Are You a Ka-Billionaire?

I had the pleasure of visiting with the President of four large carpet stores in the Midwest . Shawn Langan is one of the most customer service oriented people I have ever seen. We had discussed several topics, not the least of which was the need for continuous marketing; ESPECIALLY during a slow economic time.

We had discussed several key elements to small business success that are essential to doing well in business, therefore making you a ka-billionaire. (OK, I have to give Shawn full credit for that word)

1. Join every networking group and chamber of commerce you can. While there is usually an investment to do so; you will have the opportunity to get to know people in your area and network with them. Shake hands, hand out business cards, and do whatever it takes to make a lasting impression.

2. Amaze the customer with outstanding service. My friend, Roger Crawford, talks about the lagniappe, that is the "extra" that someone puts into what they do. Whether it is called a baker's dozen, a complimentary loaner car while yours is being repaired, or giving someone a small gift just to brighten their day; it all makes a difference! Nurture that relationship!!

3. Share your vision with your staff AND the public! There is nothing that moves something forward more quickly than a concrete vision. If you lack vision, you are held in a holding pattern. If you have a strong vision and are able to communicate it effectively, heaven and earth will move for you to achieve it!

We can all take lessons from Shawn's "Ka-billionaire" philosophy. Even if you are not in business, use these principals at your workplace to become indispensable!


Think on it

Shef
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How About Those Scooby Ears?

I loved the cartoon Scooby Doo. You never knew what might pop up, what crazy man or woman may feel the urge to don a mask and scare people, or wonder how the heck the Scooby gang put gas in that crazy van of theirs (they didn't work!?) One thing was for sure, though; you knew at some point in the program, Scooby would hear something and perk up his ears. Many times this tip or clue would help solve whatever mystery needed to be unraveled.

Are you using Scooby ears in your world? What are you putting into your Scooby ears? Do you fill them with positive, motivating, or empowering things? Or are you like most people and listen to television, radio, news, and gossip? If you have seen my live programs you know my stance on watching to and listening to the news. Here is an amazing stat: 90% of Americans are UNAFFECTED by the recession! Would you believe that 90% of Americans are UNAFFECTED by the recession? This is the part where I lose most of you, "Well that can't be...CNN said..." I admire what Zig Ziglar said, "The media has accurately reported 32 of the last 3 recessions!"

Here is my challenge to you: tune into the greatness of things. Keep your ears perked for more business, more opportunities to help, more ways to network. I would recommend that you perk up the Scooby ears and see how your outlook changes!

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What Can 30 Minutes Do For You?

I love hearing people say, "I don't have any time!" If you ask 100 people what they would like if they had only one wish, (other than 50 more wishes...) it would be to have a bit more time in the day. I realize that many of us don't even have the term "bored" in our lexicon! I did a bit of thinking, and realized that in 30 minutes per day you can:
-Exercise...If you haven't in a while, put on the gym shoes and walk around the block!
-Learn a new language
-Take some time to "recharge" yourself by reading, relaxing, or meditating
-Invest it with your kids, making them feel totally loved
-Invest it with your significant other, showing them how much you love them
-Come up with an idea that could change the direction of your life
-Brighten someone's day unexpectedly with a compliment, card, or a smile
-Sharpen your ability at something from "good" to "great"

On that subject, I really have to tell you how much I admire the dedication of high school athletes. Branson is an amazing 15 year old baseball, wrestler, football player. During spring break when most 15 year olds want to hang out with the back of their eye lids; he is training for the upcoming baseball season. His (and everyone on his team) dedication really shined when he was wrestling. He'd be up and out at 6am, work out, full day of school, then practice after that. What dedication! The result of this was awesome. He is one sharp wrestler. (I'm not just saying that because he could have me on the ground screaming "uncle" in 5 seconds). Check out some of the moves captured at sectionals. Watch Video

That extra 30 minutes can mean all the difference in the world. Something to ponder...
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Are You Selling the Sizzle

It absolutely amazes me at how many business owners take the "Field of Dreams" approach to business. They figure, "If we build it; they will come." How stupid. When you have a product or service, you need to let the world know why they need it! Think about the pet rock. Come on, who would have known that people could live without a rock. The reason why the inventor became a millionaire is because he sold the "sizzle" of owning a rock.

Are you focusing on letting people know the features or details about your product or service, or are you selling them on the benefits? Do colleges tell people about how great the tests are and the textbooks are? NO! They tout the experiences and the benefits of the educational experience; both inside and outside of the classroom.

In my "From a Shoestring to a Pot of Gold" small business seminar, I bring someone up and put a hat on their head with a big "SO WHAT" sign attached to it. We then have several audience members come up and tell that person about their business. (10 second commercial). The minute they start going into too much detail, I remind them of the big "SO WHAT" sign.

More food for thought...

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Can It Really Wait?

Last week we returned from the grocery store, only to discover that the milk we had just purchased had a small leak in it. It didn't seem like much. We thought that only a small amount of milk had leaked into the back of the car. Not a big deal. Until it actually warmed up this week. You see, when the milk spilled, it was 15 degrees outside. Frozen milk does not smell. However, when the temperature climbed this week it produced quite and aroma!

I shampooed and cleaned everything out yesterday, and it now smells like citrus instead of vomit; but it got me thinking.... What are some things in my life that may seem small and "not a big deal" that will cause problems later? Here are a few things:
1. Run drainage hose on the sump pump far away from the house before the spring rains come.
2. Finish creating and set up a market plan for my next product.
3. Provide Tamara (my assistant) with EVERYTHING she needs to promote, market, and follow up with speaking clients.
4. Do my physical therapy exercises to speed the recovery of my running and shoulder injury.

These are just a few.

I really like the song, "Don't Stop Thinking About Tomorrow" by Fleetwood Mack. Remember that what you are doing today is laying the foundation for tomorrow. Tony and I had an opportunity to catch up with Mick Fleetwood prior to an event in Las Vegas.

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Can I Pay You $50 to Workout for Me?

What a crazy week it has been. We are training to run a 1/2 marathon, and the training started last weekend. (In theory) I can't speak for Shelly, but I have been catching a case of "busy" lately. I'm busy with conference calls, meetings, speaking engagements, dealings with publishers, etc. All of the sudden, I don't have time for a workout! My assistant, Tamara, keeps telling me I should delegate more to her. Immediately I thought of my workout. Wouldn't it be great if you could do that?

Yesterday I had the pleasure of seeing one of my closest friends and a great inspiration, Dr. John Byrne, speak. He has ran Leadville. For those of you who don't know what Leadville is, it is a 100 mile run that must be completed in 30 hours beginning and ending in Leadville, CO. The training and dedication that he put into it is nothing short of awesome. I also met 3 new friends who are running the thing this year. John DeDoncker, Tom Waterman, and Doug Himmelman. These guys have nothing to do but train. Actually, I'm just kidding. John is the president of a bank, Tom is an attorney, and Doug is an accountant. These guys do "short" runs of 25-30 miles to warm up. Quite frankly, I wonder where they store their battery packs, because I am only training to do 13.1!

Needless to say, you can sell yourself on anything. Either that you are too busy to take control of your physical destiny or that you are the only person who can do anything about your physical destiny. Think about it. I'm throwing on the running gear now....

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For more information about booking The Shef for your next event, visit http://www.theshef.com
or call our offices at 1-800-863-2591.

Are You Throwing Money Out the Window?

I was visiting with one of my coaching clients yesterday. She was telling me that she feels awkward asking for referrals after she completes a sale. Many people in sales think that if they just ask their customer to introduce them to friends or colleagues who may benefit from the product or service, it will blow their sale out of the water.

If you have worked your business right and view it as a series of relationships instead of transactions, that will never happen. I simply told this client to drive down the road, reach into her purse and throw some cash out of the window while saying "I didn't ask for a referral!"

Think about it; a client is "hottest" right after their have purchased from you. Why not use this to your advantage and let them help you grow your business!

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For more information about booking The Shef for your next event, visit http://www.theshef.com
or call our offices at 1-800-863-2591.