In a climate of tight budgets, reduced workforces and stiff competition, internal training can be a great substitute for costly offsite workshops and conferences.
I've known entrepreneurs who were not great salespeople, or didn't know how to code, or were not particularly charismatic leaders. But I don't know of any entrepreneurs who have achieved any level of success without persistence and determination.
Most fears of rejection rest on the desire for approval from other people. Don't base your self-esteem on their opinions.
It's nice to be important, but more important to be nice. You don't know who your top customers will be five years from now or where you will be in 10 years. You may have a fancy title, but you will always need help from the people around you.
Worrying about the past or the future isn't productive. When you start chastising yourself for past mistakes, or seeing disaster around every corner, stop and take a breath and ask yourself what you can do right now to succeed.
Give your subconscious a chance to work by turning your brain off from time to time. Don't focus on work or solving problems constantly.
There is a time to provide advice and offer an opinion, and there is a time not to. Don't be too quick to offer unsolicited advice. It certainly will not endear you to people.
The cost of praising someone is nil - but every psychological study shows the payoff is huge.
The employees who share innovative ideas may also be the folks who have some hidden talents that would help incorporate their suggestions.
In a litigation-happy society, clear agreements often prevent small disagreements from becoming big ones.
No one ever wants to see his or her name linked to anything bad. Conscience is like a baby. It has to go to sleep before you can.
If you believe, as I do, that your employees truly are your most valuable asset, you will do whatever you can to help them do their jobs as well as possible.
Humility is becoming a lost art, but it's not difficult to practice. It means that you realize that others have been involved in your success.
Pay attention to those employees who respectfully ask why. They are demonstrating an interest in their jobs and exhibiting a curiosity that could eventually translate into leadership ability.
Expect to make some mistakes when you try new and different approaches. Sometimes colossal failures lead to spectacular successes.
Good intentions aren't enough. People have good intentions when they set a goal to do something, but then they miss a deadline or other milestone.
You don't need a big close, as many sales reps believe. You risk losing your customer when you save all the good stuff for the end. Keep the customer actively involved throughout your presentation, and watch your results improve.
If you want people to know how much you care, show them how much you remember. Learn their names and use them often. It's an important skill to develop.
I've learned that people will seldom let you down if they understand that your destiny is in their hands, and vice versa.
Delegating doesn't mean passing off work you don't enjoy, but letting your employees stretch their skills and judgment.
