challenges.
The next step on our journey is to find the right location as part of our long-term strategy. There are a lot of choices and our decision was made not to settle just for the sake of settling on a location.
Glad we made the tough decisions as we continue to embrace the growth.
Wednesday, October 2, 2013
Do You Attend Trade Shows?
Our team is attending several trade shows a year, sometimes as attendees and sometimes as exhibitors. We are looking at more trade shows to be involved in as we continue to move into new markets.
As attendees, our goals are to determine if we should keep attending the specific show each year and if we should set-up a booth. Other shows it is determined ahead of time to have a booth.
The key is understanding the industry sector and marketing core competencies we offer to help the attendees' companies.
Recently we supported a client at their trade show as part of entering a new industry. With their experience as a long-time member and connections, we were embraced by the attendees and given a very warm welcome.
This helped increase awareness and created opportunities for this new target market for AlphaKOR. This was a true partnership experience with one of our valued clients.
We are looking at investing into a professional booth to ensure we properly represent our brand at these shows. Involving our vendors and proving display products as well as swag are all part of being an exhibitor.
What strategy does your company have regarding trade shows?
As attendees, our goals are to determine if we should keep attending the specific show each year and if we should set-up a booth. Other shows it is determined ahead of time to have a booth.
The key is understanding the industry sector and marketing core competencies we offer to help the attendees' companies.
Recently we supported a client at their trade show as part of entering a new industry. With their experience as a long-time member and connections, we were embraced by the attendees and given a very warm welcome.
This helped increase awareness and created opportunities for this new target market for AlphaKOR. This was a true partnership experience with one of our valued clients.
We are looking at investing into a professional booth to ensure we properly represent our brand at these shows. Involving our vendors and proving display products as well as swag are all part of being an exhibitor.
What strategy does your company have regarding trade shows?
Wednesday, September 25, 2013
Monthly Staff Meetings
Does your Company have Staff Meetings?
We have monthly team meetings with everyone required to attend. When we were a smaller team, we used to have everyone contribute what was going on in their area since the last monthly meeting.
Over the years as we grew, we changed it to the managers/partners sharing what was going on in their area since the last monthly meeting and what was happening in the near future. Comments are added as required and generates good interactive discussions on some topics.
Everyone has an opportunity to share during the meeting. We always ask for a team member to share a saying to inspire us to wrap up the meeting.
Last month, we started the meeting by asking everyone to go outside and form a large circle. It was time for a fun team exercise! We counted together to 10 while we did squats. Even though it was a bit chilly, we had the monthly meeting outside.
The team was invigorated, refreshed and full of energy as we went back inside!
What recommendations do you have to keep team meetings productive?
We have monthly team meetings with everyone required to attend. When we were a smaller team, we used to have everyone contribute what was going on in their area since the last monthly meeting.
Over the years as we grew, we changed it to the managers/partners sharing what was going on in their area since the last monthly meeting and what was happening in the near future. Comments are added as required and generates good interactive discussions on some topics.
Everyone has an opportunity to share during the meeting. We always ask for a team member to share a saying to inspire us to wrap up the meeting.
Last month, we started the meeting by asking everyone to go outside and form a large circle. It was time for a fun team exercise! We counted together to 10 while we did squats. Even though it was a bit chilly, we had the monthly meeting outside.
The team was invigorated, refreshed and full of energy as we went back inside!
What recommendations do you have to keep team meetings productive?
Wednesday, September 18, 2013
Top Five Words banned
Top five words banned from daily communications and strive to avoid using them:
1. Busy
2. Me (myself, I, mine)
3. Can't
4. Blame
5. Excuse
#1 and #2 are actually banned from the AlphaKOR vocabulary.
When servicing clients who require assistance immediately, the very last thing they want to hear about is how busy things are and how long they have to wait.
"I understand you need our assistance now, but we are too busy to help you at the moment and you will have to wait" is a recipe for self-destruction. (trigger points: #1 and #2 words were used).
Great teams rarely use the word "I" and always use "We" and "Us" showing our Teamwork in action.
"Yes we understand you require our assistance now and we are working to accommodate you as soon as we can." (virtually the same answer without violating #1 and #2, showing we do care and we are doing everything we can to assist as soon as possible).
The AlphaKORians have done a great job here in avoiding #1 and #2.
Why do we use the word can't? We certainly "can" look to see if it can be done or we "can" offer an alternative. There is always an alternative to consider to keep moving in the right direction.
Playing the blame game is dangerous. It is easy to blame others and convenient for a lot of situations. Stepping up and taking ownership of the issue makes one a better person, excellent team member and a better leader.
"Yes we made a mistake and we are working to correct it. Sorry for our error and thank you for the opportunity to allow us to make it right"
Making up excuses are not allowed. Sharing facts and circumstances while explaining responsibility of yourself and your team provides better clarity. Making up a story as an excuse does a lot of damage and it is banned!
What are your Top 5 banned words to add to our list?
1. Busy
2. Me (myself, I, mine)
3. Can't
4. Blame
5. Excuse
#1 and #2 are actually banned from the AlphaKOR vocabulary.
When servicing clients who require assistance immediately, the very last thing they want to hear about is how busy things are and how long they have to wait.
"I understand you need our assistance now, but we are too busy to help you at the moment and you will have to wait" is a recipe for self-destruction. (trigger points: #1 and #2 words were used).
Great teams rarely use the word "I" and always use "We" and "Us" showing our Teamwork in action.
"Yes we understand you require our assistance now and we are working to accommodate you as soon as we can." (virtually the same answer without violating #1 and #2, showing we do care and we are doing everything we can to assist as soon as possible).
The AlphaKORians have done a great job here in avoiding #1 and #2.
Why do we use the word can't? We certainly "can" look to see if it can be done or we "can" offer an alternative. There is always an alternative to consider to keep moving in the right direction.
Playing the blame game is dangerous. It is easy to blame others and convenient for a lot of situations. Stepping up and taking ownership of the issue makes one a better person, excellent team member and a better leader.
"Yes we made a mistake and we are working to correct it. Sorry for our error and thank you for the opportunity to allow us to make it right"
Making up excuses are not allowed. Sharing facts and circumstances while explaining responsibility of yourself and your team provides better clarity. Making up a story as an excuse does a lot of damage and it is banned!
What are your Top 5 banned words to add to our list?
Wednesday, September 11, 2013
Breaking out of your Comfort Zone
This week we welcome Guest Blogger Mark Jason Aguilar, National Coach for Corporate Relations at AIESEC.
Breaking Out of Your Comfort Zone. A very difficult thing to do, simply because it is not our “cup of tea”.
A few weeks ago, I was invited to attend the WindsorEssex Circle networking event to represent AIESEC Windsor. AIESEC Windsor is a local chapter at the University of Windsor and part of the world’s largest student run organization that facilitates international internships.
AIESEC has an international platform of helping youth develop and explore their leadership potential. One of the ways of doing this is by networking with our local business community in marketing our Global Internship Program, where local companies can hire an international intern to work for them, thus helping our organization create global leaders.
By attending the WindsorEssex Circle networking event with a couple of my colleagues, we were able to practice our communication skills, enhance our networking capabilities and gain a new perspective of the local business community in Windsor-Essex. We had a mutual understanding, my colleagues and I, however, networking was out of our comfort zone.
Talking to professionals in a formal matter, we wondered how do we market and leverage ourselves to others with more credibility. We were scared, but we knew we had to try, all because it was for personal gain and development. Stepping out of your comfort zone is a good learning experience and a great challenge we were all willing to do. We know by doing so, we are making ourselves better leaders and expanding our knowledge. Now we are excited to attend the next WindsorEssex Circle networking event and any other events in the future.
How will you break out of your comfort zone?
Mark Jason Aguilar, Guest Blogger
National Coach for Corporate Relations
AIESEC Windsor
Breaking Out of Your Comfort Zone. A very difficult thing to do, simply because it is not our “cup of tea”.
A few weeks ago, I was invited to attend the WindsorEssex Circle networking event to represent AIESEC Windsor. AIESEC Windsor is a local chapter at the University of Windsor and part of the world’s largest student run organization that facilitates international internships.
AIESEC has an international platform of helping youth develop and explore their leadership potential. One of the ways of doing this is by networking with our local business community in marketing our Global Internship Program, where local companies can hire an international intern to work for them, thus helping our organization create global leaders.
By attending the WindsorEssex Circle networking event with a couple of my colleagues, we were able to practice our communication skills, enhance our networking capabilities and gain a new perspective of the local business community in Windsor-Essex. We had a mutual understanding, my colleagues and I, however, networking was out of our comfort zone.
Talking to professionals in a formal matter, we wondered how do we market and leverage ourselves to others with more credibility. We were scared, but we knew we had to try, all because it was for personal gain and development. Stepping out of your comfort zone is a good learning experience and a great challenge we were all willing to do. We know by doing so, we are making ourselves better leaders and expanding our knowledge. Now we are excited to attend the next WindsorEssex Circle networking event and any other events in the future.
How will you break out of your comfort zone?
Mark Jason Aguilar, Guest Blogger
National Coach for Corporate Relations
AIESEC Windsor
Wednesday, September 4, 2013
What is your Successful Routine?
It seems like a number of people settle in a routine after Labour Day. Summer is unofficially over, kids are back in school and suddenly we focus on our routine getting back to normal.
For People Like Us, we have a Successful Routine, regardless of the seasons and school schedules. Here is a typical routine that works well for me and would like to share it with you.
Early to rise. Yes the early-bird gets the worm. Enjoy the early fresh start to each and every day. The second mouse gets the cheese and wanted to add this for those of you who are not early risers. Beware the early-bird sometimes moves your cheese!
Prioritize the day. This includes reviewing all notes both digital, e-mail, hand-written and social media communications. Review the day's schedule and next follow-ups to create the priority task list for the day.
Off to the gym. Oh before I head out to the gym, coffee goes on. Great balance here with focus on health and having coffee ready for Carmela when she wakes up. Since the day is planned there is nothing to worry about and channel energy into the 30-minute workout.
Back home. There is another benefit of the gym routine so early in the morning. The benefit is spending time in the morning with the Family before heading to the office or appointment.
The Office routine. Arrive with the day already prioritized, updated on the news (thanks to the Twitter feeds) and focus on the priority tasks.
Priority Tasks. Always start with returning messages followed by after-service follow-ups. Preparation for meetings, discussions and opportunities as per the list created earlier. Satisfaction in completing each task as the day unfolds.
Appointment follow-ups, new connection follow-ups (including connecting on LinkedIn) and proposal follow-ups are the next tasks in the routine.
Pro-active communications to stay in touch with clients, prospects and associates are next on the list.
Work on the business, team building and generating opportunities are scheduled for most days or grouped together for longer time slots.
Home. Dinner most evenings with the Family is a priority. Attending the kids' sports and events is important and strive to schedule attendance to most of them.
Read. Strive to read every night. Mostly business topics on a variety of subjects with the goal to always learn from others and see how it can apply to my world. Of course there are non-business books to keep a good balance.
Early to Bed. Don't laugh when I share with you it's lights out by 10:30. Look forward to the next day.
What is your successful routine?
For People Like Us, we have a Successful Routine, regardless of the seasons and school schedules. Here is a typical routine that works well for me and would like to share it with you.
Early to rise. Yes the early-bird gets the worm. Enjoy the early fresh start to each and every day. The second mouse gets the cheese and wanted to add this for those of you who are not early risers. Beware the early-bird sometimes moves your cheese!
Prioritize the day. This includes reviewing all notes both digital, e-mail, hand-written and social media communications. Review the day's schedule and next follow-ups to create the priority task list for the day.
Off to the gym. Oh before I head out to the gym, coffee goes on. Great balance here with focus on health and having coffee ready for Carmela when she wakes up. Since the day is planned there is nothing to worry about and channel energy into the 30-minute workout.
Back home. There is another benefit of the gym routine so early in the morning. The benefit is spending time in the morning with the Family before heading to the office or appointment.
The Office routine. Arrive with the day already prioritized, updated on the news (thanks to the Twitter feeds) and focus on the priority tasks.
Priority Tasks. Always start with returning messages followed by after-service follow-ups. Preparation for meetings, discussions and opportunities as per the list created earlier. Satisfaction in completing each task as the day unfolds.
Appointment follow-ups, new connection follow-ups (including connecting on LinkedIn) and proposal follow-ups are the next tasks in the routine.
Pro-active communications to stay in touch with clients, prospects and associates are next on the list.
Work on the business, team building and generating opportunities are scheduled for most days or grouped together for longer time slots.
Home. Dinner most evenings with the Family is a priority. Attending the kids' sports and events is important and strive to schedule attendance to most of them.
Read. Strive to read every night. Mostly business topics on a variety of subjects with the goal to always learn from others and see how it can apply to my world. Of course there are non-business books to keep a good balance.
Early to Bed. Don't laugh when I share with you it's lights out by 10:30. Look forward to the next day.
What is your successful routine?
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