April 2010

Tip of the Month

April 2010

April is a time of Spring Cleaning - so I compiled a list of Successful Habits of Professionals that I know.

They are great reminders of what we all need to be doing to grow our business and incorporate into our daily lives.

You can also determine what your ‘Currency’ is and spend time, money and effort exchanging that value. For example, if your most valuable currency is time - determine the value of something by what it is costing you in time...

Write a daily list of must do’s. - Have only one master list that will help you map out your day.

You will see where you need to invest your time to maximize your efforts and objectives. Invest first in what you can least afford to lose!
Practice total preparation. I always say that one hour of preparation will save you three hours in execution. Always expect the unexpected and be flexible. Project realistically - it always takes longer to complete a task then we often think it will - allow yourself enough reserve time.
Picture yourself as a solution source and give extra value. Be the person that others look to as the ‘go to’ person. Going the extra mile and getting the job done no matter what (reaching out to alliances and people in your network) - only makes you more valuable.
Live the goals that you create for yourself. Our subconscious mind does not know the difference between the present and the future and will work quicker to manifest these goals if ‘it is already happening.’ Obstacles will come up - they are just bumps in the road to realizing your goal. They are meant to either strengthen your own commitment or perhaps you need to revisit and take another path.
Stay in your ‘Strength’ zone. Invest in yourself and what you do well and how to get better and delegate the other areas. For me - I know that in order for me to stay focused on what I do best and continually improve ‘my game’ - I delegate the other administrative and operational tasks that I can give to the trusted advisors that work with me.
Build and continually build strong relationships. We are always ‘selling’ ourselves and maintaining our integrity and character. When someone buys that and we develop a strong and powerful trust, it is much easier to talk about the products and services we sell.
Invest in your brand. Factor in skill building enhancement. Competition is alive, well and will always be part of the scenario. Keep learning, expanding, reinventing yourself and stretch in unexpected ways and you will find yourself approaching even the most familiar with new and fresh eyes.
Be “Fed Ex” fast and “Disney” friendly - this is such a great visual and we all know exactly what it means. We live in a fast paced, nano second world. Deliver your message quickly and to the point. You may only get 90 seconds with a prospect - make sure to use that time well.

Your first 20 words help the other person decide whether or not they want to take the rapport further. Always ask permission first - it may not be a good time to talk - and go back when the time is right and always with a sincere smile.
Follow up and Accountability are keys to success - Always be sure to stay in touch which also communicates your intent, support and credibility.
Passion, Enthusiasm and Excitement Sells. As Ray Kroc who started McDonald’s would say - ‘I hire people who have ketchup in their veins’ - What do you have in your own DNA that conveys the passion and commitment of your brand, product and service?
Action - not only re-action. Usually when we are in reaction mode - it is too late. Allow space in your day and your mind to visualize the future so you are prepared for the daily changes that will happen in your business. Continually listen, read, and build strong networks in all areas of your life.
Listen with 24/7 awareness. Your clients, advocates, friends and anyone else - will tell you what they need and ways to improve and adjust. We just need to be sure that our ears are open to what they are telling us.
- Under promise and over deliver. You will surprise your clients and they know that you are credible and will go the extra mile. I once heard - always go the extra mile and take the high road - always less traffic there.

Be an innovator. Live in an environment of creativity and innovation. Encourage new ideas, systems and tools. Never be content with the ‘now’ - tomorrow it will be outdated. Look to continually think outside of the box or comfort zone.

Combine high tech with high touch—anywhere you are in the world- you can send a note, card, gift and personalize it with a few clicks and it goes in the U.S. mail with a first class stamp--a true heartfelt card is sent to the forgotten physical mailbox. Take a look and send out a card to anyone you want on my gift account. I welcome you to do so.

www.appreciationpower.net