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3 Steps to Energize Your Business for 2014

February 19, 2014January 14, 2014 by Bob Schultek

perMany organizations begin the new year by assessing what worked and what didn’t during the prior year. If your evaluation leads to the conclusion that your business needs to kick start its growth, then consider 3 proven actions that will energize your business. Companies are consumed with surviving and reacting to the marketplace. What began as an opportunistic business loses focus over time, beyond the need to make money. But the risk of failing to …

Make It a Year of Firsts

January 23, 2014January 7, 2014 by Bob Schultek

A couple of weeks ago, I experienced the joy of becoming a first-time grandfather. A beautiful baby boy was delivered by our first born daughter. These are the moments that define a life well lived and we are blessed that mom, dad and baby are all doing well. The year 2014 can be a year of firsts for you too…firsts that drive your growth. Start the new year by considering how these 3 “firsts” can drive …

New Year – Fresh Start

January 23, 2014December 31, 2013 by Bob Schultek

Each new year we get another opportunity to begin anew. It’s a fresh start and expectations are high. Make the most of this new beginning – follow these three points to focus your review. Celebrate success – what worked well last year? What goals were achieved and why? What progress was made towards your vision or mission? Does your team know what was accomplished and how they contributed? Assess direction – where are you going? …

Compelling First Impressions – 3 Steps in 3 Minutes

April 8, 2014December 18, 2013 by Bob Schultek

Never underestimate the power of first impressions. Your first three minutes with a new prospect is your opportunity to put your prospect at ease and gain insights into his or her thinking. The approach you use can begin building trust or destroy the new opportunity. The opening of your first visit with a new prospect is about establishing rapport as a foundation for building trust and confidence. Connect with the person before talking about business. …

Speed Is No Excuse

December 11, 2013December 11, 2013 by Bob Schultek

Responding to inquiries with urgency is a productive principle, but don’t let your speedy reply cost you. Recently, my friend Susan provided a prompt, comprehensive quotation in response to a request from a prospect she has been pursuing for months. She was complimented by her contact for her sense of urgency, her thoroughness in addressing stated needs and her competitive price and delivery. Susan lost the order. Susan’s quotation was specific and complete. Hers was …

“Chindi”

November 22, 2013 by Vic Pergola

A Navaho word which could be translated as the “hungry ghost” the “empty ghost.” This is a characteristic of the “empty self” as stated by J. P. Moreland (Love Your God With All Your Mind). The “empty self” is a cultural phenomenon in our society: Extreme individualism Narcissism (exclusive self-absorption) Lack of empathy for others Infantile personality (“puer aeternus”- – -the eternal child) Passivity thru consumption of entertainment and living vicariously Excessive materiality A multitude …

Aquinas and “Vision”

January 22, 2014November 22, 2013 by Vic Pergola

Today’s business environment is loaded with “vision” talk (big picture) which often translates down to the individual worker (or job seeker in this economy); and everyone wants to know “what is the vision?” be it corporate or personal. Aquinas had a differing approach and thought: He called it “Visio” Visio is not “out there” It is not a starting point at all It is a “culmination” or a “completion” Visio is a “taproot” from which …

The Best Formula For Expressing Appreciation To Employees

December 4, 2013November 22, 2013 by Bob Schultek

Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday! Family, food and football is a compelling combination, but what makes this holiday my favorite is the simplicity of its message. We dedicate this day to celebrating our blessings and thanking God, family and friends for making our lives exceptional and worthwhile. Inherent in the Thanksgiving Day message is a reminder to celebrate and express appreciation as often as possible. It’s a reminder that busy leaders often need. Appreciation is …

What Matters Most

November 19, 2013November 19, 2013 by Bob Schultek

For the past 5 years, The DiJulius Group has hosted a remarkable customer service conference called “The Secret Service Summit.” Each year attendance has grown exponentially and this year 500 folks participated in the inspiring two day event. The DiJulius credo is: “Change the world by creating a customer service revolution.” One of the presentations this year was titled: “Be The Best At What Matters Most.” Joe Calloway’s interactive presentation mirrored the concepts described in …