Tuesday, February 1, 2011

Truth 2: Credibility Is the Foundation of Leadership

Leadership begins with you and your belief in yourself. Leadership continues only if other people also believe in you.

The Truth Is That Credibility Is the Foundation of Leadership. What does it take to be the kind of person, the kind of leader, others want to follow, and will do so enthusiastically and voluntarily?
It turns out that the believability of the leader determines whether people will willingly give more of their time, talent, energy, experience, intelligence, creativity and support. Only credible leaders earn commitment, and only commitment builds and regenerates great organizations and communities.

Constituents Have Clear Expectations of Their Leaders
Leadership is a relationship between those who aspire to lead and those who choose to follow. You can't have one without the other. Leadership strategies, tactics, skills and practices are empty without an understanding of the fundamental dynamics of this relationship.
In every relationship people have expectations of each other. Sometimes these expectation are clearly voiced, and other times they're never discussed, but nonetheless, expectations are present in every human relationship. By surveying tens of thousands of people around the world, asking them to select the qualities that they most want in a leader, the results reveal there are a few essential "character tests" someone (you) must pass before others are willing to grant the designation of leader.
Before anyone is going to willingly follow you - or any other leader - he or she wants to know that you are honest, forward-looking, inspiring and competent. Before they are going to voluntarily heed your advice, take your direction, accept your guidance, trust your judgment, agree to your recommendations, buy your products, support you ideas and implement your strategies, people expect that you will measure up to these criteria. Credibility ties it all together.
In the investigation of admired leadership qualities, the data reveals that more than anything people want to follow leaders who are credible. Credibility is the foundation of leadership.

- by James M. Kouzers & Barry Z. Posner

Monday, January 31, 2011

TRUTH 1: You Make a Difference

Everything you will ever do as a leader is based on one audacious assumption. It's the assumption that you matter.
Before you can lead others, you have to lead yourself and believe that you can have a positive impact on others. You have to believe that what you do counts for something.
The Truth is That You Make a Difference. It is not a question of "Will I make a difference?" Rather, it's "What difference will I make?"

You Are the Most Important Leader
Leader role models are local. You find them close to where you live and work.

You also definitely find leader role models "close to home" in your organization - founders, CEO's, generals, presidents and the likes. They make it seem as if these top dogs are the only ones responsible for everything that's great, and everything that's lousy, about organizations. It's a subtle thing, but it perpetuates the trickle down theory of leadership: All things start at the top and trickle down to the bottom. But, when you actually look at the data, you see a very different picture.
The leader who has the most impact on your day to day behavior is, in fact, not, the CEO, the COO, the CFO or any other C - unless, of course, you report directly to that person. The leader who has the most influence over your desire to stay or leave, your commitment to the organization's vision and values, your ethical decisions and actions, your treatment of customers, your ability to do your job well and the direction of your career, to name but a few outcomes, is your most immediate manager.
This means that if you're a manager, to your direct reports you are the most important leader in the organization.

- James M. Kouzes & Barry Z. Posner

Monday, January 11, 2010

What Do You Do When Your Value Has No Value?

It seems we have a difficult time explaining value these days. We say things like “value-added service” and “more bang for the buck” and “we value you, our Clients” — but then we explain things in ways that do not show value to those we are trying to help. “If you buy five, the sixth one is free.” Wow! Now that's definitely not value. How about those phone calls from credit card companies that tell you you've been preapproved? Technically, if we're talking preapproval, doesn't that mean you have not been approved yet? … which means they just pulled your name out of the phone book.

Value means customers are getting something that is definably worth more than they are paying (or asking) for. It means that the value is obvious and instantly understood. Value means you are giving more than they expected and whatever you're giving had real value before you gave them more. There is nothing less valuable than giving someone more of something they thought was worthless to begin with. Consider this illustration: A friend of mine asked me if I wanted to go to a new restaurant. I asked whether the food was good. He said it was not really that good but the portions were huge. Great! It's what I have always aspired to be: pudgy and average.

Top performers spend the time to create value propositions. A value proposition explains what the issue, problem or need is; describes the specifics of how you will deliver your solution; and explains how the solution will make money, make life easier or create a desired success. Each value proposition can be customized for each occasion, but it's very important to have brief, clear, easily repeatable propositions that everyone can use.

The value proposition is not an elevator speech or a mission statement. It is focused directly on showing how value will occur when your product, service, idea, or leadership style is chosen.
Those of you who already do this well please tell the rest of the world so we can help put the value back in value.

© Wynn Solutions Author: Garrison Wynn

Thursday, January 7, 2010

Now Is A Great Time To Sell!

Its official. The news just came out. Yes, we are now in a recession!

Duh. As if you didn't know.

Companies big and small have been laying off their employees right and left all year.

The stock market sucks.

And now they tell us we are in a recession.

Big deal. I say that now is a great time to be selling.

Why?

Well first consider when the worst time to sell to is. The worst time to sell is when people are complacent.

When someone is complacent, they are comfortable. And if they are comfortable, they are not in pain. And if they are not in pain about anything, then they don't need or want anything. And if they don't need or want anything, then they won't be buying anything!

The best times to sell are when people are in pain because their business is either expanding or contracting. For the latter half of the 90s, businesses were expanding like crazy. Although this is something we consider to be a good thing there is pain associated with it. The pain is in keeping up with, or being prepared for the growth.

As a result, people and business bought like mad in the late 90s.

Now businesses are contracting. There is even more pain in this. If you can help businesses (or individuals) to reverse the contraction, make more money, or make the contraction less painful by saving them money, then you have an opportunity for a sale.

The difference is now businesses are tighter about their money. You have to get to the real decision-makers faster, and establish value faster. During boomtimes you can be a bit sloppy in your selling. During contractions you can't afford to not be at the top of your game.

I know this is obvious to many of us, but sometimes its easy to use news that "we are in a recession" as an excuse for why our sales suck.

If your sales are sucking wind at the moment, figure out a way to uncover some pain that you can solve now for your prospects with your products and services.

If you can't figure out a way to do this, then go sell something where you can.

Today's economy is different, and there are different motivations driving it. Move with the trends, not against them.

Shamus Brown

Wednesday, December 23, 2009

Staying Strong When Business is Tough

Your ability to handle rejection and obstacles while selling in hard times really depends on your capacity to focus on the essential activities that help you stay in control. Here are three ways to deal with oncoming sales setbacks and negative situations:

Keep your eyes on the oak tree. Re-establish your key sales goals, write them down and have them clearly in front of you every day. Obstacles are what you see when you take your eyes off your goal. A successful businessperson once told me that the biggest reason people fail is because they take their eyes off the oak tree. When he was young and plowing on his farm, he would never look down at the ground. Instead, he would aim for a row of oak trees and plow a straighter furrow as a result. If you look at all the adversities--a rock, a tree stump or a small ravine--you'll wander all over the place. But if you've got an oak tree in your sight, you'll get past the rocks and accomplish your goals.

Combine deep learning with qualified activity. I can't think of two stronger activities to build your sales confidence. As we engage in learning--whether it's about our customers, skills or strategies--we increase our value and take our mind off the worries of what we need to do, focusing instead on the knowledge that will help us do it. Combining learning with qualified sales activity helps you shake off rejection more easily.

When I'm customizing a seminar for a specific company, I often interview its top producers. If there's one statement most of them share, it's this: "I just see lots of people, and good things happen." Another common statement: "I make cold calls during the good times so the tough times aren't so bad."

Falling isn't failing--as long as you don't fail to get back up. It's not just about the knowledge you gain from picking yourself up and trying a new strategy; it's also about the awareness that when you're trying to accomplish something challenging, bruises and difficulties are part of the game. When I first started martial arts training with a 6-foot bo staff, my teacher said I would get welts from whipping the staff and catching it under my arm, but eventually my skin would toughen up. It's the same with setbacks in the sales process. In the long run, the setbacks won't be as damaging to your confidence and won't deter you from getting back up and trying again. Many of my hardest deals came with a lot of obstacles. But those are what toughen up your skin and open your mind for the next round of challenges.

Barry Farber

Monday, November 16, 2009

Networking Rules To Follow

Picture this- you leave your office and drive across town. You park you car and enter a large building. Once inside, you meet a friendly person to whom you give a small amount of money. In exchange she hands you something to attach to the lapel of your suit and she sends you around the corner. As you turn the corner, you enter a huge room full of strangers. Some are clustered in small groups, talking secretively. Others are standing along the perimeter, clutching drinks nervously. You stand stock still in the doorway, completely unsure what to do next.

Welcome to most salespeople’s version of networking. While most salespeople know that networking is an essential part of growing their businesses, many aren’t sure how to go about it. Here are some tips to make networking a profitable part of your prospecting repertoire.

Every handshake counts- the first impression many people have of you is your handshake so make sure you have a good one. “Good” in this case means not too firm- no one likes a bone-crusher- and not too wimpy- the “wet dishrag” is creepy. If you’re not sure what others think of your handshake, find some friends and practice. It will do you all a world of good.

Time is of the essence- as salespeople we are very busy people and networking can be quite time-consuming. One of the best ways to maximize your time is to set a goal for each event and leave when it is accomplished. Typically at networking events we get sidetracked talking to people we know well and we never get around to meeting new people. Set a goal of meeting five new people and then head off to another event. You can often get to several events in one evening and make each one a good use of your time.

One hand free at all times- in order to kill two birds with one stone many of us take advantage of the snacks and drinks available at most events. This might be a good time-saver but be sure you always have one free hand when circulating around the room. You never know when you’ll get to shake hands with the most important person there or need to retrieve a business card from your pocket and you don’t want to be juggling a plate and wine glass at the same time. Remember, you’re there to meet and greet, not eat.

Nametags on the right- this might seem like a silly little rule, but it can make a huge difference. When we meet someone new and extend our right hand to shake, their eyes move to the connecting hands (to make sure they don’t miss) and then travel up our right arm to our right shoulder. If your nametag is there it is makes it easy for them to see, and remember, your name.

Profit pockets- one of the keys to networking is to be very organized. Before the event make sure you are wearing a jacket that has two available pockets. In your right pocket, place five clean business cards (keep at least 40 more in the glove compartment of your car, just in case). In your left pocket place, the smallest pen you can find. During the event you will always know to find your cards in your right pocket. When you are out of cards, you’ve met your five people. Always place the cards you receive in your left pocket. After you get two or three cards, head to a quiet corner or the restroom and use your little pen to jot notes about your conversation with each new contact. After the event you’ll have a great record to use for your follow up notes.

A guest always says thank you- if someone invited you to a dinner party, you would, of course, send a thank you note afterwards. The same goes for networking events. Make sure you send the organizer of the event a short, handwritten note of appreciation. You’ll guarantee yourself an invitation to the next event! And while you’re writing, don’t forget to send notes to the new contacts you’ve made. You’ll be much more memorable than those who just email.

Follow these simple rules and you’ll set yourself apart from the rest of the crowd and bring profit and ease to your next networking event.

Laura Posey

Saturday, November 14, 2009

Refinancing Your Home with Bad Credit

This is a great article on how to refinance your home with bad credit. Refinancing Your Home with Bad Credit
Thinking of refinancing your home with bad credit? This could seem to be a daunting task, but it is surely possible. There are people who can refinance your mortgage. Thus, do not be disappointed if you do not have a good credit score, read on and find out what can be done.
Okay, you have a bad credit score and do not know what to do about it. In addition to this, you have attempted the brave act of applying for refinancing your home with bad credit. At first it is natural for you to quash your thoughts of a seemingly impossible task. There is, although a glimmer of hope, people. What you are thinking might not be the fact, because there are lender who will be willing to refinance mortgage with bad credit. In such a stifling time and plummeting economy, these guys can really pull you out of the crisis and help you get a good credit score. They, in fact, specialize in it. All you need is to approach them and who know, you would be on track! Here are a few things which will help you do that. More on home mortgage refinance loans.

Refinance Home with Bad Credit

Purpose of Refinance: Decide why do you need the refinancing for. Determine your aim for refinancing before you submit the application. It could be either for conversion of interest only home loan or adjustable rate mortgage into a fixed rate or to obtain a lower interest rate. This will also reduce the monthly payment. Now those who have adjustable rate mortgage are in a better situation here because the interest rate fluctuates with the rise and fall of market. Now in such a case you have a bad credit refinance loan or a bad credit mortgage refinance, you can get a new rate with fresh terms. These will definitely be easier to repay.

Saving Money: A refinancing will create a new loan, incurring mortgage related expenditure like application fee, credit report, appraisal and settlement fees. Consequently you need to save money for paying these fees. Some of the mortgage lenders include these fees in the new home loan. If you have a fixed rate mortgage refinancing will be even better, because you will have better terms to deal with. This is a very important juncture when you want to refinance home with bad credit.

Existing Lender: In case you want one of those home loans with bad credit, talk and get in touch with your current lender. This is can work wonders only if you have a good repayment history. They can overlook the negativity in your credit report and may even waive a few fees, lower settlement costs, helping you save money.

Other Fish in the Pond: Apart from talking to your current lender, search for other financers or lenders as well. Even if your current lender has agreed to give you a home loan, it would be a bad idea to not explore other options, right? Hence, check if some other lender is offering better rates or terms. Have a mortgage broker help you out int his endeavor if possible. He would be the correct link between you and mortgage lenders for refinancing your home with bad credit.

Online Help: Another thing, in addition to all the above factors is to apply online for more savings. There are quite a few established and reputed financial institutions which have their websites who assist people looking for bad credit loans. These can make your refinancing process for bad credit a bit more organized. This way you can have a number of options to choose from, from different sources. Who knows you might even get the best deal here! Furthermore, it is faster than actually going to a mortgage broker and going all over the town talking to lenders, isn't it?

You might find more information in the following:
Home Loans After Bankruptcy
How to Buy a House With Bad Credit
How to Buy a Home With Bad Credit

Ultimately you can achieve this seemingly herculean task of refinancing your home with bad credit. You just have to go to the right people and be patient because gauging and analyzing all the options cannot happen overnight. Even banks these days give you refinancing , but you need to slog and push and prove to them that you deserve another chance. Another thing you need to take note of when you want to refinance your home with bad credit is to avoid financial mistakes done earlier and learn from them. All these factors will surely contribute to in your effort to refinance home with bad credit. Whatever happens, keep trying and you will get there!

By: Medha Godbloe