Spice Your Business
September 30, 2009 | Leave a Comment
If you would like to:
- become more focused, efficient & effective in growing your business
- improve your profitability
- take your business in new directions
- build a culture of leadership throughout your company
- start a new business the right way
let me assist you!
I have been helping entrepreneurs develop & grow their own companies for over 25 years! It is my passion.
In 2007, the U.S. Small Business Administration recognized my commitment to assisting small businesses by naming me their Women in Business Champion of the Year for the State of Louisiana.
Together, we can identify & evaluate your options – based on your specific strengths & available resources — & craft a personalized development plan that produces the most efficient results possible.
* * *
I can offer your trade association numerous small business seminars or presentations including: 
- Ignite Your Sales with the Business Development Strategy that’s Right for You!
- Creating the Right Spice Blend: Product/Service Offerings that Can Double Your Profits!
- 15 Hot Marketing Strategies that Won’t Overheat Your Budget
- What Were They Thinking? Understanding How and Why Clients Buy
- Taking Ownership: Instilling a Culture of Leadership From the Ground Up
Strategize for Success Conference
September 28, 2009 | Leave a Comment
I am so excited to be a part of the Succeeding Women’s Strategize for Success Conference to be held Friday, March 20th at the W Hotel. Read more and register at www.StrategizeforSuccess.com!
Spice Your Business
September 28, 2009 | Leave a Comment
If you would like to:
- become more focused, efficient & effective in growing your business
- improve your profitability
- take your business in new directions
- build a culture of leadership throughout your company
- start a new business the right way
let me assist you!
I have been helping entrepreneurs develop & grow their own companies for over 25 years! It is my passion.
In 2007, the U.S. Small Business Administration recognized my commitment to assisting small businesses by naming me their Women in Business Champion of the Year for the State of Louisiana.
Together, we can identify & evaluate your options – based on your specific strengths & available resources — & craft a personalized development plan that produces the most efficient results possible.
* * *
I can offer your trade association numerous small business seminars or presentations including:
- Ignite Your Sales with the Business Development Strategy that’s Right for You!
- Creating the Right Spice Blend: Product/Service Offerings that Can Double Your Profits!
- 15 Hot Marketing Strategies that Won’t Overheat Your Budget
- What Were They Thinking? Understanding How and Why Clients Buy
- Taking Ownership: Instilling a Culture of Leadership From the Ground Up
When You Tune Out, You Lose Out
August 3, 2009 | Leave a Comment
When I ask participants in my leadership development programs to list the qualities and characteristics of an outstanding leader, they always list “good listener” in the top ten.
As a team member, leader, manager, (or “wanna be”), one of the most important skills you can develop is your ability to listen effectively. Often we’re so busy barking out directions, delegating, and giving instructions, we don’t think about taking the time to listen to what another person is trying to tell us.
By becoming a better listener, you will increase your own productivity, as well as that of your team. You will improve your ability to influence, persuade, and negotiate. What’s more, you’ll avoid conflict and misunderstandings and be able to resolve problems with customers, co-workers, and bosses – all necessary for workplace success.
Clearly, listening is a skill that we can all benefit from improving. You probably spend more time using your listening skills than any other kind of skill. Like other skills, listening takes practice.Who knows? Improving your listening skills may even enhance your personal relationships! All I know is that when you tune out, you lose out!
5 Simple Sales Strategies During a Recession (5-Part Series) By Tiffanie Z. Lyon, MBA
June 9, 2009 | Leave a Comment
PART 1
1. Develop and Nurture Existing Customers
We all know it’s easier to develop and deepen existing customer relationships than to go out and find new ones, especially during a recession. Now’s the time to look more closely at your existing client base and analyze them. Who spends the most? Who buys most frequently? With whom do you have the best chemistry or relationship and why?
Once you’ve re-connected with your customer base analytically, then reach out to them and discover additional needs they may have. You could be in a prime position to cross-sell or up-sell additional services that they may not have even realized you offer. Conduct a mid-year analysis or review with them.
It’s also a good idea to ask your best customers for a referral. But remember to show that you appreciate their business and also narrow the request down for them. It’s easier to think of people and companies when the universe is narrowed down versus asking, “who do you know who may be interested in my services?” For example, “Tom, you’ve been a long-time customer of ours and we sure appreciate your business. Who do you recommend I speak to in this office complex/on this street/in your Rotary Club who may be interested in our services? A referral from you would bring the kind of people we love to work with.”
Dig deeper within the organizations of your customers. Be certain you know all the players and have a connection “up the ladder.” For example, you may have a great relationship with a key person at the client company, but you really have never met any one else, such as the divisional manager or president. It’s important to have the endorsement of top management in case things change or your primary contact loses their job. A strategic approach is needed since you may be going over the head of your contact. This can be done, if it’s approached the correct way. Ask your contact if they can help you arrange a meeting with them, as well as a couple other key people. You should know who this people are if you know your customers well. Position the meeting as a way you are providing value-added service to your best customers, while stressing the importance of getting to know your customers even better. Offer a mini-training session, a product demonstration or something else considered value-added for them. Also, say that you want their input and feedback on how you can improve your products and services. This should warrant a meeting with several key players and keep your foot sturdy in this customer relationship.
Send your customer referrals when possible and do business with them, when possible. This shows your dedication and loyalty to helping your customers grow their businesses. They WILL remember these small efforts.
Send your customers cards often. In this electronic age, we seldom get snail mail letters and cards. Send a note letting your customers know how much you appreciate their business.
These are just a few things you can do to develop and deepen customer relationships. Keeping current customers happy is important at all times, but especially during a recession. What do YOU do to develop and deepen customer relationships??? Please share!
It’s All about Connections by Myra Corrello, PhD
May 27, 2009 | 1 Comment
Do you ever find yourself trying to cram 3 weeks of work into 3 days?
Welcome to my world.
When I hop on the plane Friday morning, I’ll probably pass out from exhaustion. Until then, I can only say “thank you” to everyone in my life who has made these days doable.
I really don’t know how anyone can function without the support and collaboration from a professional network.
One business partner reminded me of a critical discount program that I hadn’t bothered to join that, today, is saving me substantial money on one project.
Another partner introduced me to a virtual assistant who seems to have no limits to her knowledge, her talents, and her ability to help you solve your problem – no matter how challenging. She’s now assisting me in bringing projects to fruition that have sat on the back-burner for years.
That VA introduced me to a graphic designer who has stayed up with me till the wee hours of the morning for the last 3 nights finishing more major projects.
Another colleague dropped by Monday with her new illustrator and before I knew it, they were rolling up their sleeves critiquing and revising every piece of my work in process – with remarkable results.
Last week, a professional speaker colleague shared a new publishing source that is, as we speak, helping me create my first magazine – to be delivered, amazingly, this Saturday. Three days turnaround. Unbelievable.
A conference exhibitor expert introduced me to her favorite print broker. Today, she’ll deliver 3 completed print projects that would have taken me months to coordinate and oversee on my own.
Whew! It makes me dizzy to think about the amount of work we all manage at any given time. Where would we be without those around us who seem to have the right answer, the right word, the right resource – when we need it?
Instead of being overwhelmed, I’m overwhelmingly grateful.
Who are your most valued professional resources? What areas of your work could benefit from someone to share a tip, lend a hand, give you a new perspective or connect you to another?
When you feel you’re drowning in a sea of work, don’t forget to ask for help. Be open to whatever comes your way and be gracious in accepting those gifts. You never know when you might be able to save someone else’s day.
The Power of Pushing Yourself
May 25, 2009 | Leave a Comment
Are you challenging yourself to go beyond your comfort zone? Often, we progress to a place where we feel that we are competent and confident, and then kick back and relax.
Now is no time for complacency! In tough economic times, your organization needs individuals who are proactive, adaptable, and who offer creative solutions to help the organization build and maintain a competitive edge. That likely means that you will have to push yourself beyond your comfort zone.
We recently enjoyed a ski vacation in New Mexico. A Louisiana bayou girl doesn’t get much practice skiing, but I managed to improve my technique – on the “green”, beginner slopes. However, I knew I needed to challenge myself to loftier goals.
In tackling the “blue” slopes, I experienced fear, reluctance, and a longing for the comfortable green slopes. I knew the beginner slopes would become boring, and besides, it’s embarrassing to have your kids swooshing past you! With persistence, I became more adept and confident. Soon, I was feeling a sense of exhilaration and pride as I, too, did my own version of swooshing down the mountain.
As a leader, you cannot afford to become complacent. Volunteer for new assignments. Seek out professional development opportunities. Think about stepping out of your comfort zone and really pushing yourself to achieve greater success and provide greater value to your organization.
Here’s to your success!
Jennifer
The Power of Priorities
May 18, 2009 | Leave a Comment
What have you said ‘Yes’ to in your work that you probably shouldn’t have?
Successful people realize that they can do ANYTHING, but they can’t do EVERYTHING! Are you trying to do it all? Do you tend to get bogged down in the “thick of thin things”?
My husband and I recently spent an afternoon weeding and pruning the shrubs in our yard. Getting rid of pesky weeds allows the bedding plants room to spread out and thrive. Just as pruning allows the shrub to grow fuller and bloom more abundantly next season, so pruning in your life will allow you to thrive and excel in those areas most important to you.
The key to moving forward fast is prioritizing. Ask yourself,
- Is this the best use of my time right now?
- Could someone else handle this task more efficiently and effectively?
- Is there something that I could be doing that only I can do well?
- Is this activity making full use of my talents and abilities?
How are you spending your time, energy, and resources? Are you making the most of each day? What have you said ‘yes’ to in your work that you probably shouldn’t have?
Essentially it’s all about priorities. The choice is up to you.
To your success,
Jennifer
The Power of a Positive Outlook
May 11, 2009 | Leave a Comment
In the rough seas of today’s economy, many are moaning about how bad things are. Why not take the approach of mind over matter? I know you can’t pull the covers over your head and hope that it will all go away. What I’m suggesting is that you focus on what you can do for your organization, rather than what you can’t do.
I recently went on a Caribbean cruise, and before leaving, my cruising mates were concerned about a hurricane heading in our direction. I was anticipating this vacation so much that I did not want to hear it. I didn’t watch forecasts and continued packing bathing suits and sunscreen.
As a leader, your role is to guide your ship through the stormy seas. Here are a few of my tips to help you navigate these turbulent waters:
- Communicate clearly to your employees.
- Share the forecast.
- Ask for their input.
- Challenge team members to be creative
- Reaffirm your commitment to them and to the organization
Henry Ford said “Whether you think you can, or you think you can’t, you’re probably right.” I totally believe in this philosophy.
By the way, we never did encounter the hurricane!
Here’s to sunny skies and smooth sailing ahead!
Jennifer
Set Leadership Goals for the New Year, by Jennifer H. Ledet, SPHR
January 29, 2009 | Leave a Comment
Well, it’s that time again. The time of year when we all sit down and write out some New Year’s resolutions. Ugh!
This year, think in terms of your career. Why not plan to become a better leader in the coming year? Why not plot ways to make your organization more employee-friendly? Even if you’re not in a leadership position yet, you can commit to some of these goals that would enhance your potential for promotion.
• Reward/recognize employees. If you’re already recognizing employees, set yourself a goal to do so more often. Recognize employees for “going the extra mile”, for having a pleasant attitude toward work, or just for being dependable and reliable. You don’t have to spend a lot of money. A handwritten note or a sticky note on their desk or phone can go a long way!
• Commit to investing in your own professional development. Attend seminars, workshops, classes, online courses, etc. No matter what your industry, you need to stay up-to-date with current trends. And everybody can use a refresher on leadership and management skills from time to time.
• Commit to investing in your employees’ professional development. If your budget allows, provide opportunities for your employees to attend seminars, workshops, and classes. You may even opt to have workshops conducted in-house, which provides a great opportunity for employees to get together and network while they learn a new skill.
• Participate in industry and professional organizations and encourage your employees to join and get involved. Getting involved in industry and professional organizations offers employees the opportunity to broaden their perspective and may help them to generate more innovative ways for getting their job done.
• Read professional and personal development books. As an avid reader, my biggest problem is which book to read first. I believe that reading a wide variety of books will make you a well-rounded person and certainly a more knowledgeable and articulate leader. Set yourself a goal of reading a certain number of books per week/month/year.
• Ask for, and really listen to feedback from your employees. One of the top ten factors in determining employee satisfaction is the feeling that the employee is “in” on things. Often, employees have great ideas for improving productivity, innovative solutions to problems and a thorough understanding of operations. By asking for their input, you may not only be improving employee morale, you may just be improving your bottom line!
• Sit down with your employees and map out performance goals for them. My favorite quote on this subject comes from Yogi Berra, “If you don’t know where you’re going, you might not get there”. Anyway, you get my point: employees need to have some direction and certainly need to know what you expect of them.
So, what leadership goals have you set for the New Year? You know, success with any skill doesn’t happen by accident. You have to plan for it. Let me hear your plans for improvement. You may inspire others to reach higher!
To Your Success,
Jennifer
