Posted on June 13, 2012
Gotye’s smash hit, “Somebody That I Used To Know” is everywhere I go. Jacqueline introduced it to me months ago, when its stunning video made it’s way around the web, and I knew it was going to be the song-of-the-year. At this point, you might be getting tired of it, like you did with James …
Posted on June 4, 2012
Great networkers are givers, not takers. That’s a key insight to mastering the art of connection. Too often, when we think we are ‘networking’, we are actually trolling for assistance in one of our ventures. We are screening people to see if they have use to us, and if we might possess currency we can …
Posted on May 10, 2012
Last week, I attended the startup conference in Mountain View, CA. It was the center of the startup universe. There was even Startup Village, a trade show meets speed dating center, where CEOs or techies pitched their ideas and prototypes. At the end of the row was the Draper Fisher Jurvetson booth, with Tim Draper …
Posted on April 26, 2012
One of worst techniques you’ll pick up in business is “let’s do lunch.” It sounds like a great device for conducting business, be it a pitch or project work. Often, your offer is accepted, after all, we have to eat! It sounds less ominous than, “I’d like to setup a meeting to come talk to …
Posted on April 16, 2012
That which is compensated, is motivated. Nothing more, nothing less. Between my speaking and consulting, I have many opportunities to compare comp plans and the resulting corporate cultures they create. If you want to have a strong customer service culture, for example, you’ll need to aim all compensation plans at achieving it. If you want …
Posted on April 6, 2012
Recognition experts Adrain Gostick & Chester Elton have pivoted from recognition to culture with their new book, All In: How The Best Managers Create A Culture Of Belief and Drive Big Results. And well they should, as today, culture is more important to your company than ever. Why? Transparency, the cloud and a new generation …
Posted on April 3, 2012
A touching thing happened on the way to my last keynote speaking gig. The night before, I attended the company’s dinner function, which started with a retirement sendoff for Marc. He was a long time manager and employee of the company. As we were served food, a stream of co-workers presented their account of the …
Posted on March 22, 2012
Last year, I was blown away by The Lean Startup by Eric Ries. It was the top read of the year for me, and the most impactful book on my business life since Good To Great. Why? Because the Lean Methadology changes the game, whether you are a startup or a big-old-company. When you …
Posted on March 16, 2012
For leaders of all types, here’s an assignment: Hand out some praise today. Think about how long a weekend can be for someone who feels under appreciated or over worked. It’s emotional stew time, and you aren’t around to defend yourself. When Monday rolls around, your team members are not refreshed. They are back to …
Posted on March 14, 2012
One of my favorite speaking topics is about the power of one person. One person, or a small group of likeminded individuals, can accomplish anything. Likely, they have more power than mega-organizations, due to their nimbleness and ambition. One of the greatest impacts a conference can have on an organization is to unleash this type …
