We covered so much in this episode that only the highlights are listed here. This is a must listen to episode as we cover so much ground for the business owner. Enjoy!

"Being brilliant in the basics is what makes any team move from being o.k. to being elite" - Gerald W Jones II

Brilliant in the Basics

Listen to what Gerald says in this episode about being brilliant in the basics. He is exactly right in that many business owners are missing this simple but key concept. The stuff that makes an elite business different than an o.k. business is being brilliant in the basics. How do they do that? It is all about focus and intention. 

D.O.P.E.

Let's talk about the D.O.P.E. business plan that Gerald outlined for us. First you must Define your strategic objectives. If you do not know where your are going you may get somewhere unintended. You and your team has to know WHERE you are going!

You must also Organize your business model so that it fits your lifestyle. If your business is...

Three Basic Types of Leaders

There are three basic types of leaders we see on a regular basis. There are many more types and sub types for sure, but these are the typical ones we see.

1. Command and Control - these are the 'old school' leaders that were made infamous in the 70's and 80's by some of the most well known CEO's. While these leaders can get results, they can leave a wake of carnage in their path. 

2. Weak or Selfish - these are the leaders that put their need to be liked above the need of the business or the people. They may calm recent discord, but in the long run they don't accomplish much nor create a joyful culture. 

3. Humble and Gracious - these are the leaders that while still driving for results, can find a way to do so by respecting others and being kind. In the end, they will accomplish much, while building a team. 

Do You Know How You Are Perceived?

There are two basic perceptions of your leadership style, yours and theirs. Do they match? It is...

A Simple Idea can be Big!

Dane Short tells us in our conversation about a simple idea his mom had when she was creating a doodle. He goes on in the story to tell how that one idea sparked a few more thoughts from others and eventually a business. All it took was that one spark and then the oxygen from some other people to ignite a fire that is burning bright today. 

What idea do you have, that with a little oxygen, could turn into a raging fire of opportunity?

 How to Create a Movement

Zymbol, the name of their product and company, is now a movement. How did that happen? First, they started with grass roots level marketing and engagement. This helped them truly understand their market and what was attractive about their product. This method, while not the on-line dynamic stuff we hear hear from the so called experts, is the best way to get started albeit a slow process. It endears you to your customers and ensures that you really understand the story to tell. 

Dane...

 What is a Leadership Pipeline?

Your business will always have to recreate itself at best and may even go backwards if you don't have a leadership pipeline established. What exactly is a leadership pipeline you ask? It is a pipeline of talent filled with future leaders of your business. It is the inventory of talent being trained and groomed to be the next level of leaders of your business. They are your future. 

Why a Leadership Pipeline?

A leadership pipeline allows you to build bench strength. As you fill the pipeline with talent you need to hire for culture fit, attitude and character above all else. Of course you must also consider the job role and personality match as well. To be sure, future leaders need to be hired that have a future of growth with the company. So in essence, the leadership pipeline is the bank of future leaders learning the business and gaining key insights while working for the organization. 

What are the Benefits of a Leadership Pipeline?...

Without Cash it Dies

As the old saying "cash is king" implies, without cash everything else stops or dies. If you ever find your business in a cash deficit situation you will understand exactly what we discussed in this episode. Join Ken "Mr. Biz" Wentworth and I as we discuss the vital need for an understanding of cash flow in a business. 

Profit is not Cash

'But my business is profitable!' says the owner who is missing payroll for the first time. I have heard this many times in working with business owners. I had a business owner call me one time and show me his P&L (Profit and Loss) Statement with over a hundred thousand dollars on the bottom line. His question was 'Where is it? It certainly isn't in my bank account." As troubling as this can seem, it is all too real. Actual cash on hand and profits are two different things.

There are many reasons behind this. A few of the common issues are:

1. Accounting methods - accrual vs. cash basis

2. Terms on payables and...

Delegation is Art

Art can be described as the result of the process of creation. As the dictionary describes it, art is "the expression or application of human creative skill and imagination". That is exactly what delegation is as it relates to leadership. Delegation can be considered powerful art as it not only results in creation from the leader, it also creates something much greater within the people.

Delegation is Powerful 

Power can be described as 'great strength' or as I like to say, the proper use of force. Delegation is definitely a powerful force for good when the process of delegation is followed correctly. It builds trust, grows the team and alleviates stress from you, the business leader. It allows you to do the more powerful aspects of your role. 

How to Delegate 

There is a sure fire way to undermine the power of delegation. Do it the wrong way. Short cut the process or micromanage and you would be better not to delegate at all. In actuality, that...

The Bear

In this episode, the Bear story is real. Yes, Dave and his friends faced a bear. Obviously he survived, but it could have turned out differently. You and I as business owners also face a bear of a different kind, but just as potentially deadly. Can you guess what it is?

Stress

You got it. The bear we face is stress. This bear almost took me out a few years ago. It can sneak up on you just like a bear in the woods. Seemingly it can come out of left field. It is a silent killer as it affects each of us differently. Some of us cope with different kind of dependencies that don't suit us well. Some of us just buckle down and work harder (I'm raising my hand), which is exactly the opposite of what we should do. 

Anti-Stress

There are many things we can do to combat stress. The best is rest. Yes sleep, rest and recovery are critical to our health. "But wait! We have all this work to do." Yep, that's exactly what I said, until my body forced me to shut down. Listen to me...

Simplicity is sometimes the elusive secret sauce we are yearning for in our business and life. With simplicity comes freedom of mind and energy. With simplicity comes success. 

Cornerstones of Simplicity

• Discipline
• Vision
• Mission
• Values

Discipline - the ability to stay focused on what must be done.

Vision - where you are headed. Make it clear and concise.

Mission - the purpose for which the business exists.

Values - the expectation of behaviors and the business personality.

Work on keeping your business and life as simple as possible. Say no to the opportunities that come your way, even if they are good, if they don't align with your vision, mission and values. Stay the course and focused and success is yours. 

Enjoy the Journey!

Greg

Love Work. Love Life. 

Speaking to an Audience of One

When Annemarie said the phrase "speaking to an audience of one" during the episode, it was the perfect summary of all we had been talking about in our conversation. When we are writing copy, recording a podcast or creating an email 'blast'; we should be speaking to one person. In episode 30, as I was describing my journey to getting better doing videos, part of the success I achieved was due to speaking to one person only. We always need to be intentional in doing that. They will feel it through the medium you are using as your are speaking to them. 

"Every single message needs to deliver value." - Annemarie Cross 

Messaging is Important

The importance of messaging cannot be understated. When communicating with your audience and clients, it is imperative to be crystal clear. Even if you find you have a message that resonates with your audience, but it pulls them away from your core business, you must make a change. The message and the...

Clearing the Mind of Distractions or what I call 'Spring Cleaning'

The mind is a terrible thing to waste and yet we do so everyday. When we think inappropriate thoughts for achieving success, we are wasting time and more important our energy. We cannot afford to waste our energy on thoughts that do not take us to where our vision lies. We have a mission and we need all our energy to make that happen.

Common Anti-success Thoughts

1. I need to do it myself.

2. I cannot find the right people. 

3. I am not good enough.

4. I want to do more. 

There isn't enough space to list all the errant thoughts we have. Our minds can be harnessed to be our strength or our weakness. We talked before how our thoughts become our emotions which become our actions and all that adds up to our results. We must spring clean our minds from the depleting thoughts. 

Ways to Implant Positive Thoughts

• Affirmations
• Mastermind
• Coaching
• Reading
• Podcasts
• Habits

If you need help or assistance in...