Article: The Power Of Being Proactive In Your Business

Have you ever been the customer of a company that always seemed to be one or two steps ahead of you? As a business owner yourself, do you remember how wonderful this experience was? Do you recall how it instilled within you a sense of confidence, peace of mind and a strong desire to do business with them again?

Businesses that truly care about their customer’s well-being and satisfaction operate with their heads up. They are proactive and always looking ahead when it comes to improving their customer service. Companies that operate from this perspective are able to foresee the needs and wants of their customers, and they take the actions to meet or exceed them without being asked.

I recently had a very satisfying experience with a local accounting firm that left me feeling absolutely sure I had made the best choice in hiring them. The customer service they provided me is so rare, that it immediately placed them in a solid standing in my mind.

From the moment I walked into their office - from the receptionist on - to interview one of the partners, the atmosphere, attitude, level of competence and caring for me as a potential customer was obvious. I left that initial consult feeling strongly that it would be wise for me to hire them. I did do further investigation of other accounting agencies, but each subsequent experience only strengthened my original belief.

In preparation for filing my taxes, I had gathered all of my tax documents and then put them away to wait for the rest of my w-9’s to arrive. In the meantime, I left for vacation, and filing my corporate returns by March 15th slipped from my mind. On the 17th, having realized this oversight, I once again contacted the one firm I believed so strongly was right for me.

I scheduled a follow-up appointment to meet with the partner and share my situation with her. Much to my surprise, I discovered that she had the foresight to file an extension for me, even without knowing for certain whether or not I was going to do business with them. Imagine my surprise, pleasure and absolute gratitude that they had been so caring, thoughtful, and thorough. The icing on the cake was the fact that their proactive actions saved me hundreds of dollars.

In addition, they entertained several questions from me regarding items of uncertainty in regard to the year end filing they completed for me, and they fielded each question without hesitation or groans of frustration. The entire experience from beginning to end was rare indeed!

I recently - and happily - sent off my payment for the services they had rendered without reservation or doubt. This is because I viewed it more as a sound investment in a high quality business relationship - one that has, already, made my life easier and more satisfying.

This firm’s foresight and concern for my well-being led them to take actions that anticipated my wants and needs. Because of the minimal investment of time and resources on their part, they surpassed my desires and gained a loyal, referring client. They had my back, and I most definitely have theirs.

I, for one, can’t imagine going anywhere else to have my taxes done. I am grateful to Denise Downey and the entire team at Grand Mesa CPA’s and I look forward to a long and mutually beneficial relationship with them. If you are in need of, or simply want a top notch experience with an accounting firm, I highly recommend you give Denise and her dedicated team of professionals a call.

Their story of exceptional service is an excellent example of how businesses have the potential to create a market dominating position through proactive customer service that goes “above and beyond”. When a business delivers such extreme value, the customer cannot possibly think of going anywhere else to have their needs met.

Through customized programs that include goal-oriented coaching, strategic consulting and innovative training, I can work with you to position your company or organization to hire true talent, access team member potential, develop communication skills and build a solid framework for the exceptional customer service that attracts customers and keeps them coming back. Together, we can build a market dominating position that will grow your company and position you heads and shoulders above the rest.

Coaching Tip #740

Have you noticed how quickly time is going? Do you ever say to yourself, "Where did the month go?" The older we get the faster the years fly by. This fact reinforces the importance of living each moment to the fullest. You cannot take today with you - "Time waits for no man" - so it is imperative that you soak up each day of your life as fully as you can. If there is something you really want to experience go for it! Make the most of your precious time by being in the moment, because that is where your life is happening.

Coaching Tip #739

Things certainly can stack up quickly. What once was a balanced and steady day or week can rapidly become filled with appointments and tasks that will overwhelm you if you let them. Catch yourself falling into a frenzied state and step back for a fresh perspective of all that's on your plate. Then, prioritize the must-do's, look for and create solutions to your scheduling conflicts, and consciously work to bring balance to your life once again. Rather than trying to be perfect, do your best with the circumstances at hand.

Coaching Tip #738

The value of any given day in your life is defined only by you. Circumstances and others will have an impact however; it is you who will decide whether this affects you positively or negatively. The power to define your day is in your hands, and your decision to use it wisely will lead to a day on your terms.

Coaching Tip #737

Doing something you have never done before - venturing into the unknown - can be uncomfortable, unsettling and even scary. However, once you’ve had the experience your fear subsides or disappears. Every time you face a personal fear and move through it, the power it once had over you becomes yours. Empower yourself by courageously taking on fear.

Coaching Tip #736

Have you noticed how great it feels when someone gives you praise - how it fills you up and motivates you to keep doing that behavior they appreciate? Praise works in the other direction as well. Look for reasons to appreciate the solid efforts of those around you. People aren't perfect, but when they give their best reward them with the fulfilling and motivating power of your praise. Positive reinforcement works wonders.

Coaching Tip #735

Why tolerate problems, when you can entertain solutions? Most people do not want "problems" and become discouraged when they appear. Rather than letting the challenges you face pile up and take you down, give thanks for the opportunities they present, and point your mind in the direction of a solution. When you solidly place your powerful focus on a solution you will move past your problem.

Coaching Tip #734

Disruptions or disturbances in human relationships can largely be traced back to assumptions and miscommunications. Assumptions are judgments based on a lack of information that can lead to huge misunderstandings and hurt feelings. Rather than assuming anything about another, choose to engage the person - ask questions to gain the powerful clarity that creates understanding and allows relationships to flourish.

Coaching Tip #733

Embrace whatever life may bring your way with a deep gratitude for being alive to meet it. What happens in life is not always pleasant or what you most desire, but it is YOUR LIFE. Engaging your particular circumstances with courage, optimism and a happy disposition will allow you to make the best of this gift called life.

Coaching Tip #732

No matter the "weather" outside, it is the mental and emotional weather within you that determines the quality of your reality. You are not in control of things outside of you, but you do have the ability to be in control of your thoughts, actions, words and feelings. Give up any desire you might have for control over things outside yourself, and instead, seek greater control of the things within you. Create the weather - the internal reality - of YOUR choosing.

Coaching Tip #731

Starting your day off on a positive and happy note is very important to how the rest of your day will turn out. The mindset that you enter your day with has the tendency to snowball, therefore, make sure you are heading in the direction you most want to go. As you enter each NEW day, set your course from the very beginning - open your heart and mind to possibility and the wonders of life - and guide yourself down a path that will lead you to a positive day in your life.

Coaching Tip #730

There are strong passions within you but, between you and the fulfillment of them are often obstacles, excuses or perceived reasons why you can't engage your passions. However, there are also reasons why you can. Where you focus you attention and efforts and, what you believe is of great importance. Focus on the "can do's" in life, and not on the "can't do's", and you will find ways to live the passion filled life you desire.

Article: Assessing Your Team And Developing Their Potential

Do you want to increase the productivity of your team? Would discovering the specific areas for the training and development of your staff that would deliver the greatest return on your investment appeal to you? Have you ever wished you had access to clear cut information that would allow you to place your team members in positions where they would be the happiest and most effective? Would you like to improve communication and build a cohesive team that works toward the satisfaction of your customers on a consistent basis?

One of the biggest challenges that you face in creating a company that stands head and shoulders above the rest, is a lack of credible, unbiased information. It’s what you don’t know that really limits your potential. When considering the future growth of your business, having clear, powerful and accurate information that positions you to develop the best team possible is a key to your success.

Assessments that measure behaviors, not personality, are the best choice. In particular, the DISC family of assessments is the top of the line in accuracy, comprehensiveness and usefulness when it comes to accomplishing great developmental feats with your personnel.

The most comprehensive assessment available is the TTI TriMetrix® HD Coaching Report. This Particular assessment provides powerful information on the behaviors of team members, what motivates them, business Acumen and their top 25 competencies.

• Behavior: The HOW

“With the behavioral results from a TriMetrix HD assessment, individuals learn to understand, appreciate and adapt their behavioral style for effective communication. Based on the DISC theory, behavior is measured in four dimensions - dominance, influence, steadiness and compliance - which are translated into a hierarchy of twelve behavioral traits scored on a 10-point scale. The results enhance the hiring and staff development processes by revealing how an individual will perform. Furthermore, behavioral coaching empowers individuals to take action towards future professional growth.”

• Motivators: The WHY

“Motivators are the drivers of our behavior, or what motivates our actions. Motivators are measured in six distinct areas: theoretical, utilitarian, aesthetic, social, individualistic and traditional. With the knowledge of motivators, you can encourage team members in a way that satisfies their inner drive right from the start. The results will benefit both hiring and coaching initiatives by revealing why an individual acts the way they do, or what motivates their behavior.”

• Business Acumen Indicator: The CAN

“The TriMetrix HD Talent assessment is unique in its ability to assess how astutely a person analyzes and interprets their experiences. A person’s acumen, or keenness and depth of perception or discernment, is directly related to their level of performance. The stronger a person’s acumen, the more aware they are of their reality in both their external and internal world. This report will give insight into the thought processes of the individual that affect performance. This reveals what they can do, describing their potential for superior performance. TriMetrix HD can reveal potential they possess that may not have been utilized on the job yet.”

• Competencies/Talents: The WHAT

“The TriMetrix HD Report describes what an individual’s strengths are in 25 research-based capacities, or personal skills, that are directly related to the business environment. Through the assessment of an individual’s own personal skills, this quantitative measurement tool analyzes each capacity on three levels: mastery, some mastery and no mastery. The top skills outlined in the report highlight individuals’ well developed capabilities and reveal the areas where they are most effective. When used as a benchmarking tool, this component helps ensure the inherent skills of each individual match the personal skills required by the job.”

As you can see, these assessments provide you, the business owner, with high quality, unbiased information that is critical in hiring, placing and developing your team members successfully. The TriMetrix HD Report provides a level of understanding and clarity that you, and your team, cannot get anywhere else. This powerful information creates greater buy-in, while increasing productivity, talent retention, and team building.

The positive impact on business performance is exceptional. The companies I work with have never experienced anything less than “amazing results” after having gone through the assessment and overview process, in addition to my accompanying coaching/training program that positions individuals for success. Contact me today, and let’s take you, your team and your business to the next level.

Coaching Tip #729

Doing work you love, and that you can stand behind with full integrity is vitally important, making money is necessary and, so is taking time away from both to engage, explore and enjoy your life. In the midst of all you do work wise, make sure to carve out time to entertain your passions. Remember to refresh yourself - to fill up your tank with the activities and people that you enjoy the most.

Coaching Tip #728

Have you noticed that when you bring focus to anything you are doing that you always do it better, and are more satisfied with the result? Allowing yourself to become distracted is easy, but it leaves you in a situation that is displeasing. Develop your ability to focus by catching yourself becoming distracted, stopping it and redirecting yourself to focus on the task or activity at hand. Over time, you will create a habit of focusing and everything you do will be of greater quality and, you will feel a wonderful sense of accomplishment.

Coaching Tip #727

There is something magical about a beautiful spring morning such as this. The tinkling of leaves in the gentle breeze, the sunny blue sky, the cool warmth of the air and the slow movement of things all draw you into a calmness that is deeply soothing. Soak up every moment of peace and contentment that you can, because they sweeten your life and strengthen you for the times when things are not so calm and gentle.

Coaching Tip #726

In order to get what you want, you must first know what you want and then, take actions that will bring your desires to fruition. Create some quiet time to write out what you long for. After you have listed everything you want, focus in on the top 1-3 that will improve your life the most, and state why. Next, write out the action steps that you will take in the direction of your stated desires, and follow them wholeheartedly. Your greatest life awaits you, go get it.

Coaching Tip #725

There is a solution to every "problem" you will face in life, as long as you are willing to look for one. The key here is to focus on the solution, and not, the problem itself. When you fixate on a problem it grows and you become blind to possible solutions. However, as you turn your attention toward what you want - a solution to your problem - ways to overcome your obstacle appear. Stay focused on what you want, and what you want will become your reality.

Coaching Tip #724

Trust is an amazing thing. When it exists, and is nurtured between people relationships are strong, challenges are easily overcome and great accomplishments are made. When trust does not exist, or is destroyed relationships are weakened, obstacles abound, and there is a lack of accomplishment and fulfillment. Work to build and enhance trust, so that you may create mutually beneficial relationships and experience the tremendous satisfaction that comes with them.

Coaching Tip #723

What happened yesterday is not nearly as important as what you will do, and the outcomes you will create today. Focus all of your attention on this day in your life, choose your thoughts, actions and words wisely, and build toward what you want in all the areas of your life. Come tomorrow, today will be your past - build the past and future you want, today.

Coaching Tip #722

Things do not always happen according to your plans or expectations, which can cause disappointment, frustration and even anger. There is no doubt that countless days have gone awry due to the negative thoughts and emotions that accompany unmet expectations. When this occurs, use your self-awareness to catch, stop and redirect yourself toward an empowered mindset. Be grateful you are alive, find the positives in the course of events, look for a solution to your situation and stay on track with the reality you desire.

Coaching Tip #721

The very fact that you are alive means that you are having an impact on reality. All of the people you interact with on a daily basis are either positively or negatively impacted by who you choose to be with them. Choose to be the best version of yourself at all times and you will not only be positively affecting the reality of others, but yours as well.