You say: “You need more online reviews.”
They think: “But how do I get them?”
You say: “Ask for the order every time.”
They think: “I’m not sure of words that would sound authentic.”
You say: “You need to coach your staff.”
They think: “But exactly how…?”
Telling people what to do is not always effective.
For real results, focus on the “how.”
When a dreadful project that nobody will touch comes across your desk, snatch it right up.
Dig in deep, untangle the knots and understand every nuance.
Become the person that does this time and time again.
And in no time you’ll be indispensable.
“You must be a secretary,” My doctor said as he flipped through my indexed and cross-referenced binder of medical tests.
“No, I just wanted you focused on my issue, instead of having to sift through a disarray of papers and lab work.”
Being strategic often means diving into the details and nuances of a project.
God is in the details.
And the details are in the weeds.
Another HT to Seth Godin for getting me to ponder “caring” and “trying” in general.
Isn’t it nice when technical support stays on the phone with you longer than they have to? Just to be sure you’ve 100% “got it.”
My husband and I work together, and often when I’m unsure or apprehensive about something I’m working on, he will silently take a seat next to me, often with his arm on my back.
It’s just so comforting to have someone there.
The book Better Than Before by Gretchen Rubin is life changing. After all, that’s all we can ever hope for – to be better than we were yesterday.
This week I struggled for hours with a nonsensical technology problem (I couldn’t get Microsoft Word to download onto my new PC!).
Now that I’ve fixed the problem, I can leverage my newly acquired information throughout my small business, so nobody else wastes their time on the same issue.
What if we looked at all problems as a way to bypass a future struggle? A way to become “better than before?”
Stated in this positive way, problems, mistakes and issues would likely become a more welcome part of our days.
We all know it’s not your job to replace the lightbulb in the office refrigerator. But imagine becoming known as the “summer intern who changed the bulb?”
Anyone can wait for direction from a supervisor.
What’s in short supply are folks who notice an issue and make it better without being asked.
Today my 21-year old son called, asking me if I had an old vacuum he could have for his new apartment.
Balloons didn’t drop from the ceiling, but they should have.
They say Finland is the world’s “happiest place.”
But what I love about owning a business, is that inside our 4 walls I’m able to create my own Finland.
And best of all, you don’t have to own a business to try this yourself:
You can practice this idea first, right in your own family.
Watching James Holzhauer dominate Jeopardy, is a reminder that the constraints and rules we often accept without question, could be all in our heads.
What rules should you be questioning?
Every business has one – a project that needs to be done, but keeps getting postponed.
If you’re a job seeker, think about targeting your dream company and suggesting that you take a stab at that overflowing pile in the corner.
It may just be the hook that finally opens the door.
