“Norm was extremely helpful in repairing my laptop. He is friendly, his prices are very competitive and he delivered his service in a fast and effective manner. He also conveniently came to my location and was able to fix a number of technical and start up issues my laptop was facing. I would definitely recommend […]
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4 Things a Business Owner Can Do to Improve Employee Performance
Every business owner must make sure that employees are performing to their fullest. Over time, successful business owners have shared many tips and advice to help improve your employees’ performance, but motivating your employees to get there is not an easy task. It is a daunting challenge and requires patience and great leadership skills. While […]
Annual Reviews or Constant Feedback?
Here comes a controversial subject. How often do you take the time to rate your direct reports? Is it worth the time and effort when measured from the perspective of the company and of the employee? In terms of time, this can be expensive and disruptive to you and your direct reports. In terms of […]
Coaching Has a Shelf Life
We are most effective in coaching when we are focused on an observable behavior. That is, “I observed you doing this…” “When this happens, you tend to do…” “What would happen if…” Observable behaviors critical to effective coaching. They provide the context for the conversation. But observable behaviors have a shelf life, or use by […]
The Only True Way to Thrive in Business
For a business to survive there must be a blueprint in place to keep you afloat. Within the business plan are a number of variables that play a part in how your business works. You must be mindful of these things in order to keep your business going in the right direction. Any time that […]
3 Ways to Engage Customers After the Sale
Conventional advice says it costs five times more to acquire a new customer than retain a current one. Yet companies often invest more time and energy into gaining new customers instead of keeping the ones they have. This strategy is unsustainable for companies in the long-term. An influx of new customers is always great, but […]
Continuous Feedback Bests Annual Performance Review
If you have any responsibility for managing staff in today’s organizations, you have likely experienced the dysfunction of the “once and done” performance appraisal or performance review process. It’s no longer adequate to begrudgingly conduct a performance appraisal once a year. Your employees want (and deserve) much more frequent feedback about their performance. Old school […]
10 Strategies for Rebounding from Startup Failures
If you can’t deal with failure, then the entrepreneur lifestyle is not for you. Don’t believe that urban myth that all you need is a good idea, a little fun work, and the money will start rolling in. When you are pushing the limits, nobody gets it right the first time, or even maybe the […]
How to Build and Promote a Culture of Learning
Creating a culture of learning is stressed as important at the start of childhood development, but continued education is also vital to professionals — especially on a personal level. A culture of learning provides a rich and dynamic environment that affects employee happiness and productivity — how they innovate, create and why. When employees feel […]
7 Keys to Success with an Employee Ownership Culture
One of the lessons I have learned over the years as a business executive, and now as a mentor to entrepreneurs, is that if you really want employees who enthusiastically take ownership of their work, you have to start treating them like owners, not renters. Owners feel they have skin in the game, and benefit […]
