Small Business Connected

Small Business Connectedhttps://www.moderndavinci.net/podcast/Mon, 24 Apr 2017 20:21:00 +0000en-USSite-Server v6.0.0-14321-14321 (http://www.squarespace.com)Modern da VinciWhere Small Businesses Owners Go to ThriveAt Modern da Vinci, we believe that small businesses are the innovators, the backbone of our nation, and the heart of what makes America great. We exist to serve the small business community, sharing our experiences with small business owners... experiences that will have a major impact, helping them build the company they've always envisioned with purpose and speed.At Modern da Vinci, we believe that small businesses are the innovators, the backbone of our nation, and the heart of what makes America great. We exist to serve the small business community, sharing our experiences with small business owners... experiences that will have a major impact, helping them build the company they've always envisioned with purpose and speed.noMichael J. Mehlbergmichael.mehlberg@gmail.com2017Episode 43 - How to Get the Most Out of Business TravelSeth SinclairWed, 03 May 2017 02:02:03 +0000https://www.moderndavinci.net/podcast/2017/4/24/episode-43-how-to-get-the-most-out-of-business-travel54f4d36ce4b0f594d25ece9a:5611f0a0e4b033aa912a0054:58fe5e2c3a041152ae9f4814If you do any amount of business travel, you'll want to listen to this podcast. With nearly a million flight miles between the two of us, we uncover travel tips and tricks (and hilarious stories) that could only come from experience. In it, we discuss how to get the most out of business travel, how to maximize the value of your time, tips and hacks to make travel more enjoyable, and what to do when things go wrong.Seth SinclairHow to Get the Most Out of Business TravelIf you do any amount of business travel, you'll want to listen to this podcast. With nearly a million flight miles between the two of us, we uncover travel tips and tricks (and hilarious stories) that could only come from experience. In it, we discuss how to get the most out of business travel, how to maximize the value of your time, tips and hacks to make travel more enjoyable, and what to do when things go wrong.no00:55:10Episode 42 - How to Succeed at Business When Things Are Looking BleakSeth SinclairTue, 11 Apr 2017 10:30:00 +0000https://www.moderndavinci.net/podcast/2017/4/11/episode-42-how-to-succeed-at-business-when-things-are-looking-bleak54f4d36ce4b0f594d25ece9a:5611f0a0e4b033aa912a0054:58ea24426a49638159068695In this podcast, Modern da Vinci expert and business owner Seth Sinclair talks about how difficult it is for small businesses to succeed, how anxiety and stress build when business plans don’t pan out as expected, and how financial and other pressures can lead business owners to give up. He shares a personal and recent story about persisting through these challenges over a two-year period to finally achieve a foundation of success. Seth SinclairA story of persisting and achieving success, even when business plans didn't pan out as expected.In this podcast, Modern da Vinci expert and business owner Seth Sinclair talks about how difficult it is for small businesses to succeed, how anxiety and stress build when business plans don’t pan out as expected, and how financial and other pressures can lead business owners to give up. He shares a personal and recent story about persisting through these challenges over a two-year period to finally achieve a foundation of success. no00:19:19Episode 41 - How to Hire A-Players Like a Professional with Fletcher WimbushMichael MehlbergTue, 04 Apr 2017 10:30:00 +0000https://www.moderndavinci.net/podcast/2017/4/4/episode-41-how-to-hire-a-players-like-a-professional-with-fletcher-wimbush54f4d36ce4b0f594d25ece9a:5611f0a0e4b033aa912a0054:58e2a24320099e5b01f3fc7eConsistently hiring A-players is one of the most challenging aspects of running a business. Far too often, our hiring process is either non-existent or hasn’t been given a lot of thought. Fletcher Wimbush from The Hire Talent is here to help us change that. In this interview, Fletcher shows us (with over 30 years of experience) how hire and recruit top talent. We talked for nearly an hour, and discussed dozens of amazing insights any business owner can use consistently hire A-players. Use these tips to begin getting the right people on the bus and build a team that gets results. Modern da VinciTips from a 30-year veteran of hiring and recruiting to get the right people on the bus and build a team that gets results.Consistently hiring A-players is one of the most challenging aspects of running a business. Far too often, our hiring process is either non-existent or hasn’t been given a lot of thought. Fletcher Wimbush from The Hire Talent is here to help us change that. In this interview, Fletcher shows us (with over 30 years of experience) how hire and recruit top talent. We talked for nearly an hour, and discussed dozens of amazing insights any business owner can use consistently hire A-players. Use these tips to begin getting the right people on the bus and build a team that gets results. no00:55:51Episode 40 - 3 Things You Should Do to Give Killer Performance ReviewsMichael MehlbergWed, 29 Mar 2017 13:59:13 +0000https://www.moderndavinci.net/podcast/2017/3/29/episode-40-3-things-you-should-do-to-give-killer-performance-reviews54f4d36ce4b0f594d25ece9a:5611f0a0e4b033aa912a0054:58dbbd30d1758e873aa31d41Oh, the dreaded performance review process. You either hate it, or you hate it. Am I right? It’s not that you think they’re unnecessary… After all. Even if you don’t give performance reviews now, somewhere in the back of your mind, you know you should. It’s that they take time out of work, cause unnecessary stress, and don’t seem to be very effective at changing employee behavior. And isn’t changing behavior for the better the whole point? So, should we just ditch them all together? My answer to that is a resounding “NO!” When done properly, performance reviews can be a welcome source of feedback for your employees. They can lead to deeper discussions about responsibilities, career goals, and organizational improvements. So instead of throwing them out, let’s implement 3 simple tips to get them right.Michael MehlbergLet's take a look at 3 powerful changes you can make to your performance review process to decrease the stress of it all, and make performance reviews far more effective.Oh, the dreaded performance review process. You either hate it, or you hate it. Am I right? It’s not that you think they’re unnecessary… After all. Even if you don’t give performance reviews now, somewhere in the back of your mind, you know you should. It’s that they take time out of work, cause unnecessary stress, and don’t seem to be very effective at changing employee behavior. And isn’t changing behavior for the better the whole point? So, should we just ditch them all together? My answer to that is a resounding “NO!” When done properly, performance reviews can be a welcome source of feedback for your employees. They can lead to deeper discussions about responsibilities, career goals, and organizational improvements. So instead of throwing them out, let’s implement 3 simple tips to get them right.no00:13:55Episode 39 - How to Turn Anxiety Into Opportunity with Business NetworkingMichael MehlbergWed, 22 Mar 2017 18:28:45 +0000https://www.moderndavinci.net/podcast/2017/3/22/episode-39-how-to-turn-anxiety-into-opportunity-with-business-networking54f4d36ce4b0f594d25ece9a:5611f0a0e4b033aa912a0054:58d2c040440243536a026710If there's one thing that makes business owners anxious, it's networking. Some would describe it as difficult, others stressful. However, the importance of it cannot be understated. Business networking can lead to partnerships, sales, and future contacts that can help you (and you them) in unforeseen ways. It's a necessity for any business owner, and if you do it wrong, you'll miss countless opportunities. So how does someone (like me) who is anxious about networking with other professionals push through? Michael MehlbergFor the busy business owner who knows the value of business networking but is anxious or unsure of how to do it effectively.If there's one thing that makes business owners anxious, it's networking. Some would describe it as difficult, others stressful. However, the importance of it cannot be understated. Business networking can lead to partnerships, sales, and future contacts that can help you (and you them) in unforeseen ways. It's a necessity for any business owner, and if you do it wrong, you'll miss countless opportunities. So how does someone (like me) who is anxious about networking with other professionals push through? no00:20:03Episode 38 - How to Stop Fighting and Start Winning Against Your CompetitionMichael MehlbergThu, 09 Mar 2017 21:06:45 +0000https://www.moderndavinci.net/podcast/2017/3/9/episode-38-how-to-stop-fighting-and-start-winning-against-your-competition54f4d36ce4b0f594d25ece9a:5611f0a0e4b033aa912a0054:58c1c1fad2b8574cf9ba7b1dToday we draw from the insanely popular business book, Blue Ocean Strategy, to help you create a unique value proposition that gets you out of those bloody competitive waters (where you struggle to get business) and instead sets you on a path towards a wide blue ocean full of customers who are ready and willing to pay for the unique products and services your company has to offer. If you are fighting your competition… If your customers don’t understand what is valuable about your offerings… We’ll use this simple methodology to find a set of values that truly differentiate your products and services. We’ll also help you see where you can create new value so your products and services are unique, sought after, and highly desirable.Michael MehlbergUse this methodology outlined in Blue Ocean Strategy to leave your competition fighting with each other, and start winning new customers without a fight.Today we draw from the insanely popular business book, Blue Ocean Strategy, to help you create a unique value proposition that gets you out of those bloody competitive waters (where you struggle to get business) and instead sets you on a path towards a wide blue ocean full of customers who are ready and willing to pay for the unique products and services your company has to offer. If you are fighting your competition… If your customers don’t understand what is valuable about your offerings… We’ll use this simple methodology to find a set of values that truly differentiate your products and services. We’ll also help you see where you can create new value so your products and services are unique, sought after, and highly desirable.no00:24:55Episode 37 - How to Uncover the Greatest Threats to Your Small BusinessSeth SinclairThu, 23 Feb 2017 01:34:18 +0000https://www.moderndavinci.net/podcast/2017/2/22/episode-37-how-to-uncover-the-greatest-threats-to-your-small-business54f4d36ce4b0f594d25ece9a:5611f0a0e4b033aa912a0054:58ae39b39f7456d9c6026a0bYou need your business to be successful. If your business fails, you won’t be able to earn a living and provide for yourself, your family, or your employees. If you don’t have money, you can’t buy food and shelter. And if you don’t have food and shelter, you die! Sound a little extreme? Maybe, but to a large extent, it’s true. Your business is your livelihood. You can always try to find another job if things go wrong, but that would mean your business failed. This is the pressure that many small business owners feel each day, and we’re here to help you change that feeling. Instead of worrying about what the future holds, we want to build your confidence in your business. We want to give you a clear path to achieving your goals. And what we’re about to cover in this post will give you exactly what you need to focus on to make that happen.Modern da VinciThe small business self assessment to help you prioritize and develop a rapid action plan to correct weaknesses and develop your strengths.You need your business to be successful. If your business fails, you won’t be able to earn a living and provide for yourself, your family, or your employees. If you don’t have money, you can’t buy food and shelter. And if you don’t have food and shelter, you die! Sound a little extreme? Maybe, but to a large extent, it’s true. Your business is your livelihood. You can always try to find another job if things go wrong, but that would mean your business failed. This is the pressure that many small business owners feel each day, and we’re here to help you change that feeling. Instead of worrying about what the future holds, we want to build your confidence in your business. We want to give you a clear path to achieving your goals. And what we’re about to cover in this post will give you exactly what you need to focus on to make that happen.no00:21:26Episode 36 - How to Get Unresponsive Prospects to Return Your Calls (and Emails)Michael MehlbergTue, 14 Feb 2017 13:20:32 +0000https://www.moderndavinci.net/podcast/2017/2/14/episode-36-how-to-get-unresponsive-prospects-to-return-your-calls-and-emails54f4d36ce4b0f594d25ece9a:5611f0a0e4b033aa912a0054:58a30367414fb57a2871414cIt's mind-boggling, isn't it? You have a great meeting with a potential customer. Your presentation is on point. You answer all their questions. And they show all the buying signs. Before leaving, you end with a hearty handshake and promise to send more information. Only when you do, they don't respond. You leave them a friendly voicemail. You shoot them another email. You remind them about your great meeting. And what do you get in return? Nothing. You follow up again. You ask them to call you back. You try anything to get them respond. And what do you get? Silence. At some point, you give up... figuring your prospect was never interested to begin with. Enough with them. On to the next client. Sound familiar? It's happened to me dozens of times. Unfortunately, I learned later, I had left dozens of sales on the table. There's good news, though. With one simple technique, you can drastically increase the number of silent prospects that return your calls. Case in point, when I implemented this technique, my response rate increased by over 60%!Modern da VinciThe simple technique to get unresponsive customers to call or email you back with over 60% success rate!It's mind-boggling, isn't it? You have a great meeting with a potential customer. Your presentation is on point. You answer all their questions. And they show all the buying signs. Before leaving, you end with a hearty handshake and promise to send more information. Only when you do, they don't respond. You leave them a friendly voicemail. You shoot them another email. You remind them about your great meeting. And what do you get in return? Nothing. You follow up again. You ask them to call you back. You try anything to get them respond. And what do you get? Silence. At some point, you give up... figuring your prospect was never interested to begin with. Enough with them. On to the next client. Sound familiar? It's happened to me dozens of times. Unfortunately, I learned later, I had left dozens of sales on the table. There's good news, though. With one simple technique, you can drastically increase the number of silent prospects that return your calls. Case in point, when I implemented this technique, my response rate increased by over 60%!no00:07:32Episode 35 - Team Building Like a Professional with James BennettMichael MehlbergTue, 07 Feb 2017 22:09:35 +0000https://www.moderndavinci.net/podcast/2017/2/7/episode-35-team-building-like-a-professional-with-james-bennett54f4d36ce4b0f594d25ece9a:5611f0a0e4b033aa912a0054:589a1e40e4fcb5e776b74ea9Can you describe the difference between teamwork and team building? Do you know the three factors to creating an effective team building event? How do you apply vulnerability-based trust into your leadership and management goals to bring out the most productive, effective, and excited staff? These questions aren't for the feint of heart, and often take years to understand and execute. Unless you're a Professional team builder like James Bennett of Firefly Events. James runs a small business to build team productivity, camaraderie, and effectiveness through planned events and outings. His experience is incredibly deep, and the list of companies he's worked with is impressive, to say the least. In our interview with James, we uncover some of his secrets to building strong teams, tips for dealing with toxic employees, and influential books that have helped businesses of all sizes develop an effective and energetic staff. Modern da VinciIn our interview with James Bennett of Firefly Events, we uncover the secrets professionals use to build great teams for businesses of all sizes.Can you describe the difference between teamwork and team building? Do you know the three factors to creating an effective team building event? How do you apply vulnerability-based trust into your leadership and management goals to bring out the most productive, effective, and excited staff? These questions aren't for the feint of heart, and often take years to understand and execute. Unless you're a Professional team builder like James Bennett of Firefly Events. James runs a small business to build team productivity, camaraderie, and effectiveness through planned events and outings. His experience is incredibly deep, and the list of companies he's worked with is impressive, to say the least. In our interview with James, we uncover some of his secrets to building strong teams, tips for dealing with toxic employees, and influential books that have helped businesses of all sizes develop an effective and energetic staff. no00:36:33Episode 34 - How to Stay on Track (and Massively Productive) Every DayMichael MehlbergWed, 25 Jan 2017 11:57:20 +0000https://www.moderndavinci.net/podcast/2017/1/25/episode-34-how-to-stay-on-track-and-massively-productive-every-day54f4d36ce4b0f594d25ece9a:5611f0a0e4b033aa912a0054:588891d08419c20e9a84b8acYou know what's coming... At the end of today, you'll either feel a sense of accomplishment, or like you've wasted another day. It's not that you didn't work hard. You answered emails. You took phone calls. You attended meetings. You made decisions. But for some reason you got nothing done. Well, that's not true. You got a lot of other people's work done, just not your own. You've made little progress toward your goals. You've been running around solving other people's problems. You've been answering other people's questions, and spending time in other people's meetings. In other words, you've been working on urgent, but not important tasks. There's a solution to this problem. A way to move closer to your goals every day. Modern da VinciA tool to help you be productive and focused on your goals each and every day... leave work with a sense of accomplishment!You know what's coming... At the end of today, you'll either feel a sense of accomplishment, or like you've wasted another day. It's not that you didn't work hard. You answered emails. You took phone calls. You attended meetings. You made decisions. But for some reason you got nothing done. Well, that's not true. You got a lot of other people's work done, just not your own. You've made little progress toward your goals. You've been running around solving other people's problems. You've been answering other people's questions, and spending time in other people's meetings. In other words, you've been working on urgent, but not important tasks. There's a solution to this problem. A way to move closer to your goals every day. no00:12:54Episode 33 - How to Crush Your Small Business Goals in the New YearSeth SinclairThu, 19 Jan 2017 02:43:07 +0000https://www.moderndavinci.net/podcast/2017/1/18/episode-33-how-to-crush-your-small-business-goals-in-the-new-year54f4d36ce4b0f594d25ece9a:5611f0a0e4b033aa912a0054:5880261be58c6234341eb0c6If you’re heading into 2017 thinking about setting new plans and goals for your business, Modern da Vinci is here to help. In this brief video, we cover: 1. three big planning mistakes that you must avoid, and 2. the first step you should take to set the foundation for your planning process. This is the first video in a series where we will lay out a specific approach for creating a simple, clear, and impactful plan to help you set (and reach) your goals in 2017. And beyond.Modern da VinciA simple, brief, impactful small business planning process centered around purposeIf you’re heading into 2017 thinking about setting new plans and goals for your business, Modern da Vinci is here to help. In this brief video, we cover: three big planning mistakes that you must avoid, and the first step you should take to set the foundation for your planning process. This is the first video in a series where we will lay out a specific approach for creating a simple, clear, and impactful plan to help you set (and reach) your goals in 2017. And beyond.no00:08:12Episode 32 - How to Get Superhuman Productivity with One Remarkable AppMichael MehlbergFri, 13 Jan 2017 06:28:16 +0000https://www.moderndavinci.net/podcast/2017/1/13/episode-32-how-to-get-superhuman-productivity-with-one-remarkable-app54f4d36ce4b0f594d25ece9a:5611f0a0e4b033aa912a0054:587871bce3df288f87d4c91dIt’s no secret, you’re pressed for time. You wear multiple hats, share multiple responsibilities, and have more things to do than there are hours in the day. Maybe you’ve even committed to being more productive or focused in the new year. Superhuman productivity you say? I’ll take two helpings of that. After all, with so many demands on your time, being able to accomplish your goals while still saving time for family, self-improvement, and relaxation sounds like a dream. But where do we start? There are literally thousands of productivity tips and apps on the Internet… every one claiming to give you that dream. This isn’t “yet another productivity tip.” This is a way to organize your learning, clean up your computer, educate yourself using spare moments in your day (like driving), and literally read your news and articles twice as fast as you can today. Superhuman. Productivity. Let’s get focused. Let’s get productive. Let’s stop procrastinating. And let’s download an app to help.Michael MehlbergSimplify, Organize, and Speed Up Your LearningThis isn’t “yet another productivity tip.” This is a way to organize your learning, clean up your computer, educate yourself using spare moments in your day (like driving), and literally read your news and articles twice as fast as you can today. Superhuman. Productivity. Let’s get focused. Let’s get productive. Let’s stop procrastinating. And let’s download an app to help.no00:11:23Episode 31 - What Every Business Owner Needs to Know About Financial Planning with Blake FellowsSeth SinclairThu, 01 Dec 2016 10:25:16 +0000https://www.moderndavinci.net/podcast/2016/11/30/what-every-business-owner-needs-to-know-about-financial-planning-with-blake-fellows54f4d36ce4b0f594d25ece9a:5611f0a0e4b033aa912a0054:583ff7a4f7e0ab824c12a32dMany small and medium-sized business owners kick the can down the road when it comes to financial planning. That’s understandable since business owners are preoccupied with short-term responsibilities and dealing with fires that inevitably pop up daily. Unfortunately, this leaves the business owner and his or her partners and family members exposed to tremendous risk. What happens if conditions change and the business fails? How will the business respond if a partner falls ill? What is the business exposed to as the market fluctuates? How can the business be financially responsible while offering competitive compensation and benefits to employees? In this interview, business finance expert Blake Fellows explains why it is essential for business owners to be proactive about setting goals, determining ranges for spending and saving, ensuring that foundational agreements are in place, and having specialized support in all aspects of financial planning.Modern da VinciSmall business finance expert Blake Fellows joins us to discuss the importance of being proactive when wrestling your business finances to the ground.Many small and medium-sized business owners kick the can down the road when it comes to financial planning. That’s understandable since business owners are preoccupied with short-term responsibilities and dealing with fires that inevitably pop up daily. Unfortunately, this leaves the business owner and his or her partners and family members exposed to tremendous risk. What happens if conditions change and the business fails? How will the business respond if a partner falls ill? What is the business exposed to as the market fluctuates? How can the business be financially responsible while offering competitive compensation and benefits to employees? In this interview, business finance expert Blake Fellows explains why it is essential for business owners to be proactive about setting goals, determining ranges for spending and saving, ensuring that foundational agreements are in place, and having specialized support in all aspects of financial planning.no00:29:45Episode 30 - How to Win More Negotiations by Changing Your Conflict StyleSeth SinclairWed, 26 Oct 2016 01:55:55 +0000https://www.moderndavinci.net/podcast/2016/10/25/episode-30-how-to-win-more-negotiations-by-changing-your-conflict-style54f4d36ce4b0f594d25ece9a:5611f0a0e4b033aa912a0054:58100c59d1758ebb6ab4ea25When a conflict arises, most people have a default approach for how they handle the situation. Many of us are not conscious of our conflict style; we respond automatically without giving thought to the circumstances. This is significant in the context of negotiations. A negotiation is a type of conflict – a situation where your concerns and interests are not aligning with those of another person, and you are actively seeking a solution. Understanding your tendencies in responding to conflict, and how you may need to adjust them, will give you an advantage as you work through a negotiation. If you can assess each conflict and negotiation situationally, you can intentionally utilize the style that will be most beneficial to you.Modern da VinciUnderstand your tendencies for negotiating and handling conflict, and how to use them to win.When a conflict arises, most people have a default approach for how they handle the situation. Many of us are not conscious of our conflict style; we respond automatically without giving thought to the circumstances. This is significant in the context of negotiations. A negotiation is a type of conflict – a situation where your concerns and interests are not aligning with those of another person, and you are actively seeking a solution. Understanding your tendencies in responding to conflict, and how you may need to adjust them, will give you an advantage as you work through a negotiation. If you can assess each conflict and negotiation situationally, you can intentionally utilize the style that will be most beneficial to you.no00:17:06Episode 29 - How to Win a Negotiation without Destroying RelationshipsMichael MehlbergWed, 26 Oct 2016 01:51:51 +0000https://www.moderndavinci.net/podcast/2016/10/25/episode-29-how-to-win-a-negotiation-without-destroying-relationships54f4d36ce4b0f594d25ece9a:5611f0a0e4b033aa912a0054:58100b73d1758ebb6ab4e185So far in this series, we have explored several common mistakes that can harm negotiations as well as tactics you can employ to avoid negotiation pitfalls. This post is about re-framing the way we view negotiations, especially regarding how we look at the “other side” that we are negotiating with. The idea is to achieve a satisfactory result without damaging relationships.Modern da VinciHow do you get satisfactory results when emotions are high and relationships hang on a thread? So far in this series, we have explored several common mistakes that can harm negotiations as well as tactics you can employ to avoid negotiation pitfalls. This post is about re-framing the way we view negotiations, especially regarding how we look at the “other side” that we are negotiating with. The idea is to achieve a satisfactory result without damaging relationships.no00:13:44Episode 28 - How to Negotiate Better by Creating New PossibilitiesSeth SinclairTue, 11 Oct 2016 12:23:41 +0000https://www.moderndavinci.net/podcast/2016/10/11/episode-28-how-to-negotiate-better-by-creating-new-possibilities54f4d36ce4b0f594d25ece9a:5611f0a0e4b033aa912a0054:57fcd940be659435d9798924Negotiations can be tough. They are often high pressure, high stakes situations with tight deadlines and demanding stakeholders. Opinions and interests can differ widely among parties, and strong emotions may come into play. When we are under this type of pressure, we often find ourselves stumped. Our thinking narrows and our creative muscles feel constrained. The Principled Negotiation Method defined in Getting to Yes suggests several strategies to counteract this. The premise is that “The key to wise decision making lies in selecting from a great number and variety of options.”Modern da VinciThe key to wise decision making lies in selecting from a great number and variety of options.Negotiations can be tough. They are often high pressure, high stakes situations with tight deadlines and demanding stakeholders. Opinions and interests can differ widely among parties, and strong emotions may come into play. When we are under this type of pressure, we often find ourselves stumped. Our thinking narrows and our creative muscles feel constrained. The Principled Negotiation Method defined in Getting to Yes suggests several strategies to counteract this. The premise is that “The key to wise decision making lies in selecting from a great number and variety of options.”no00:11:54Episode 27 - How to Prevent Negotiation Disasters with a Plan BSeth SinclairMon, 03 Oct 2016 11:37:22 +0000https://www.moderndavinci.net/podcast/2016/10/3/episode-27-how-to-prevent-negotiation-disasters-with-a-plan-b54f4d36ce4b0f594d25ece9a:5611f0a0e4b033aa912a0054:57f2391659cc68fe6a9a2722Preparation is essential to effective negotiation. If you wish to reach a fair and satisfactory deal, you need to enter the negotiation with a clear understanding of your interests, options, comparative data, and objective criteria. One of the most important data points to consider is your “Best Alternative to a Negotiated Agreement”. This serves as your “Plan B” to the negotiation. In other words, it is the best option you have and the one you will live with should you leave the negotiation without an agreement. If you don’t know your best alternative to a negotiated agreement, you may end up taking a deal that is worse than your backup option, or you may walk away from a deal that is better than your backup option. In this podcast, we will give you some simple steps to create your best alternative to a negotiated agreement and use an example to drive the point home. Modern da VinciPreparing Your Best Alternative to a Negotiated AgreementPreparation is essential to effective negotiation. If you wish to reach a fair and satisfactory deal, you need to enter the negotiation with a clear understanding of your interests, options, comparative data, and objective criteria. One of the most important data points to consider is your “Best Alternative to a Negotiated Agreement”. This serves as your “Plan B” to the negotiation. In other words, it is the best option you have and the one you will live with should you leave the negotiation without an agreement. If you don’t know your best alternative to a negotiated agreement, you may end up taking a deal that is worse than your backup option, or you may walk away from a deal that is better than your backup option. In this podcast, we will give you some simple steps to create your best alternative to a negotiated agreement and use an example to drive the point home. no00:09:59Episode 26 - How to Dramatically Improve Your Negotiating with This Simple TechniqueSeth SinclairMon, 26 Sep 2016 21:04:07 +0000https://www.moderndavinci.net/podcast/2016/9/26/how-to-dramatically-improve-your-negotiating-with-this-simple-technique54f4d36ce4b0f594d25ece9a:5611f0a0e4b033aa912a0054:57e9865203596ee7cb3318feNegotiation is a back-and-forth communication that is designed to reach an agreement among parties that have both shared and differing interests. We all deal with negotiating each day, whether on simple matters like what to eat for dinner to complex decisions involving high stakes business matters with multiple parties. The purpose of negotiations is to produce wise agreements as efficiently as possible while maintaining or strengthening relationships. In this brief podcast, we specifically look at what “Interests” are, and what it means to focus on interests (not positions) to get better results from your negotiations. Seth SinclairHow to focus on interests (not positions) to get better results from your negotiations.Negotiation is a back-and-forth communication that is designed to reach an agreement among parties that have both shared and differing interests. We all deal with negotiating each day, whether on simple matters like what to eat for dinner to complex decisions involving high stakes business matters with multiple parties. The purpose of negotiations is to produce wise agreements as efficiently as possible while maintaining or strengthening relationships. In this brief podcast, we specifically look at what “Interests” are, and what it means to focus on interests (not positions) to get better results from your negotiations. no00:5:52Episode 25 - What No One Tells You About Websites and Social Media with Salomon ParedesMichael MehlbergMon, 22 Aug 2016 15:48:29 +0000https://www.moderndavinci.net/podcast/2016/8/22/episode-25-what-no-one-tells-you-about-websites-and-social-media-with-salomon-paredes54f4d36ce4b0f594d25ece9a:5611f0a0e4b033aa912a0054:57bb1d39d482e9675aae3cc9In this interview with Salomon Paredes of E2 Outlook, we uncover some hidden truths about why website development and social media management is difficult, and discuss the purpose of each for small business owners.Salomon ParedesWebsites and social media can be overwhelming for small business owners. We uncover some truths about each in this interview with Salomon Paredes of E2Outlook.In this interview with Salomon Paredes of E2 Outlook, we uncover some hidden truths about why website development and social media management is difficult, and discuss the purpose of each for small business owners.no00:15:42Episode 24 - How to Influence Your Customers to Buy Using NeuroscienceSeth SinclairThu, 11 Aug 2016 18:35:42 +0000https://www.moderndavinci.net/podcast/2016/8/11/episode-24-how-to-influence-your-customers-to-buy-using-neuroscience54f4d36ce4b0f594d25ece9a:5611f0a0e4b033aa912a0054:57acc3d3f5e2314a36139244Glen Hellman is a business expert and strategist that writes and presents on the topic of “How To Pitch to the Reptilian Brain.” It’s an approach grounded in neuroscience that is designed to influence others and move them to action. In this interview, Glen shares his insights on how to use these principles to sharpen your business’s sales pitch and how they can improve your leadership and business in general. Modern da VinciEpisode 24 - How to Influence Your Customers to Buy Using NeuroscienceGlen Hellman is a business expert and strategist that writes and presents on the topic of “How To Pitch to the Reptilian Brain.” It’s an approach grounded in neuroscience that is designed to influence others and move them to action. In this interview, Glen shares his insights on how to use these principles to sharpen your business’s sales pitch and how they can improve your leadership and business in general. no00:48:08Episode 23 - How to Motivate a Team by Revealing the Big PictureMichael MehlbergThu, 21 Jul 2016 17:44:08 +0000https://www.moderndavinci.net/podcast/2016/7/21/episode-23-how-to-motivate-a-team-by-revealing-the-big-picture54f4d36ce4b0f594d25ece9a:5611f0a0e4b033aa912a0054:57910924d1758e246cf8f916You have a tremendous, untapped advantage as a small business. Something that even the biggest companies can't compete with. Something that will inspire loyalty, productivity, and pride in every one of your employees. It’s called the “big picture.” Whether it’s your purpose statement, a larger project goal, or a combination of both, the big picture is the reason your employees head into work every morning. In this podcast, we’ll uncover why sharing the big picture is so powerful and give you strategies on how you can do this with your team.Modern da VinciYour tremendous, untapped advantage as a small business owner...You have a tremendous, untapped advantage as a small business. Something that even the biggest companies can't compete with. Something that will inspire loyalty, productivity, and pride in every one of your employees. It’s called the “big picture.” Whether it’s your purpose statement, a larger project goal, or a combination of both, the big picture is the reason your employees head into work every morning. In this podcast, we’ll uncover why sharing the big picture is so powerful and give you strategies on how you can do this with your team.no00:11:24Episode 22 - What Is Effective Strategic Planning for Small BusinessesMichael MehlbergMon, 11 Jul 2016 12:08:55 +0000https://www.moderndavinci.net/podcast/2016/7/11/episode-22-what-is-effective-strategic-planning-for-small-businesses54f4d36ce4b0f594d25ece9a:5611f0a0e4b033aa912a0054:57838aa5414fb585ab3c7768Having a strategy is vital for any small business. A strategy defines your plan for moving from where you are today to where you want your business to be in the future. On a more tactical level, having a clearly articulated business strategy is essential to being able to prioritize, build consensus, make decisions, and assess progress toward your goals. Unfortunately, the “classic” approach to strategic planning doesn’t work very well for small businesses. The traditional methods found in textbooks are designed for large organizations. Small businesses don’t need the same kind of plan that a large corporation does, and they certainly don’t need the types of plans that global corporations produce. Using the wrong methods for strategic planning can cause a lot of frustration for small business owners as well as wasted time, effort, and resources. So then, what is the right amount of strategic planning for a small business? What should you focus on? Who should be involved? What should the final plan look like? How much planning is too much? This post will give owners of small businesses a simple and effective process for performing strategic planning by taking a look at some common issues small businesses run into with strategic planning, the most important elements of planning that small business should focus on, and concrete steps to tackling strategic planning the right way.Modern da VinciA simple and effective process for performing strategic planning by taking a look at some common issues small businesses run into with strategic planning.Having a strategy is vital for any small business. A strategy defines your plan for moving from where you are today to where you want your business to be in the future. On a more tactical level, having a clearly articulated business strategy is essential to being able to prioritize, build consensus, make decisions, and assess progress toward your goals. Unfortunately, the “classic” approach to strategic planning doesn’t work very well for small businesses. The traditional methods found in textbooks are designed for large organizations. Small businesses don’t need the same kind of plan that a large corporation does, and they certainly don’t need the types of plans that global corporations produce. Using the wrong methods for strategic planning can cause a lot of frustration for small business owners as well as wasted time, effort, and resources. So then, what is the right amount of strategic planning for a small business? What should you focus on? Who should be involved? What should the final plan look like? How much planning is too much? This post will give owners of small businesses a simple and effective process for performing strategic planning by taking a look at some common issues small businesses run into with strategic planning, the most important elements of planning that small business should focus on, and concrete steps to tackling strategic planning the right way.no00:18:49Episode 21 - Two Key Things Small Business Owners Need to Do to Thrive with Brian RobertsMichael MehlbergWed, 29 Jun 2016 02:49:09 +0000https://www.moderndavinci.net/podcast/2016/6/28/episode-21-two-key-things-small-business-owners-need-to-do-to-thrive-with-brian-roberts54f4d36ce4b0f594d25ece9a:5611f0a0e4b033aa912a0054:577299f4ebbd1a4b779358a3In this interview with Brian Roberts, founder and CEO of Croix Connect, we explore two things that often hold small businesses back from growing and what business owners can do to overcome them. Brian shares his substantial experience as a business advisor, coach, and Vistage CEO Peer Advisory Group Chair to offer insights on how essential it is for business owners to embrace trust and delegation. Seth SinclairAn Interview with Brian Roberts, CEO of Croix ConnectIn this interview with Brian Roberts, founder and CEO of Croix Connect, we explore two things that often hold small businesses back from growing and what business owners can do to overcome them. Brian shares his substantial experience as a business advisor, coach, and Vistage CEO Peer Advisory Group Chair to offer insights on how essential it is for business owners to embrace trust and delegation. no00:31:32Episode 20 - How to Use Your Customers Fears to Increase SalesMichael MehlbergThu, 26 May 2016 13:52:00 +0000https://www.moderndavinci.net/podcast/2016/5/23/how-to-use-your-customers-fears-to-increase-sales54f4d36ce4b0f594d25ece9a:5611f0a0e4b033aa912a0054:574656d9b654f9e9439fcec6Have your past marketing efforts fallen on deaf ears? Have your previous advertisements cost you way too much for far too little gain? You’re not alone. This is a common problem nearly every small business faces. I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again. Growing your business is hard. If you could find just one additional customer today, I know you’d call it a win. So let’s figure out how to do that, and let’s do it quick. Let’s get to the root of the problem nearly every small business has: finding their customers, adding new customers, and ultimately growing their business.Modern da VinciTwo questions you can ask to find your customers, increase sales, and grow your business.Have your past marketing efforts fallen on deaf ears? Have your previous advertisements cost you way too much for far too little gain? You’re not alone. This is a common problem nearly every small business faces. I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again. Growing your business is hard. If you could find just one additional customer today, I know you’d call it a win. So let’s figure out how to do that, and let’s do it quick. Let’s get to the root of the problem nearly every small business has: finding their customers, adding new customers, and ultimately growing their business.no00:07:35Episode 19 - Real Life Struggles of Starting and Growing a BusinessSeth SinclairMon, 16 May 2016 13:35:11 +0000https://www.moderndavinci.net/podcast/2016/5/12/real-life-struggles-of-starting-and-growing-a-business54f4d36ce4b0f594d25ece9a:5611f0a0e4b033aa912a0054:5739cb6659827e68705d2bfeIn this interview with Barbara Stankowski, President and CEO of AMTIS, Inc., we discuss what it takes to get a business started, the real-life challenges of what it takes to grow, the meaning of persistence and resilience, and why it’s so important to invest in developing your people.Modern da VinciInterview with successful President and CEO, Barbara Stankowski of AMTIS on what it takes to build and lead a team to success.In this interview with Barbara Stankowski, President and CEO of AMTIS, Inc., we discuss what it takes to get a business started, the real-life challenges of what it takes to grow, the meaning of persistence and resilience, and why it’s so important to invest in developing your people.no00:34:18Episode 18 - What do Video Games Have to do with Team Building?Michael MehlbergThu, 05 May 2016 10:32:20 +0000https://www.moderndavinci.net/podcast/2016/5/1/what-do-video-games-have-to-do-with-team-building54f4d36ce4b0f594d25ece9a:5611f0a0e4b033aa912a0054:572b201907eaa01be3b17811In this interview with Chris Hatala from Games Done Legit, we dismiss some long-held beliefs that video games cannot be taken seriously, uncover ways video games can help businesses build teams, and learn how to translate gaming events into better leadership and business growth. Michael MehlbergInterview on Team Building with Video Game Event Director Chris Hatala from Games Done LegitIn this interview with Chris Hatala from Games Done Legit, we dismiss some long-held beliefs that video games cannot be taken seriously, uncover ways video games can help businesses build teams, and learn how to translate gaming events into better leadership and business growth. no00:34:08Episode 17 - 5 Ways to Know When Team Building is UrgentMichael MehlbergMon, 02 May 2016 12:26:45 +0000https://www.moderndavinci.net/podcast/2016/5/2/episode-17-5-ways-to-know-when-team-building-is-urgent54f4d36ce4b0f594d25ece9a:5611f0a0e4b033aa912a0054:572746871bbee0567229e9e3In the words of Apple co-founder Steve Jobs, “great things in business are never done by one person, they are done by a team of people.” He’s right. No matter how much talent, hard work, and determination individuals can offer, teamwork is required to achieve results. But if teams are essential to success, why do so many leaders and organizations spend little to no time working on them? Why do they leave team development to chance? The goal of this post is to provide leaders and managers with a specific strategy for assessing the teams they have today. We’ll provide a framework to evaluate teams across critical the aspects of Trust, Conflict, Commitment, Accountability, and Results. In each of these areas, we offer context and questions to help leaders determine if their teams are healthy or if they need some urgent help. We also suggest specific steps you can take in each area to turn things around. Modern da VinciIn this podcast we provide you with a specific strategy for assessing and strengthening the teams you have today.In the words of Apple co-founder Steve Jobs, “great things in business are never done by one person, they are done by a team of people.” He’s right. No matter how much talent, hard work, and determination individuals can offer, teamwork is required to achieve results. But if teams are essential to success, why do so many leaders and organizations spend little to no time working on them? Why do they leave team development to chance? The goal of this post is to provide leaders and managers with a specific strategy for assessing the teams they have today. We’ll provide a framework to evaluate teams across critical the aspects of Trust, Conflict, Commitment, Accountability, and Results. In each of these areas, we offer context and questions to help leaders determine if their teams are healthy or if they need some urgent help. We also suggest specific steps you can take in each area to turn things around.no00:29:33Episode 16 - How to Prepare for (and Not Worry) When Your Best Employee QuitsMichael MehlbergFri, 22 Apr 2016 14:17:00 +0000https://www.moderndavinci.net/podcast/2016/4/22/episode-16-how-to-prepare-for-and-not-worry-when-your-best-employee-quits54f4d36ce4b0f594d25ece9a:5611f0a0e4b033aa912a0054:571a31940442627b89896623Losing critical employees can be a huge source of concern for any business owner. Whether your star employees quit or simply go on vacation, business continuity is a must. This article reviews a simple method for maintaining and sharing your best employees’ expertise. In addition to removing “single points of failure” in your organization, this process can be used to onboard new hires and create a transition plan for employees moving from one set of responsibilities to another. Your employees can feel free to go on vacation while, at the same time, be in a position to delegate their complex work to promising employees and receive different perspectives on new creative ways to solve problems.Modern da VinciThis podcast reviews a simple method for maintaining and sharing your best employees’ expertise. Losing critical employees can be a huge source of concern for any business owner. Whether your star employees quit or simply go on vacation, business continuity is a must. This podcast reviews a simple method for maintaining and sharing your best employees’ expertise. In addition to removing “single points of failure” in your organization, this process can be used to onboard new hires and create a transition plan for employees moving from one set of responsibilities to another. Your employees can feel free to go on vacation while, at the same time, be in a position to delegate their complex work to promising employees and receive different perspectives on new creative ways to solve problems.no00:08:10Episode 15 - Interview Secrets Top Companies Use to Hire Outstanding TalentMichael MehlbergMon, 11 Apr 2016 17:07:19 +0000https://www.moderndavinci.net/podcast/2016/4/11/episode-15-interview-secrets-top-companies-use-to-hire-outstanding-talent54f4d36ce4b0f594d25ece9a:5611f0a0e4b033aa912a0054:570bd8bbab48deb5980d57ddThe best employees have qualities that are hard to quantify. They have the skills and experience, the motivation to be their best, the drive to help the company succeed, the aptitude to learn new skills, and character to lead the charter for which they were hired. These are the employees that make a difference in your organization. They solve the unsolvable problems, they jump in and help where help is needed, and they are instrumental in helping drive new business. How do you consistently hire people who do great work every day, who make your company successful, who look for ways to grow and expand themselves and your organization? In this article, we share with you hiring secrets and types of interview questions top companies use to recruit the best people for their business. Modern da VinciA process for building a team of A-players that are dedicated to the growth and success of your organization. The best employees have qualities that are hard to quantify. They have the skills and experience, the motivation to be their best, the drive to help the company succeed, the aptitude to learn new skills, and character to lead the charter for which they were hired. These are the employees that make a difference in your organization. They solve the unsolvable problems, they jump in and help where help is needed, and they are instrumental in helping drive new business. How do you consistently hire people who do great work every day, who make your company successful, who look for ways to grow and expand themselves and your organization? In this article, we share with you hiring secrets and types of interview questions top companies use to recruit the best people for their business. no00:18:41Episode 14 - 20 Behaviors The Best Leaders Use to Get Remarkable ResultsMichael MehlbergMon, 28 Mar 2016 15:33:36 +0000https://www.moderndavinci.net/podcast/2016/3/28/episode-14-20-behaviors-the-best-leaders-use-to-get-remarkable-results54f4d36ce4b0f594d25ece9a:5611f0a0e4b033aa912a0054:56f94de0f8baf3d42c862cb4You know a good leader when you see one. You also know a bad leader when you see one. But can you spot the specific behaviors and characteristics that set them apart? Can you make an honest assessment of yourself to identify your own leadership strengths and weaknesses? In this post we look at 20 different leadership behaviors and skills such as Accountability, Relationships, Communication, Conflict Management, Emotional Intelligence, Listening, Motivation, and Trust to show how an Absent Leader (one who is in a leadership position but asserts no actual leadership), a Fake Leader (one who superficially looks and acts like a leader but has very poor leadership skills), and a Real Leader (one who demonstrates a balance of thoughtfulness and action, candor and respect, direction and listing, vision and steadiness, and empathy with accountability while getting good results) shows up. This framework will help you understand how to diagnose other’s basic leadership style and skills, evaluate your own leadership strengths and weaknesses, and learn the behaviors effective leaders use to get results from their staff.Modern da VinciThis framework will help you understand how to diagnose other’s basic leadership style and skills, evaluate your own leadership strengths and weaknesses, and learn the behaviors effective leaders use to get results from their staff.You know a good leader when you see one. You also know a bad leader when you see one. But can you spot the specific behaviors and characteristics that set them apart? Can you make an honest assessment of yourself to identify your own leadership strengths and weaknesses? In this post we look at 20 different leadership behaviors and skills such as Accountability, Relationships, Communication, Conflict Management, Emotional Intelligence, Listening, Motivation, and Trust to show how an Absent Leader (one who is in a leadership position but asserts no actual leadership), a Fake Leader (one who superficially looks and acts like a leader but has very poor leadership skills), and a Real Leader (one who demonstrates a balance of thoughtfulness and action, candor and respect, direction and listing, vision and steadiness, and empathy with accountability while getting good results) shows up.no00:07:40Episode 13 - 3 Steps to Conquering "People Problems"Seth SinclairThu, 03 Mar 2016 22:58:36 +0000https://www.moderndavinci.net/podcast/2016/3/3/episode-13-3-steps-to-conquering-people-problems54f4d36ce4b0f594d25ece9a:5611f0a0e4b033aa912a0054:56d8b88c2eeb81a54ea27914Sometimes they sneak up on us. Other times we put off dealing with them and they loom in the background. You might make it a week or two without encountering one, but no one can avoid them for long. They can cause anxiety, anger, frustration, and leave your stomach in knots. I’m not talking about the spiders in your garage or the overdue bills on your desk. I’m talking about uncomfortable and potentially messy “people problems.” You know them well. You’re bound to encounter them because, as humans, we know that disagreement, differing perspectives, conflict, and issues are inevitable. Here are just a few “fun” examples that you might relate to:Modern da VinciPractical advice and steps you can follow to turn conflict and difficult conversations into productive outcomes.Sometimes they sneak up on us. Other times we put off dealing with them and they loom in the background. You might make it a week or two without encountering one, but no one can avoid them for long. They can cause anxiety, anger, frustration, and leave your stomach in knots. I’m not talking about the spiders in your garage or the overdue bills on your desk. I’m talking about uncomfortable and potentially messy “people problems.” You know them well. You’re bound to encounter them because, as humans, we know that disagreement, differing perspectives, conflict, and issues are inevitable. Here are just a few “fun” examples that you might relate to:no00:18:16Episode 12 - Want to Grow Your Business? Find These 3 Numbers First...Michael MehlbergThu, 25 Feb 2016 01:29:26 +0000https://www.moderndavinci.net/podcast/2016/2/24/episode-12-want-to-grow-your-business-find-these-3-numbers-first54f4d36ce4b0f594d25ece9a:5611f0a0e4b033aa912a0054:56ce5716a3360cb99fa1bc7cI’m going to use two words that will quickly turn you away. Your first reaction will be to click the back button in an attempt to forget about this article and search for greener pastures. But you mustn’t. You mustn’t leave because these two words are going to be the root of your success. If used correctly, these two words are going to help you discover your niche, find your ideal customers, increase sales, grow your business, and crush your competition. We’re going to use these two words to make your company stronger. Stronger from within (through a clear understanding of your customers, their buying power, and their problems) and from without (through increased presence, better customer targeting, and growth into new business areas). Ready to hear them?Modern da VinciThe three most important numbers in any market analysis are your TAM, SAM, and SOM. Learn about these numbers and how you can use them to find your niche, increase sales, and grow your business.I’m going to use two words that will quickly turn you away. Your first reaction will be to click the back button in an attempt to forget about this article and search for greener pastures. But you mustn’t. You mustn’t leave because these two words are going to be the root of your success. If used correctly, these two words are going to help you discover your niche, find your ideal customers, increase sales, grow your business, and crush your competition. We’re going to use these two words to make your company stronger. Stronger from within (through a clear understanding of your customers, their buying power, and their problems) and from without (through increased presence, better customer targeting, and growth into new business areas). Ready to hear them?no00:17:43Episode 11 - All Great People Fail - So Should YouSeth SinclairThu, 18 Feb 2016 04:24:51 +0000https://www.moderndavinci.net/podcast/2016/2/17/episode-11-all-great-people-fail-so-should-you54f4d36ce4b0f594d25ece9a:5611f0a0e4b033aa912a0054:56c545fd2b8dde2bd750824aWhat do historical legends such as Thomas Edison, Albert Einstein, and Abraham Lincoln have in common with modern day magnates Michael Jordan, Oprah Winfrey, and J.K. Rowling? The obvious answers are fame and success. But there is a more powerful answer that might surprise you. They all experienced painful, demoralizing failure on their journeys to the top. The kind of failure that would derail many people from going forward and pursuing their goals and dreams. Had they succumbed to these failures, they easily could have faded into anonymity. Their incredible contributions to science, history, sports, business, and literature may have been lost. This raises in an important question - what is it that fuels people who are wildly successful and separates them from others? Are they ultra-talented? Do they have access to special resources that the rest of us don’t have? Are they just lucky?Modern da Vinci5 Steps Wildly Successful People Take to Overcome FailureWhat do historical legends such as Thomas Edison, Albert Einstein, and Abraham Lincoln have in common with modern day magnates Michael Jordan, Oprah Winfrey, and J.K. Rowling? The obvious answers are fame and success. But there is a more powerful answer that might surprise you. They all experienced painful, demoralizing failure on their journeys to the top. The kind of failure that would derail many people from going forward and pursuing their goals and dreams. Had they succumbed to these failures, they easily could have faded into anonymity. Their incredible contributions to science, history, sports, business, and literature may have been lost. This raises in an important question - what is it that fuels people who are wildly successful and separates them from others? Are they ultra-talented? Do they have access to special resources that the rest of us don’t have? Are they just lucky?no00:16:07Episode 10 - 8 Questions Your New Product Idea Must Answer (Or Fail Miserably)Michael MehlbergWed, 10 Feb 2016 12:30:00 +0000https://www.moderndavinci.net/podcast/2016/2/9/episode-10-8-questions-your-new-product-idea-must-answer-or-fail-miserably54f4d36ce4b0f594d25ece9a:5611f0a0e4b033aa912a0054:56bab63a60b5e90aa019ac28Deep down you’re excited. You’re excited that your new idea is going to sell. You’re excited that your new product will be met with fanfare, enthusiasm, and will win the hearts and minds (and wallets) of an entire market. I know this feeling. I’ve had this feeling many times before. Not just the first time I developed a new product idea. But the second, third, fourth, twentieth time and beyond. Despite having my early product development activities fail many times, I rarely considered that my next would share the same fate. Blinded by excitement over each great idea, I kept trying. And so will you. As entrepreneurs and business owners, we have to keep trying. Innovate or die… or so they say. But stop and think for a moment. How can we innovate so blindly with so much at stake? How can we thoughtlessly build that “next great product” when so many businesses around us create products that fail? How can we justify the cost and time it takes to build a new idea into reality based solely on our excitement?Modern da VinciYou've got an exciting new product idea? Before diving into development... be sure you have answers to these 8 questions.Deep down you’re excited. You’re excited that your new idea is going to sell. You’re excited that your new product will be met with fanfare, enthusiasm, and will win the hearts and minds (and wallets) of an entire market. I know this feeling. I’ve had this feeling many times before. Not just the first time I developed a new product idea. But the second, third, fourth, twentieth time and beyond. Despite having my early product development activities fail many times, I rarely considered that my next would share the same fate. Blinded by excitement over each great idea, I kept trying. And so will you. As entrepreneurs and business owners, we have to keep trying. Innovate or die… or so they say. But stop and think for a moment. How can we innovate so blindly with so much at stake? How can we thoughtlessly build that “next great product” when so many businesses around us create products that fail? How can we justify the cost and time it takes to build a new idea into reality based solely on our excitement?no00:05:26Episode 9 - How Powerful Questions Can Enhance Your LeadershipSeth SinclairWed, 27 Jan 2016 19:11:27 +0000https://www.moderndavinci.net/podcast/2016/1/27/episode-9-how-powerful-questions-can-enhance-your-leadership54f4d36ce4b0f594d25ece9a:5611f0a0e4b033aa912a0054:56a913781f4039fa5c44e596As a leader, you are expected to have answers. Whether it’s a team member asking how to get a project back on track, a customer asking for more service, or a boss demanding better results, there is pressure to provide quick, definitive responses. The drive to find the “right answer” and to do so expeditiously may be well intentioned but comes with considerable risk. What if your response fails to address the issue you are trying to solve? Or more importantly, what if you are spending all of your time and energy finding an answer to the wrong question? Taking a step back from a problem and further assessing it through questioning can provide powerful insight. In addition to helping re-frame a problem and sharpen focus, asking powerful questions can foster breakthrough thinking and yield many critical benefits.Seth SinclairAsking powerful questions can foster breakthrough thinking and yield many critical benefits.As a leader, you are expected to have answers. Whether it’s a team member asking how to get a project back on track, a customer asking for more service, or a boss demanding better results, there is pressure to provide quick, definitive responses. The drive to find the “right answer” and to do so expeditiously may be well intentioned but comes with considerable risk. What if your response fails to address the issue you are trying to solve? Or more importantly, what if you are spending all of your time and energy finding an answer to the wrong question? Taking a step back from a problem and further assessing it through questioning can provide powerful insight. In addition to helping re-frame a problem and sharpen focus, asking powerful questions can foster breakthrough thinking and yield many critical benefits.no00:11:53Episode 8 - Listen Up! How to Improve Your Listening SkillsSeth SinclairWed, 13 Jan 2016 14:45:00 +0000https://www.moderndavinci.net/podcast/2016/1/13/episode-7-listen-up-how-to-improve-your-listening-skills54f4d36ce4b0f594d25ece9a:5611f0a0e4b033aa912a0054:5695f7459cadb6dccedbd408Listening is the foundation for developing lasting relationships, building trust, preventing conflict, and influencing others. When you really listen, you show the other person that you care what they think and that they are worthy of your full attention. No one is going to be a perfect listener 100% of the time and shedding old listening habits isn’t always easy. However, it’s entirely possible to improve your listening skills using the approach outlined herein.Modern da VinciListening skills are critical to your success as a leader, manager, employee, and friend. Use these techniques to assess how effective you are at listening and become a more effective listener.Listening is the foundation for developing lasting relationships, building trust, preventing conflict, and influencing others. When you really listen, you show the other person that you care what they think and that they are worthy of your full attention. No one is going to be a perfect listener 100% of the time and shedding old listening habits isn’t always easy. However, it’s entirely possible to improve your listening skills using the approach outlined herein.no00:11:43Episode 7 - From Ignorance to Mastery: How Adults LearnSeth SinclairWed, 09 Dec 2015 12:30:00 +0000https://www.moderndavinci.net/podcast/2015/12/8/how-adults-learn54f4d36ce4b0f594d25ece9a:5611f0a0e4b033aa912a0054:5664e93ae4b041edc7633becUnlike children who implicitly accept new information without questioning its relevance, adults challenge education and seek knowledge related to areas applicable to their future. They understand that if they need to learn something, it’s their responsibility to find the information and skills they need Fundamentally, it is helpful to reflect on the underlying process by which adults learn. Doing so will shed light on the struggles that often accompany personal growth and professional development. In turn, our understanding can help build a new perspective on gauging progress.Modern da VinciThe four stage process for learning anything new, and why it matters to your success.Unlike children who implicitly accept new information without questioning its relevance, adults challenge education and seek knowledge related to areas applicable to their future. They understand that if they need to learn something, it’s their responsibility to find the information and skills they need Fundamentally, it is helpful to reflect on the underlying process by which adults learn. Doing so will shed light on the struggles that often accompany personal growth and professional development. In turn, our understanding can help build a new perspective on gauging progress.no00:12:21Episode 6 - Don't Get Caught in the Innovation TrapMichael MehlbergWed, 02 Dec 2015 14:24:39 +0000https://www.moderndavinci.net/podcast/2015/12/2/episode-6-dont-get-caught-in-the-innovation-trap54f4d36ce4b0f594d25ece9a:5611f0a0e4b033aa912a0054:565eef18e4b017f4a344eaefSo many of our ideas are built on the thoughts and insights of others. But no matter where they come from, not all ideas stick. Not all ideas generate revenue or increase market share. The ones that do succeed are the ones that solve specific customer problems. If you’re spending all your time innovating and not listening, it’s just a matter of time before you’re no longer relevant. In fact, if you haven't asked yourself with the last six months what has changed about your customers, your markets, and your industry, you’ve taken your first step towards innovating solutions that nobody needs. Don’t get caught in the innovation trap. Listen first. Create and innovate later.Modern da VinciDon't get caught in the innovation trap. Listen first. Create and innovate later.So many of our ideas are built on the thoughts and insights of others. But no matter where they come from, not all ideas stick. Not all ideas generate revenue or increase market share. The ones that do succeed are the ones that solve specific customer problems. If you’re spending all your time innovating and not listening, it’s just a matter of time before you’re no longer relevant. In fact, if you haven't asked yourself with the last six months what has changed about your customers, your markets, and your industry, you’ve taken your first step towards innovating solutions that nobody needs. Don’t get caught in the innovation trap. Listen first. Create and innovate later.no00:07:46Episode 5 - Effective Feedback Made SimpleSeth SinclairThu, 19 Nov 2015 04:48:46 +0000www.moderndavinci.net/blog/2015/11/16/effective-feedback-made-simple54f4d36ce4b0f594d25ece9a:5611f0a0e4b033aa912a0054:564d46c3e4b0b1c72d7aa667Feedback is one of the most helpful and important things we all need to learn, grow, and improve. Furthermore, delivering skillful feedback can serve you well in all aspects of life. And yet in working with businesses and coaching clients, I hear time and time again how uncomfortable people are with the idea of giving feedback. I see the negative consequences of organizations and teams who avoid feedback – conflict, frustration, and stagnation. If giving great feedback is an important skill for business leadership and performance, what is it that makes people so apprehensive about it? Let’s break it down and then look at some simple strategies for delivering effective feedback. "Business man hand" image by kev-shine is licensed under Creative Commons Attribution 2.0.Permalink

]]>Modern da VinciEpisode 5 - Effective Feedback Made SimpleFeedback is one of the most helpful and important things we all need to learn, grow, and improve. Furthermore, delivering skillful feedback can serve you well in all aspects of life. And yet in working with businesses and coaching clients, I hear time and time again how uncomfortable people are with the idea of giving feedback. I see the negative consequences of organizations and teams who avoid feedback – conflict, frustration, and stagnation. If giving great feedback is an important skill for business leadership and performance, what is it that makes people so apprehensive about it? Let’s break it down and then look at some simple strategies for delivering effective feedback.no00:08:27Episode 4 - Is Your Business on the Ballot?Michael MehlbergMon, 02 Nov 2015 12:02:30 +0000https://www.moderndavinci.net/podcast/2015/11/2/episode-4-is-your-business-on-the-ballot54f4d36ce4b0f594d25ece9a:5611f0a0e4b033aa912a0054:56374d27e4b0e79c6cce2c8bToday is the day... the day before elections when you realize you'll need to exercise your right as a free citizen in a representative democracy. Have you researched your candidates? Have you aligned your businesses needs with the values, record, and public statements of your choice representative? Listen to this podcast before you head to the ballot box. We'll take a focused look at voting and how it applies to your business. We'll review some things to look for in a candidate that could affect your company and provide an excellent resource for researching candidates in your district. Modern da VinciListen to this podcast before heading to the ballot box.Today is the day... the day before elections when you realize you'll need to exercise your right as a free citizen in a representative democracy. Have you researched your candidates? Have you aligned your businesses needs with the values, record, and public statements of your choice representative? Watch this video before you head to the ballot box. We'll take a focused look at voting and how it applies to your business. We'll review some things to look for in a candidate that could affect your company and provide an excellent resource for researching candidates in your district. no00:10:14Episode 3 - Rediscovering Your Sense of Wonder With a Discovery JournalMichael MehlbergFri, 30 Oct 2015 12:13:37 +0000https://www.moderndavinci.net/podcast/2015/10/30/episode-3-rediscovering-your-sense-of-wonder-with-a-discovery-journal54f4d36ce4b0f594d25ece9a:5611f0a0e4b033aa912a0054:56335cdce4b003c20d5df5fdKeeping a discovery journal creates a desire to grow both personally and professionally while helping us become aware of blind spots in our knowledge. It inspires us to learn and find meaningful answers in our own lives. Without asking questions, we will get by just fine. But if we do, and if we make every effort to seek answers, our sense of wonder will grow strong, our experiences will take on more meaning, and we may find ourselves living a richer life.Modern da VinciA simple method for constantly learning, growing, and creating new ideas. Learn how to keep a discovery journal today.Keeping a discovery journal creates a desire to grow both personally and professionally while helping us become aware of blind spots in our knowledge. It inspires us to learn and find meaningful answers in our own lives. Without asking questions, we will get by just fine. But if we do, and if we make every effort to seek answers, our sense of wonder will grow strong, our experiences will take on more meaning, and we may find ourselves living a richer life.no00:14:25Episode 2 - How to Create a Plan Today to Maximize TomorrowMichael MehlbergMon, 19 Oct 2015 02:09:49 +0000https://www.moderndavinci.net/podcast/2015/10/18/episode-2-how-to-create-a-plan-today-to-maximize-tomorrow54f4d36ce4b0f594d25ece9a:5611f0a0e4b033aa912a0054:56244fabe4b0a755f5eab43cThis post is for anyone who wants to get ahead; who wants to stop reacting to life; who wants to stop floating through life day by day, hoping for the best. It's for anyone with much to accomplish and little time to do it. This post is for anyone who wants to focus and thrive, yet finds himself distracted and unsure of what to do next. The most successful people in the world have a plan. Not just a plan for big projects, but a plan for the little periods of time that they know will add up in the long run. When you are done reading this post, you will know how to develop a plan tonight that will guide you tomorrow. You will be able extract maximum value out of each and every hour of your day. Your plan will guide you when distracted and, in the early hours of the morning when your willpower is low and it’s difficult to think, it will provide you with a goal to kickstart your day and accomplish something while the rest of the world is still waking up. Creating your plan will not be complicated... it is as simple as filling out an index card.Michael MehlbergHere's how you can spend 10 minutes today to make tomorrow the most productive day of your life.This post is for anyone who wants to get ahead; who wants to stop reacting to life; who wants to stop floating through life day by day, hoping for the best. It's for anyone with much to accomplish and little time to do it. This post is for anyone who wants to focus and thrive, yet finds himself distracted and unsure of what to do next. The most successful people in the world have a plan. Not just a plan for big projects, but a plan for the little periods of time that they know will add up in the long run. When you are done reading this post, you will know how to develop a plan tonight that will guide you tomorrow. You will be able extract maximum value out of each and every hour of your day. Your plan will guide you when distracted and, in the early hours of the morning when your willpower is low and it’s difficult to think, it will provide you with a goal to kickstart your day and accomplish something while the rest of the world is still waking up. Creating your plan will not be complicated... it is as simple as filling out an index card.no00:21:44Episode 1 - You Are Thinking About Exercise All WrongMichael MehlbergWed, 07 Oct 2015 05:49:40 +0000https://www.moderndavinci.net/podcast/2015/10/7/episode-1-you-are-thinking-about-exercise-all-wrong54f4d36ce4b0f594d25ece9a:5611f0a0e4b033aa912a0054:5614ae20e4b0b2fafb9fdd30We create excuses to avoid discomfort. Our excuses overpower our motivations and goals. And when the weight is heavy or the run long, our goals fly out the window. We need a deeper, more driving, more motivating voice to overpower those excuses. Once we've found that voice, it can help us far beyond exercise.Modern da VinciTwo books teach us about the mindset we need to maintain a healthy lifestyle and achieve more in life.We know health and fitness are important, but we have the wrong goals in mind when we start. This episode briefly discusses two books that will change the way you think about your health and exercise goals and how to develop your mindset into one of growth and achievement.no00:16:25