Chamber Initiative: Good News In Memphis

With a goal of 100 members in the Chairman’s Circle, paying $25,000 each per year, the $2.5 million annual fund will enable the Chamber to drive job growth more effectively than local government can, while weaning itself from local government funding.

Jim Clifton: Good News In Memphis

According to keynoter Jim Clifton, chairman and CEO of Gallup, the nation’s best known opinion taker, the leading desire of people across the world is a good job — not world peace or religious freedom — which he discussed as a major societal shift in his best-selling book, “The Coming Jobs War.”

Good News In Memphis: Entrepreneurial Push

At the Chamber’s new Job Fuel Conference on February 20, Clifton challenged the 300 business leaders to begin properly, saying, “Define a valid premise for action…so Memphis can continue to grow…(and) be one of the best cities in the world.”

Clifton stated that entrepreneurs are the largest jobs creators, and Memphis business leaders must “do better at identifying young people who have an entrepreneurial spirit…(then provide) mentors, internships and other encouragement,” adding, “This is one of the most important things the new Chairman’s Circle can do.”

Duncan Williams Envisions More Good News In Memphis

Duncan Williams, co-captain of the new Chairman’s Circle and head of the investment firm bearing his name, offered his own version of future good news in Memphis, saying, “It’s now our time to take the front stage…to push the city where it needs to be.”

Congratulations to the Greater Memphis Chamber for its bold and promising initiative, and for Chairman’s Circle members who have stepped up to the challenge. In the coming weeks I’ll share more good news in Memphis from business and thought leaders, starting with Steven Levy of Levy Commercial Realty LLC.

If you have your own thoughts to share about good news in Memphis, please let me hear from you.  It’s about time we shared every bit of good news in Memphis we can, from dreaming new dreams, to job creation, to entrepreneurial success.

Show Up to Show Appreciation

One of my friends whom I’ve known and admired for years, Susan Stephenson, is co-founder of Memphis-based Independent Bank.  Not content to simply share her stories of success building a community bank from scratch, Susan entertained us, enrolled us in a bigger vision of servant leadership, and gave away money — even though a competitor bank sponsored the meeting.  I attended to show appreciation and support for her many contributions to the community, and walked away with new found admiration for her creative, engaging, and humorous way of making her business points memorable at the Society of Entrepreneurs meeting.

I also noticed that Susan was recording her talk for review, one of the very tips I teach clients who want to improve their presentation skills.   I can show support for anyone who demonstrates a commitment to lifelong learning!

Days later, Susan was the keynote speaker at a Women and Business Seminar.  Not just to show appreciation, I attended and invited a client to see her in action. Susan was astounded that I showed up to hear her again.  We all benefited: my client from both messages, (Susan’s and mine.)  Susan felt sincerely complimented that I was using her as a role model for my client…and that I would show appreciation again, simply for her willingness to show up and give back to the community she loves.

Show Appreciation By Public Acknowledgement

Often, one of my professor friends would tell how smart, clever, and competent his colleagues are.  After repeating a story or explaining in detail what they did, I would ask, “Did you tell them they did a great job?”

He would say, “No, we don’t do that.”  I would encourage his willingness to show appreciation — especially when it is not the norm to do so — as a way to edify his colleagues.  When we show appreciation, it reinforces the behavior, I reasoned.

Recently he commented about a new colleague, and how effective she is in engaging the students.  Being a trainer/coach myself, I was all ears as he gave several examples of her techniques in teaching effectively.

I was prouder still when he said, “And I embarrassed her at the full faculty meeting by saying that we all needed to watch her in action.  She is using technology in the classroom that really energizes and engages her students…and we can all learn from her!”

Do you have a super-star on your team that consistently does a great job? Do you show appreciation for her modeling the behavior you’d like to see from others on your team? If not, make a concerted effort to show appreciation in a specific, timely, and public way in “your classroom.”

Write Now, Show Appreciation With Specific Examples

Write Now, Show Appreciation

Funny how “what goes around comes around.” A dear friend helped organize a recent Women’s Retreat that truly touched my heart and refreshed my soul.  In gratitude, I invited her to attend my “Living on Purpose” seminar as a way to show appreciation to her personally.

Within two days I received the most personal note, telling me in detail what she learned from the experience, which closed with asking if she could write me a check or make a donation in my name.  For my gift to her?  Lee’s beautiful way to show appreciation to me was worth far more than money…she deposited a huge sum into my EBA (emotional bank account).  Is there a better way to show appreciation?  Personally, I think not!

From showing up, to publicly praising, to writing a personal note, the best way to show appreciation is to take action, however you can express it best…personally and professionally.

How Wall Street Defines “Sustainable”

Wall Street is clearly profit-driven, and their fundamental focus will remain the same.  In an expanding definition of “success” beyond dollars, CoreNet states that 81% of publicly-traded companies now publish Corporate Sustainability Report (CSR) information on their websites, including measurable sustainability.

“Sustainable” In a Broader Context

How Sustainable Are You?

Each company’s CSR gives a narrative of sustainability focused on Triple Bottom Line (aka 3BL or TBL), on broader values and criteria for defining and measuring success. Defined as social, environmental, and economic, 3BL is interchangeable with People, Planet, and Profit.

Influenced by a commitment to sustainable development, in 2007 the United Nations and the International Council for Local Initiatives (ICLEI) jointly ratified 3BL as a new standard for urban and community accounting, which morphed into 3BL becoming the dominant approach to public sector full cost accounting.

What Else Drives Us To Be Sustainable?

Besides the ROI that drives sustainable profit, the disparaged “tree hugging” of the 1960’s has been supplanted with a desire to clean up the mess of environmental pollution and the awareness that we are irrevocably connected, no matter where in the world weather patterns are disrupted or catastrophes strike us and our neighbors.

For those wanting to influence a legacy of saving resources for our children and grandchildren, the effort to be holistically sustainable has been given credence and credibility.  As stockholders, we expect integrity-based reporting, and we hold companies accountable for their actions.  As private citizens, we become more sensitized by the little ones who teach their elders how to be sustainable, through in-home re-cycling and and tender care for our fragile island home called Planet Earth.

Together, we can become more responsibly sustainable, hold each other accountable, and leave a legacy for the future.

Church, Family, Food Top Favorite Things

Marion and Shelley toast favorite things

Mom, John and I enjoyed attending church together for the first time in weeks.  Our “adopted daughter” Ruta joined us for a yummy Mother’s Day lunch. Since the day’s focus was on Mom and her favorite things, John fixed lamb chops, medium rare, cooked on the grill.  Nothing new there, but hubby John jazzed it up with fresh broccoli and a wild rice/quinoa medley simmered in fresh chicken stock, and Baur Rosemary bread just out of the oven.

How do you finish that?  With lemon sorbet and fresh raspberries (another of Mom’s favorite things).

Church, family, and great food created the day’s favorite things for all three of us.

Favorite Things Include Good Health, Great Attitude

The past 60 days have included a near death experience for Mom: hospitalization twice, three weeks in rehab, and a happy return to her home at Carriage Court just last week.

Sometimes John and I take our own excellent health for granted, and having Mom back to her happy, spunky self is a blessing beyond belief.  Her return to good health is definitely included among our favorite things this year!
Did I mention that we played a game of competitive SCRABBLE after lunch?  Sans John, who preferred clean-up to competition. Mom’s favorite things include beating anyone at SCRABBLE.  Gotta love that winning attitude.  Keep it up, Mom!

Great Friends, Flowers Are Favorite Things, Too

No doubt, part of Mom’s recovery included cards and calls from friends, some showing up with another of her favorite things — FLOWERS!  We made sure that magnolia blossoms and a crystal vase filled with Easter lilies from our yard were gloriously displayed at her Mother’s Day luncheon. Mom sure taught me how to enjoy her favorite things, and we both know how to “ask for what we want.”  We never run out of fresh flowers!

The folks at rehab said Mom’s “Can Do” Spirit was amazing.  She participated in everything — even when she didn’t prefer a particular activity — and encouraged others to “get involved, stay active.”  Mom was invited to come back as a lunch guest because she brings such positive energy with her, lighting up any space with her smile.  Anna said, “I wish all of our patients were just like your mother.”
As Mom ages, she’s losing some of her best friends, but makes a conscious, concerted effort to meet and cherish new ones.  Like Mom, special friends are among our favorite things.  In fact, they make life worthwhile.

Ruta — far away from her home.  Mom — just coming back to her home.  John and me — always happy to open our home.  What a sweet day, with sweet ways for three generations to share their favorite things — together.

Whether you find your blessing of the day in something simple…overtly obvious…or amazingly extraordinary, the practice of being in the present moment can be life-altering.

Seeking A Blessing of the Day

Seeking A Blessing of the Day

Ash Wednesday is a time to pause and reflect on one’s mortality, with a visible smudge affixed with the words, “Remember that you are dust and to dust you shall return.” Without thinking, my schedule was committed from 7:00 am-7:00 pm, missing all possible opportunities for this annual ritual.

Blessing of the Day, Number 1

Wednesday ended with a trip downtown to take Ruta Vendelskyte, my business protégé, to an interview for a summer internship. Her eagerness to remain in the U.S. was matched by an employer’s enthusiasm, recognizing Ruta’s considerable skills, keen intellect, and charming humility.

To our surprise and delight, a very attractive internship was offered, on the spot!

More Than One Blessing of The Day

Though Ruta will finish several interviews already scheduled, what a blessing and relief for her to realize that she is valued and appreciated.

With every question answered, Ruta’s confidence builds. She is affirmed and encouraged to speak her truth and ask for what she wants. For Ruta, this internship opens a new path on her journey of lifelong learning.  Clearly more relaxed, she’s having fun in the process.

For Shelley, the blessing of the day was the thrill of seeing Ruta encouraged and confident.

What’s your specific blessing of the day?

Earning Expert Status Is Critical

Information products earn you expert status

You have earned the right to offer your products and services in some niche. Getting known for your expert status will draw clients to you like a magnet. Your ideal client has a particular challenge. What is the unique solution that you offer to solve their problem? Therein lies the key for establishing and promoting your expert status.

Your expert status may be earned by writing articles that become a book, recording an interview, or having one of your presentations video recorded so the content can be re-purposed in all three formats. Record and re-purpose everything, advises my colleague William Bell in his workshop “Walking Your Talk To The Bank.”

Establish Your Expert Status, Enhance Your Credibility

How many people have written a book? If you have competitors in your niche, and you are the only one who has written a book, you have done more than your competition to establish your expert status.

Assuming that you and your competitors have equally competent and compelling presentation skills, who is more likely to be booked for a professional conference keynote speaker? More than likely, the expert who has written a book on their topic of expertise.

Thirty Days To Expert Status

With discipline, you can write a book in 30 days to establish your expert status, enhance your credibility, and eclipse your competition.

Many a well-known thought leader began to build their reputation by speaking for free, then selling their books at the back of the room, In fact, one of the most famous, Dr. Wayne Dyer, supposedly sold books out of the trunk of his car! People wanted to take him home because his message was compelling, and information was both revolutionary and relevant.

In his early days, Dr. Dyer was earning his expert status until he became known as a genius in his field. His books, audios, videos helped him become a dominant force. Likewise, your information is relevant and revolutionary to your ideal client.

Your Expert Status Will Generate More Income

The mere fact that you have a book, or other information products, enhances your credibility, and establishes your expert status. Your audience will want more information than you can fit into a keynote speech, and the sale of your information products may actually generate income than your speaking fee, if you presently charge. If not, it’s time to seriously consider taking the next step.

For more information about how you can create information products to establish your expert status, enhance your credibility, and create additional revenue, please leave us a comment, or ask questions here, and we’ll continue the conversation.

Tough question: Are “sustainable solutions” real business?…or just buzzwords?

We’ve all heard biz-school jargon. Years ago, everyone stopped talking, started “interfacing.” Later, people stopped selling products and services, started offering “solutions.”

Finding 3BL Sustainable Solutions

Lately, we’ve seen “green” everywhere. We’ve been hearing “Six Sigma” for a decade and a half.

In any business or non-profit, when a new term comes along, you’ll sooner or later hear: Is this just another ‘flavor of the week’?

From that cynical start, let’s look at “Sustainable Solutions”—at practical concepts and methods that affect the 3BL, or “triple bottom line.”

Sustainable Solutions Must Be Truly Sustainable

Key #1…The sustainable solution must be truly sustainable.

No business escapes foreign competition, international outsourcing, and a sluggish, cash-poor economy. We can’t afford to buy, implement, redesign or relocate, just hoping it works out. The plant and equipment you build, buy, or lease has to last. The quality improvement system you adopt must deliver measurable product or process improvement that not only endures but builds continuing improvement. Re-tooling costs—those changes have to work over the long haul. Changes you make in supply chain management have to work now and next year, and next. Your people have to carry more and more as time goes on, building new skills constantly. The quick fix era is gone. The time’s here for strategically planned, long-term solutions that work.

Sustainable Solutions Must Truly Be Solutions

Key #2…The sustainable solution must truly be a solution.

No point seeking “solutions” if you have no problems. What are yours? How do we make our supply chain faster, leaner? How can we get the job done with fewer people, but better? Where can we trim costs to compete abroad?

Needs—problems—aren’t always defects. Sometimes they are—your plant’s not shipping product as it should, as it once did. But sometimes needs crop up in new territory, new opportunities you want to seize and develop. How can we get raw material from Mozambique to Florida fast? How can our workforce develop skills to add new products or services? Whatever your problems and opportunities, you need lasting answers—sustainable solutions.

Sustainable Solutions Must Answer Your Needs

Key #3…The sustainable solution must be an answer to your needs.

One size never fits all. No elixir will “cure what ails you.” Your organization’s needs are different, your own. Yes, you share problems and opportunities across your industry, your region. You may be a wallboard production plant—one among many. Or a non-profit hospital among others in a big city. But you’re different. You have your plant, your landlord, your product and packaging, your services and client service style, your production and shipping methods, your workforce, your accounting, your culture. And with those, your own track record and best practices, your own threats, your own troubles and special opportunities.

Your Sustainable Solutions

The sustainable solutions you adopt must also be yours. The consultants who study, recommend and deliver those solutions must likewise have a track record, with broad, deep, and expanding skill sets, all focused on you.

Our invitation…Consider partnering with us to find sustainable value for your business through and beyond today’s troubles and extraordinary opportunities. As a team, we will find your sustainable solutions.

Yesterday I talked about my brilliant young mentor, an aspiring accountant, who aced an interview with the goal to get hired as an intern next summer. It was a great experience, all the way around, for Ruta, the interviewers, and me.

Smile, Firm Handshake Set The Tone

Have you ever had the experience of starting off meeting people well enough, then having your job hopes dashed during the interview?

Preparation is more than a confident smile and a firm handshake. Even more than researching the company and having an interesting conversation. Much more, according to Dr. Paul Green, author of Get Hired!

In his book, Dr. Green outlines ways to ace the interview and get hired. Two of his winning strategies are shared here for you.

Create Skill-Benefit Statements To Get Hired

If you want to get hired, focus on specific, tangible skills that you have to offer the company, from day one. Dr. Green says, “Tell the interviewer what you can do so that the company will be able to succeed.”

Each skill-benefit statement is clear and simple, and allows the interviewer to see how you will be productive immediately. An example is, “I can communicate confidently so I will be able to represent the company easily, as an expert, at any networking event — such as the Chamber of Commerce or Business Network International.”

Dr. Green recommends preparing and practicing at least 20 such statements written with your specific skill sets, so they can be delivered naturally, conversationally. Not only will the conversation flow smoothly, you will get hired!

Share Skill Stories To Get Hired

For the 40% of hiring companies that use behavioral interviewing questions, be prepared with S.H.A.R.E. stories to get hired. The acronym stands for Situation, Hindrance, Action, Results, and Evaluate.  In his book, Dr. Green recommends that you share examples that demonstrate how you used specific skills, and he provides a fool-proof template for how to easily develop your stories.

Next, practice until the stories flow naturally, confidently.  And yes, the ability to communicate confidently will help you get hired.

The best advice I can offer to anyone seeking a job is to read Paul Green’s book, Get Hired!  Both my protege and I have copies so we can practice, practice, practice.  The goal?  Be prepared, practice for confidence, then see her get hired as an accounting intern for Summer 2012.

A big fear that people face today is wondering if they will get hired after graduation.  For those still in school, it is common knowledge that a college degree adds significantly to lifetime earnings.  Recently, I’ve seen really talented students struggle

Diploma, Internship, Get Hired!

to master the skills of business networking, interviewing for a job, and doing what it takes to get hired.

In a word, to get hired – no matter what your age, education or experience level –
you must do some homework to be prepared!

To Get Hired, Being Smart Isn’t Enough

Just because Ruta — the student from Lithuania the I mentor at the University of Memphis — is smart, talented, an integrity-based leader, and a team player, it doesn’t mean she felt competent about an upcoming interview for an internship.  After all, she’s not from Memphis and didn’t know if she could compete.  She’s also smart enough to know that her friends are just as anxious to get hired as she is.  They are competitors for internships and jobs, all with the same goal — to get hired!

Who You Know Can Help You Get Hired

Ruta, a music major and accounting minor, is a rare blend of whole brain intellect, with an incredible amount of self-discipline. All I did was introduce her to another mentor in the MILE program at UofM, who agreed to set up an interview with the CFO of his company, who was a MILE mentor two years ago. She knew that these MILE students are the “cream of the crop.”

In the interview, Ruta explained that she wanted an internship to “help me be prepared as a fully contributing employee for your company.”  No coaching from me; she knew how to position value!

What You Know Can Also Help You Get Hired

By leveraging her best research tool, Google, Ruta had done her research on this company.  She was aware of core values they shared, the company’s bouncing back to profit after a staggering 2008, and where they had offices located all over the world.  (Especially interesting, since her home country is Lithuania.)

Ruta was not offered an internship in this first interview.  But the CFO did invite her to a professional meeting in January, where she would personally introduce Ruta to the internship recruiter of the company’s accounting firm, as well as to other women CFOs.  That was a win, in my scorebook.

To Get Hired, Keep Building Relationships

The CFO casually disclosed personal information, career philosophy, and
other thoughtful insights.  It was an easy, authentic give and take.

We all ended the interview knowing one another better, being mutually enriched by each other.

Ruta sent a thank you email that very day, to which the CFO responded immediately.  She also sent a hand-written thank you note to both representatives of the company.

Internship Wanted to Help Ruta Get Hired

Many deserving students are seeking internships for the very reason Ruta is.  I was happy to connect a MILE marketing major to “dream company” that offered her an internship a month ago.

Now, dear reader, if you know someone who is looking for a self-motivated, intelligent, and engaging accounting intern, please let me know so we can help Ruta Vendelskyte on her quest to get hired.

Networking Communications And Credibility

Even if the situation seems social, you can be sure that business behavior is expected.  Don’t get too comfortable with casual exchanges, or being tempted to share confidential information. If you don’t want to see it in the newspaper tomorrow, don’t say it!

Behavior Trumps Words In Networking Communications

Your behavior speaks much more loudly that your words.  Networking communications includes attitude, tone of voice, body language — and extends to what you wear. Double-check with those in the know about dress code or make a call to the organizer’s receptionist to inquire about expected attire.
It’s impossible to take back something already expressed, or an inappropriate impression.

Networking Communications And Images On The Internet

Business networking events often include a roving photographer.  You may have made a fabulous impression face to face, but a photo posted to FaceBook lasts a lifetime.  Be careful of how your networking communications are translated. If you eat carefully and drink like a designated driver, any photo taken of you is much more likely to reflect the image of a future partner.

To Be Considered Interesting, Be More Interested In Others

It’s tempting to take the first few moments to talk about yourself. Consider a different course for effective networking communications.

Effective Networking Communications

Introduce yourself with a steady gaze and firm handshake, followed by thanks for being invited, gratitude for your host’s time, or thoughtful questions about  their business successes of the year.

You can always learn about the company, your host, and recent publicity by doing a Google search the day of the event. This will allow you to make relevant comments about best practices that deserve recognition.  In return, your host is much more likely to stay engaged when it’s your turn to talk.  Less is more.

As you make your business and social rounds in the coming month, be confident with networking communications skills that put you in your best possible light.