Menu

Executive Sales Skills

How Small Achievements Lead To Big Success

How Small Achievements Lead To Big Success

, 0

Many people aspire to achieve great things in life, but only those who take action and work towards their goals end up tasting the sweetness of success. The journey to success may seem daunting, but when broken down into simple steps, it becomes achievable. It is through small achievements that we pave the way for significant accomplishments.

The Big Picture Personal Definition Of Success

Defining what success means to you is the first step towards achieving it. Success is a subjective concept, and it can have different meanings for different individuals. It could be starting a video game development business, becoming an Olympic swimmer, or anything else that resonates with your passions and ambitions. The key is to have a well-defined, specific goal, even if it initially seems out of reach.

The Process Breaking Down Goals

Once you have defined your vision of success, the next step is to break it down into manageable tasks. Success does not happen overnight; it is the result of completing one small task at a time. Breaking down your goals into small achievements allows you to create a roadmap and a sense of direction for your journey.

Examples Of Small Steps

Let’s take the example of starting a video game development business. The goal may seem overwhelming at first, but breaking it down into smaller steps can make it more attainable. You could start by researching the startup costs, learning about the industry, meeting potential investors, contacting game developers for collaboration, formulating marketing strategies, and creating a 5-year plan. Each of these smaller tasks contributes to the overall goal of establishing a successful video game development business.

Something Is Always Better Than Nothing

One of the key principles to remember is that taking some action, no matter how small, is always better than taking no action at all. It is easy to get overwhelmed by the magnitude of your goals, leading to inaction. However, even spending just 20 minutes a day working towards your goal can result in significant progress over a year. Consistency and perseverance are key.

Achieving big success starts with small steps. By breaking down your goals into manageable tasks and taking consistent action, you can make steady progress towards your desired outcome. Remember that success is a journey, and it is important to celebrate the small achievements along the way. By embracing the process and staying committed to your vision, you can turn your dreams into reality.

You owe it to yourself to make your dreams come true, so start taking action today! If you’d like personalized guidance and support on your journey to success, don’t hesitate to schedule a call with me at www.callwithlisa.com today.

LLW Banners for Blogs 2 (45)

4 Effective Ways to Handle a Toxic Workplace

, , 0

Having a job that brings joy and fulfillment is what many of us strive for. However, some workplaces can be toxic, leading to stress, unhappiness, and a decline in productivity. Dealing with a toxic work environment requires a proactive approach. Here are four effective strategies to help you navigate and overcome workplace toxicity:

Always Be Polite

Maintaining professionalism is crucial when faced with toxicity. It’s essential to remain polite and respectful, even in challenging situations. By demonstrating kindness and professionalism, you not only earn the respect of your colleagues but also preserve your own self-worth.

Avoid Office Politics and Gossip

Engaging in office politics and gossip only adds to the toxicity of the environment. Negative talk and spreading rumors can create rifts among colleagues and make the toxic environment uncomfortable for everyone. Instead, focus on maintaining your dignity and integrity.

Inform the Relevant Departments

If you encounter problems with a manager or colleague in a toxic workplace and are unsure how to handle the situation, consider reaching out to the appropriate department within your workplace for support. Clearly communicate the issues you’re facing and how they make you feel, and seek their guidance and assistance.

Schedule a Meeting with Your Boss

If feasible, schedule a meeting with your boss to discuss your concerns. It’s essential to approach the conversation with honesty, transparency, and a constructive mindset. Share your experiences, provide facts, and express how you would like the situation to be resolved. If appropriate, consider suggesting a team meeting to allow everyone to voice their grievances and collectively work towards positive change.

Transforming a Toxic Workplace

Dealing with a toxic workplace requires taking responsibility and demonstrating maturity. By implementing these strategies, you can help transform the toxic environment into a healthier, more productive one where everyone can thrive.

Remember, it’s crucial to handle each situation responsibly, address conflicts as they arise, and work towards creating a positive and supportive work environment. By doing so, you contribute to your own well-being and help create a more fulfilling workplace for yourself and your colleagues.

Schedule a call with me at callwithlisa.com today for further guidance on building a healthier work environment.

LLW Banners for Blogs 2 (44)

Mastering Pressure for a Positive Work Environment

, ,

Pressure is an inevitable part of the workplace, and it can feel overwhelming at times, but it’s important to recognize that pressure can be a catalyst for growth and success.  Here are ten winning strategies to help you transform pressure into your secret weapon for success and foster a positive work environment.

Keep Your Cool

Maintaining a calm demeanor is essential when faced with pressure. Even if you’re feeling the heat internally, projecting a sense of calmness and composure can help you navigate challenging situations with confidence and contribute to a positive work environment.

Stay on Target

When faced with pressure, it’s crucial to stay focused on your goals. Keep your eye on the prize and prioritize tasks that contribute to your long-term objectives. By staying focused, you can channel pressure into productive action.

Be a Team Player

Pressure affects everyone in the workplace. When you see a colleague struggling, offer your support and lend a helping hand. By being a team player and showing leadership, you not only contribute to a positive work environment but also build strong relationships with your colleagues.

Radiate Positivity

Negativity can be contagious, but you have the power to counteract it. Maintain a positive mindset and avoid getting caught up in office squabbles or gossip. By radiating positivity, you contribute to a more harmonious and supportive work environment.

Call in the Cavalry

Recognize when you need assistance, and don’t hesitate to ask for help. Seeking support is not a sign of weakness but rather a demonstration of smart strategizing. It allows you to tap into the expertise and resources available to you.

Easy on the Espresso

While caffeine can provide a temporary energy boost, excessive consumption can contribute to feelings of jitteriness and anxiety. Moderation is key, so limit your caffeine intake to a reasonable amount that enhances your focus without causing unnecessary agitation.

Take Five

Short breaks are essential for maintaining productivity and managing pressure in a positive work environment. Take moments throughout the day to step away from your desk, stretch your legs, and recharge. Use this time to clear your mind and return to your tasks with renewed focus.

Plan Your Time Off

Make use of your vacation time strategically. Plan your time off during slower periods at work, demonstrating your commitment and readiness to step up when needed. This proactive approach allows you to recharge and return to work with increased productivity and focus.

Jump Into Big Projects

Embrace challenging tasks and take on big projects willingly. By demonstrating your versatility and ability to handle additional pressure, you showcase your skills and dedication to personal and professional growth.

Don’t Sweat the Small Stuff

When under pressure, it’s important to maintain perspective. Focus on the task at hand and avoid getting caught up in unnecessary worries or stressors. Prioritize your energy on the most critical aspects of your work and let go of minor concerns, fostering a positive work environment.

Your Pressure Power-Up: Mastery to Millions

If you’re looking to enhance your ability to handle pressure and achieve greater success in your coaching business, consider exploring programs like Mastery to Millions. This program offers strategies and support to help coaches build thriving businesses, attract more clients, and elevate their sales.

Pressure is an opportunity for growth and transformation. Embrace these strategies, and you’ll not only handle pressure with finesse but also use it as a catalyst for your personal and professional development. Remember, pressure makes diamonds. Get ready to shine! Schedule a call with me at www.callwithlisa.com today to further boost your journey to success.

LLW Banners for Blogs 2 (8)

Seize the Day: Reignite Passion to Drive Success

, ,

Let me share some uncommon strategies that will help you reignite your passion, build your business, increase your client base, and drive sales.

The Power Of Passion In Business

Just as passion can fuel personal growth and happiness, it can also be a driving force in your business. When you’re passionate about what you do, you’re more likely to put in the extra effort needed to succeed. It’s the secret ingredient that can take your business from a small startup to a seven-figure empire.

But what happens when you feel like you’ve lost your passion? Here are some strategies to reignite that spark and get your business back on track.

  • Realign Your Goals

Perhaps you’ve lost your passion because you’re working towards a goal that doesn’t truly resonate with you. Take some time to evaluate your business goals. Are they in line with your personal values and dreams? If not, it’s time to make a change. Identify what truly excites you and adjust your goals accordingly. This alignment will reignite your passion and provide a renewed sense of purpose in your business.

  • Connect With Your Spiritual Side

Spirituality isn’t just about religion. It’s about understanding your purpose and connecting with your inner self. Take some time to reflect on what truly drives you and brings you joy. Engage in practices that align with your spiritual beliefs, such as meditation, journaling, or spending time in nature. These practices can provide a renewed sense of passion and drive in your business.

  • Foster Relationships

Building strong relationships with your clients, employees, and industry peers can also reignite your passion. When you see the positive impact your business has on others and the connections you form along the way, it can remind you why you started in the first place. Engage in networking events, collaborate with like-minded individuals, and seek feedback from your clients. These interactions will fuel your passion and motivation.

  • Make Time For Yourself

In the hustle and bustle of running a business, it’s easy to forget about self-care. However, taking time for yourself is crucial for maintaining your passion and drive. Set aside dedicated time each day or week for activities that bring you joy and relaxation. Whether it’s reading a book, practicing a hobby, or engaging in physical exercise, prioritize self-care to recharge your energy and reignite your passion.

  • Take Small Steps

Sometimes, the overwhelm of big goals can dampen our passion. Instead of focusing solely on the end result, break down your goals into smaller, manageable steps. Celebrate each small milestone along the way and acknowledge the progress you’re making. These small wins will fuel your passion and motivate you to keep going.

Mastery To Millions: Your Path To Success

If you’re ready to take your business to the next level, my program Mastery to Millions can help. It’s designed to give you the tools and strategies you need to create a multiple six or seven-figure business. Through this program, you’ll receive guidance on reigniting your passion, aligning your goals, and achieving your business aspirations.

Remember, passion is more than just a feeling—it’s a powerful force that can drive your business to new heights. So, are you ready to ignite your passion and transform your business? Schedule a call with me at callwithlisa.com today, and let’s get started on the path to success!

LLW Banners for Blogs 2 (28)

Breaking the Glass Ceiling: How to Stand Out in Your Career

,

It takes more than just skill and knowledge to succeed in your career. To truly stand out in your career and break the glass ceiling, you need to adopt unconventional strategies that set you apart from the crowd. Let me share some insights and techniques that can help you differentiate yourself and achieve remarkable success in your professional journey.

The Power Of Personal Branding

The first thing to remember about personal branding is that it’s a game-changer when it comes to standing out in your career. It’s not enough to be just another professional in your field; you need to become a brand. Personal branding is about crafting a unique story, developing a distinct style, and embodying an individual philosophy that resonates with your target audience. By owning your narrative and showcasing your authentic self, you can attract attention and create a memorable impression.

The Magic Of Storytelling

Storytelling is a potent tool that can captivate your audience and make your message more relatable. Moreover, share your personal and professional journey, including your challenges, setbacks, and triumphs. By weaving compelling stories, you can engage your audience on an emotional level, inspire them, and position yourself as an authority who understands their struggles. Make your clients the heroes of their own stories and demonstrate how your expertise can guide them towards success.

The Art Of Leveraging Social Proof

Social proof is a persuasive technique that relies on the influence of testimonials and case studies. In addition, highlight the success stories of clients you have helped achieve their goals. By showcasing concrete evidence of your impact, you build credibility and instill confidence in potential clients. Encourage satisfied clients to provide testimonials and share their positive experiences, as this social proof can be a powerful tool in attracting new clients.

The Strategy Of Creating A Signature Program

Developing a signature coaching program is a strategic move that differentiates you from others in your field with this intention. This program should encapsulate your unique approach, philosophy, and methodology. It’s not merely a package of services; it’s a transformative journey that sets you apart. A well-crafted signature program, like my program Mastery to Millions, becomes synonymous with your brand and offers a clear value proposition to your clients.

The Technique Of Mastering Online Marketing

In the digital age, your online presence is crucial for career advancement. Master the art of online marketing to effectively showcase your expertise and attract clients. Invest in search engine optimization (SEO) to improve your visibility in online searches. Leverage the power of social media platforms to engage with your audience, share valuable content, and build a community around your brand. Utilize email marketing to nurture relationships with potential clients and stay connected with existing ones. Finally, create a compelling website that reflects your unique value proposition and converts visitors into clients.

The Approach Of Building Strategic Partnerships

Don’t try to navigate your career journey alone. Collaborate with other professionals who complement your services and share a similar target audience. Building strategic partnerships can expand your reach, offer new opportunities, and provide additional value to your clients. Identify potential partners in your industry or related fields and explore mutually beneficial collaborations that can amplify your impact.

The Method Of Offering Exceptional Value

Going the extra mile and consistently delivering exceptional value is a surefire way to stand out in your career. Strive to exceed client expectations, offer innovative solutions, and provide personalized attention. By consistently delivering outstanding results, you not only ensure client satisfaction but also generate positive word-of-mouth referrals and secure repeat business.

Breaking the glass ceiling in your career involves skill, strategy, and authentic self-expression. Embrace personal branding, storytelling, social proof, signature programs, online marketing, and value delivery to stand out and achieve remarkable success.

So, dare to be bold, embrace these unconventional strategies, and unlock your true potential. Schedule a call with me at callwithlisa.com today, and let’s work together to write your success story!

LLW Banners for Blogs 2 (46)

The Art of Mending Professional Relationships

, ,

Building and maintaining positive professional relationships is essential for success in any career. However, conflicts and misunderstandings can arise, straining those relationships. In this article, we’ll explore a 7-step guide to help you mend professional bridges and create a harmonious work environment.

Be a Detective: Identify the Issue

Before confronting your colleague, take time to identify the root cause of the conflict. Reflect on when you first noticed tension and try to pinpoint the source. Seek input from a trusted coworker who may provide valuable insights into the other person’s perspective, fostering a positive work relationship.

Set the Stage: Schedule a Meeting

Once you have identified the issue, take action by scheduling a meeting with your colleague. Choose an appropriate time and ensure that the meeting is not too far in the future. Keeping the agenda a surprise can help create an open atmosphere.

Make Your Intentions Clear

When sitting down with your colleague, be transparent about your intentions. Clearly express your desire to improve professional relationships and address any conflicts. If you are unsure about the cause of the conflict, communicate that as well.

Address the Elephant in the Room

In the meeting, discuss the issue openly and honestly, without placing blame. Describe the current state of the relationship and how it has been affecting both parties. It is important to prepare for this part of the conversation in advance to stay focused and avoid becoming overly emotional. Also, be willing to acknowledge your own shortcomings or mistakes.

Zip It: Listen

After expressing your viewpoint, listen attentively to your colleague’s perspective on Professional relationships. Give them the space to share their thoughts and feelings without interrupting or becoming defensive. Active listening demonstrates respect and shows that you value their input.

Seek to Understand, Not Retaliate

Ensure that you understand their perspective by paraphrasing and clarifying their points. Avoid the temptation to retaliate or argue. The goal is to find common ground and work towards a resolution, not to prove one’s own point.

Collaborate: Solve the Issue Together

Now that both sides of the story have been shared, collaborate with your colleague to find a solution. Approach the situation with a problem-solving mindset and a willingness to compromise. Remember, resolving the issue may take time and effort, but it is essential for rebuilding trust and fostering a positive work relationship.

If your colleague insists that everything is fine, despite the evident tension, agree to disagree. Extend an invitation for a casual lunch or coffee to continue building rapport and breaking the ice.

Professional relationships can be fragile, and conflicts can arise even with the best intentions. However, through open communication, active listening, and a collaborative approach, most disagreements can be resolved.

Remember, my Mastery to Millions program is available to support you in building your coaching business, attracting more clients, and achieving financial success.

Don’t let strained relationships hold you back. Address the issues, mend the rifts, and continue moving forward because, in the end, the show must go on! Schedule a call with me at callwithlisa.com today for further guidance.

thriving online community

Building A Thriving Online Community For Your Coaching Business

, ,

The way people make purchasing decisions has drastically changed. More and more, individuals are conducting thorough research, reading reviews, and seeking recommendations before deciding to buy a product or service. This shift in consumer behavior has made it crucial for businesses to recognize and leverage the power of online communities.

Understanding The Power Of Online Communities

Online communities provide a fantastic platform to educate prospective customers about your coaching services, helping them make more informed decisions. Platforms like G2Crowd and Get App are perfect examples of this, providing avenues for learning from customer feedback.

If you’re considering launching a new online community for your coaching business, it’s essential to plan carefully. Here are some tips to guide you:

Identifying Key Stakeholders For Your Online Community

Just as your organization has its structures, so should your online community. You must ensure that tasks are assigned to team members. This ensures that the community runs smoothly and all aspects are taken care of. Assigning a team to manage your online community is essential. A community manager works to ensure that everything runs smoothly on the platform. They also work to identify the changes that need to be made to your product, community, or branding.

Involving Other Members Of Your Organization

All other members of your organization can also play an effective role in your community. The marketing manager can provide updates on your new products, their value, and modifications. The sales manager could also be closing leads on sales. This kind of collaboration helps in achieving the growth of the community.

Choosing The Right Platform For Your Community

Depending on the purpose of the community, choose the appropriate platform. There are two types of platforms: those that revolve around shared interests and those that are informational.

Shared Interests vs. Informational Platforms

Shared interest platforms bring together individuals interested in a certain topic. They explore and connect with other members to discuss issues from a wider range of perspectives. On the other hand, informational platforms create space for community members to search for information. Online communities help the community search for your products or services.

Creating A Membership Profile

Developing a membership profile will give you a fair idea of who your community is serving. Once you have an idea of what your ideal community consists of, you can decide what information to put there. This will ensure that the community attracts the right audience and serves their needs effectively.

Establishing Rules And Regulations

Every society without rules will breed anarchy. It is important to set rules and regulations to prevent spam, trolls, and abuse. These rules and regulations will guide the type of behavior on the platform, ensuring a safe and supportive environment for all community members.

Covering Member And Moderator Behavior

Online communities’ guidelines must indeed cover member and moderator behavior, the complaint and resolution process, and zero tolerance for discrimination and harassment. Clear guidelines will help set expectations and maintain a respectful atmosphere within the community.

Ensuring Respect, Courtesy, And Fairness

Rules and regulations should be able to deter participants from invading people’s privacy. It should also ensure respect and courtesy. Lastly, it provides fairness to ensure that everyone feels valued and included in the community.

Building Engagement In Your Community

Online communities spark opportunities to engage your members in the community. Set the tone of the community by creating themes for each day, asking questions, and participating in discussions. Respond to questions and encourage interaction among members. This will create a vibrant and active online community where members feel valued and connected.

Setting The Tone And Encouraging Interaction

Effective moderation plays a vital role in enhancing non-toxic conversations. Furthermore, combat toxicity, incentivize civility, and highlight quality contributions. By doing these, you create opportunities for interactions on the platform, making your community members feel like they are part of a family or something more significant.

Moderation And Combating Toxicity

By launching a new community, it is important to understand your reasons for the launch. Focus on creating a space where individuals can have quality interactions with other community members. With time, your community will thrive and become a valuable asset to your coaching business.

Building an online community for your coaching business is a powerful way to connect with your audience, provide valuable information, and build a loyal customer base. By identifying key stakeholders, choosing the right platform, creating a membership profile, establishing rules and regulations, and building engagement, you can create a thriving online community that benefits both your business and your customers. Schedule a call with me at callwithlisa.com today to discuss how I can help you kickstart your community-building journey.

power of chatbots

The Power of Chatbots: Enhancing Your Coaching Business with AI

, , , ,

Are you exhausted from spending hours answering repetitive questions from potential clients? Do you long for more time to focus on the core elements of your coaching business? Look no further! Chatbots, AI-powered tools, can streamline your coaching operations and provide an enhanced client experience.

Streamlining Client Communication

In today’s digital age, where instant gratification is the norm, businesses are harnessing the power of chatbots as valuable assets. Chatbots, which are AI-powered conversational agents, are available round-the-clock to actively respond to inquiries, provide expert guidance, and deliver personalized recommendations to clients. By automating routine tasks and providing real-time support, chatbots help you scale your coaching business while ensuring a superior client experience.

Imagine a potential client visiting your website outside of your business hours, eager to learn more about your coaching services. Instead of waiting for your response, they can interact with a chatbot that promptly answers their questions and provides relevant information about your coaching programs. This seamless interaction not only increases the likelihood of converting potential clients into paying clients but also boosts your revenue and enhances the overall client experience.

Moreover, chatbots excel at consistency and efficiency. They provide accurate and standardized information, eliminating the risk of human error. Clients receive immediate responses, eliminating the frustration of waiting for a reply. By reducing the time spent on repetitive inquiries, you can devote more attention to core aspects of your coaching business, such as developing strategies and delivering high-quality coaching sessions.

Improved Client Experience

One of the key advantages of chatbots is their ability to provide personalized recommendations and guidance. By leveraging client data and interactions, chatbots can offer tailored suggestions based on individual needs and preferences. As a result, this level of personalization enhances the client experience and fosters a stronger connection between your coaching services and the clients seeking them.

Additionally, chatbots can gather valuable insights through their interactions with clients. By analyzing these interactions, you can identify patterns and trends that help you better understand your target audience. This data-driven approach enables you to refine your coaching programs and marketing strategies, ensuring that you are delivering the right services to the right clients.

Getting Started with Chatbots

Now that you understand the power of chatbots, you may be wondering how to get started. Integrating chatbots into your coaching business is easier than you might think. There are various chatbot platforms available that make it easy to create and deploy chatbots without requiring extensive technical knowledge.

These platforms provide intuitive interfaces and tools that allow you to design chatbot conversations, set up responses, and customize the user experience. Each platform has its own unique features and capabilities, so it’s worth exploring multiple options to find the one that best suits your coaching business needs.

Once you’ve chosen a platform, you can start building your chatbot. Begin by defining the main objectives of your chatbot and identifying the key questions or tasks it should address. Create a conversational flow that guides users through the interaction and ensures a seamless experience. Consider incorporating natural language processing capabilities to make the chatbot’s responses more human-like and engaging.

Conclusion

Don’t miss out on the transformative power of chatbots! Embrace AI technology today to enhance your coaching business. By implementing chatbots, you can automate routine tasks, provide real-time support, and deliver an unparalleled client experience. With their ability to streamline client communication and gather valuable insights, chatbots can help you scale your coaching business while building stronger connections with your clients.

To learn more about how chatbots can benefit your coaching business, schedule a call with me at www.callwithlisa.com. Together, we can explore the possibilities and take your coaching business to the next level.

7-Innovative-Management-Skills-That-Utilize-Your-Left-Right-Brain

7 Innovative Management Skills That Utilize Your Left & Right Brain

, ,

Split-brain theories led to what may be an oversimplified assessment of “right-brained” and “left-brained” people. But management skills can get a healthy, holistic boost from them if companies are willing to explore and integrate the merits of both.

Right/left-brain theories started with Roger Sperry, who won the Nobel Prize for Physiology or Medicine in 1981 for his split-brain research. What started as an effort to understand and treat epilepsy led to an even greater understanding of the brain and its allocation of function.

In general, the left hemisphere of the brain is logical, linear and analytical. It’s also the seat of language processing. In terms of applicability to management skills, that equates to numbers, spreadsheets, cash flow analysis, and all things finance.

The right hemisphere, on the other hand, is credited with imagination, ideas, intuition, and all things creative. From a management perspective, the right-brainers can generate a gazillion ideas, but they don’t necessarily fit into the tidy box of predictable, measurable performance.

And therein lies the divide…and the precious expanse of brain power that just waits to be tapped. That is, of course, if companies commit to making their management skills reflect a connected — not a divided — brain.

Companies operating on a left-brain management model value the good of the organization over the success of the individual. The corporate model and mindset are carved in stone, and stability, experience and control are valued over new ideas and meeting external needs. Not much fun, no matter how “necessary” the rank-and-file may seem to those in charge.

Companies operating on a right-brain model, however, welcome creativity and new ideas. Their focus is on the needs of the customer and the autonomy of staff. Innovation is applauded, and adaptation to circumstances isn’t feared, but embraced. The environment is more fluid, with a natural alignment between the company and its individual team members. Think fun, cooperative, progressive.

You may want to roll your office chair out of your left-brained cubicle and straight into a right-brained biz from the “50 Best Places To Work” list. But don’t pack up your desk just yet.

Reality is that both sets of attributes are essential to a business. Unfortunately, most organizations yearn to ‘get out of the box,’ but don’t know how to do so without analyzing the box as they do.

Perhaps you recognize your company in the above descriptions. Perhaps you would like to create a more holistic, integrated work environment. If so, then consider some of these management skills and brainstorming techniques that utilize the left and right brain.

  1. Tend to the concerns of both your divergent and convergent thinkers. Open the floor to non-traditional ideas, then help your people select, evaluate and analyze them. “Stretch” then pull back in. Get everyone involved in both functions.
  2. Create an inspiring setting. Right-brain creativity thrives in spacious, airy, colorful, thought-provoking environments. Cubicles and sterile, cookie-cutter furniture don’t inspire much beyond a desire for 5:00.
  3. Remember that people already are creative. Your management skills don’t have to include teaching people to be creative. Instead work on evoking their creativity. Encourage individuals to reach back and remember times when creativity flourished for them.
  4. When brainstorming, go for quantity first. This idea fluency can feel very uncomfortable for your accountants and analysts, who will instinctively want to stop and critique every idea on the table.

Encourage a veritable flooding of ideas in order to short-circuit the criticism and self-editing. Think of the way photographers may take dozens of photos in order to get one keeper. Remind your rigid thinkers that they will have the opportunity to pare down the bank of ideas and evaluate them later.

  • Establish criteria for evaluating ideas. Doing so will keep your lefties feeling a little more comfortable, while still engaging with new ideas.
  • Encourage new ideas, both in one-on-one meetings and in group meetings and events. When employees aren’t afraid of being dismissed, their creative juices flow. And when they feel appreciated, they are a lot more willing to share their ideas. They are also more motivated to help execute them.
  • Remind yourself and your team that chaos, messiness and ambiguity often precede creative breakthroughs. There is nothing to fear by being immersed in them. The company isn’t going to fall apart just because ‘what-if,’ ‘how-about’ and ‘wouldn’t-it-be-cool-if’ show up at a meeting.

Despite the touted strengths of each hemisphere of the brain, the truth is that the brain isn’t really so dichotomous. The specific abilities that light up the brain map in seemingly isolated ways are actually at their brightest when working together.

Language, for example, isn’t really communication without the emotional nuances behind it. And data is just raw content if you don’t know what to do with it.

If you are in management, applying innovative management skills with a full-brain focus can change the trajectory of your organization for the better. Remember that your edge is going to be the way in which you create, inspire and drive purpose. You set the tone, so make the journey fun. We can help you merge and maximize the skills of all your employees. If we can help you create innovative management skills with a full-brain approach, reach out to us here.

How-To-Keep-Your-Sales-Executives-Motivated-During-Lean-Times

How To Keep Your Sales Executives Motivated During Lean Times

, ,

Few imperatives are as important to a company’s bottom line as knowing how to keep sales executives motivated during lean times. Salespeople drive revenue, and their chunk of a company’s compensation plan reflects their indispensability. When margins and budgets are tight, keeping these front-liners fortified is essential if a company wants to stay profitable and retain top talent.

A decade after the Great Recession, the American economy is still inching its way back to health. Salary increases remain sluggish, if not recessive in certain industries. And on the sales front, bonus pools are often underfunded, and incentives pale in relative comparison to those prior to the downturn.

Today’s workforce — and especially top sales talent — is more savvy than ever with regard to what is available. Thanks in large part to quick access and exchange of information afforded by technology, employees don’t necessarily settle in for the long haul after hiring. And when it comes to sales people, the average tenure is only 1½ to 3 years.

If you are in charge of hiring and/or managing your company’s sales executives, knowing how to retain your talent is as important as knowing how to acquire it. And an important component of that retention plan involves keeping the key players motivated during lean times.

The modern workforce is much more diverse, creative and multi-faceted than in the days of starkly defined gender roles and lifetime tenures. The topic of work-life balance can no longer be swept under the rug if gender gaps are going to close and great talent is going to stick around. People on every rung of the corporate ladder want more out of life. And that includes enjoying it.

Here are several points for conversation and consideration if you have to keep your sales executives motivated during lean times.

  • Know your team and treat everyone as an individual.

Progressive companies are seeing great results in performance by treating their sales teams like talent portfolios. In the same way that investments are unique in their need for attention, so are sales people. Not everyone is a rainmaker, but every contributor plays an essential role. Knowing the difference between your stars, core performers and laggards will direct your motivation efforts.

Core performers respond better to multi-tier targets and prizes that cater to their personal priorities, even if the stars grab a bigger purse. And using pace-setting bonuses for laggards who need more encouragement and prodding can keep them mentally “in the game” throughout the year.

  • Don’t cap commissions on your star performers.

It’s difficult for a go-getter to stay motivated when finance says, “no more commission after you hit this level.” Capping commissions, even during tight times, won’t incentivize your stars to keep their momentum going. Consider incentives like overachievement commissions and contests that allow for multiple winners.

  • Be flexible and responsive to personal situations.

Believe it or not, there is life outside of work. People have families, medical issues and other priorities that don’t always fit a rigid 9-5 work day. While money is a principal motivator, it’s far from the only one. Knowing that an employer is compassionate and flexible when it comes to an individual’s life is a huge retention feature.

  • Tailor roles to individuals.

Small firms have more leeway in this area, but it is a worthy aspiration for all companies. How can you tap into the unique, even hidden talents of your sales executives to keep them motivated during lean times?

Who says that the only job titles are the ones that have been handed down in textbooks or through your company’s long history? If you want to edge out your competition in a saturated market, tap into your talent reserves and build around them.

  • Say ‘thank you.’ A lot.

The importance of gratitude and recognition can’t be overstated. Elevating your expression of gratitude to meet the personality and response style of the individual you are thanking is as important as the thank-you itself.

Again, it comes back to knowing your team. Be thoughtful and creative in how you recognize the amazing assembly of individuality at your service, and watch your bottom line ask for more room.

Motivated, engaged employees go above and beyond to fulfill the mission and objectives of the company they work for. They contribute more ideas and are more likely to stick around than those who are unmotivated.

Keeping your sales executives motivated during lean times calls upon management to be creative and less general with incentives. Team members who are stressed by harder-won revenues and payouts want to know that they are valued in demonstrated ways.

So, give them what they respond to, including a path to advancement, training, project-leadership opportunities, time off and recognition.

Investing in those who invest in your business with their time and talent will pay off as a great ROI. And those investors will be more inclined to stick around.If you need help keeping your sales executive motivated, we can help. Reach out to us here.

Load More