Reflecting on 2018, here is a list of 7 valuable insights I have formulated while coaching and working with the best and brightest entrepreneurs this past year.
Nice guys finish first. Some of the most attractive and compelling leadership traits I have witnessed are those of optimistic, positive, open minded and compassionate leaders. Which type are you when you show up at work?
Aim high to hit high. If you want to hit a high net profit, say 20%, you have to price your work out with that profit in mind (or more, depending on how you budget.) You then have to build it into your budget and sales strategy, so you can sell work that will help you hit your goals. Easy to say, harder to implement.
It’s all about your leadership team. All growth start and stops there. So take out your org chart and grade your team. Do you have an A team in the key positions? If you are honest with yourself, then you know what your actions as leader must be.
Treat everyone like an owner. if you want your people to exhibit ownership thinking (and doing), don’t wait for them to start showing up with that attitude. It’s a chicken and egg, and the first move is yours.
Sales problem or a marketing problem. If you are not hitting your sales goals, you have to get critically clear where your problem originates, is it a marketing problem (lack of leads) or is it a sales problem (lack of converting the leads into sales). The solutions for these two problems are vastly different.
Strategy is hard. The hardest part of strategic planning is setting the right strategy. Owners put so much focus on processes and vision, and not enough on thinking through and defining a strategy that truly springs your company forward!
The difficult conversation should be called the critical conversation, because it is critical you keep having these conversations. Don’t assume the other person knows how you feel. Don’t put off this conversation. Have it this week with the person who most needs to hear what you are thinking and feeling.
Which of these speak to you?
Thank you for being a part of my community. I am proud of what we have accomplished together and look forward to what the new year brings. I believe in your success, and wish you a great year!
Regards, Jeffrey!
