The End of the Beginning: Jay’s Year-End Review
Recently, I was invited by my alma mater’s placement office to attend an career connections fair. Being back on campus for the first time since graduation gave me a chance to reflect on just how far I’ve come in the last 12 months; what I had learned about myself and my industry. The event provided students with an opportunity to talk to alumni about their careers and respective industry. I enjoyed sharing my experiences with students who were where I was just a year ago. The most surprising thing about the experience was how easy it was for me to answer most of the questions...
read moreDo You Have a Suggestion Box?
Do you have all the answers? If you think the correct answer to that question is yes, you are either incredibly smart, incredibly naive, or you are a small business owner. The need to know all the answers seems to come with the job. Unfortunately, there is no “rule” book for the job of small business owner. Every day, your employees, customers, and partners look to you for answers, so you have to have all of them, right? .. Wrong! The key to success often lies in learning to ask questions, admit you don’t know, and occasionally following someone else’s advice. It...
read moreSmall Biz Owners Need Professional Circles
Yesterday, I wrote about the personal connections small busienss owners need, with peers who challenge and encourage you to do more, do bigger and do better. Today, I thought I would look at the other types of relationships a successful small busienss owner needs. No Matter How Complete Your Business, You are Not a One Stop Shop Your customer, has needs beyond what you can provide. Understanding those other needs may lead you to cross promotion opportunities with strategic partners in your circle! As you think about your target customer, think about other products and services...
read moreWho Is In Your Circle?
The other day, I heard Ken Johnson, the chaplain for the Indianapolis Colts speak to a group of business owners. While he had many valuable, inspirational and funny things to say to the audience, there was one quote which resonated with me. He said: “If you are the smartest person you know, your circle is too small!” And the more I thought about it, the more I knew he was right. We all like to feel “smart”, we like to be respected, and valued for what we know and what we do. But, particularly as small business owners, we need to surround ourselves with people...
read moreCreativity Comes from Your Environment
Later this month I am giving a key note presentation at the Greensburg Chamber of Commerce Women’s Conference. My presentation is entitled ” Who is On Your Front Row, and Other Strategies for Developing Creative Solutions. The title comes from the short presentation below, based on my experience giving a presentation with friends in my front row. The lesson I learned? When I give a presentation, or work on a problem, I want friends in my front row. Why? They give you the encouragement, support, motivation, and nurturing you need to find truly creative solutions. Thanks to...
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