Get Your Business in Gear for the End of the Year

Regardless of what kind of business you run or what type of work you do, the end of the year is a wonderful opportunity to close the current year and set into motion your plans for the coming year. This process is actually critical to your success - if you're serious about growth and moving your business forward.

This Week with Sara Fitts looks at the necessary ways to get your business in gear for the end of the year.

• Review your business plan and your marketing plan. What worked? What worked well? What didn't work? What surprised you most? What do you want to replicate for next year? What is most important to focus on in 2007?
• Assess your results with brutal honesty. What do you need to do to improve your overall business in 2007? What systems must be in place in order to make these improvements happen? What do you need more of? What do you need less of? How will you make these improvements happen?
• Be willing to make necessary changes in order to get better results. Who do you need to be in order to be more successful? What do you need to do to sell more products and services? What has held you back? Will you refuse to become stagnant? Will you make the changes your business needs you to make?
• Be specific when planning 2007. How much growth do you want to experience? Do you want to increase production by 15% or by 50%? Do you want to increase sales by $100 per sale or by $5000 per month? It really doesn't matter what numbers you use as long as they are realistic for your business and your market.
• Think outside the box. If you continue to do the same old things, you will continue to get the same old results. If these are the results you want, great! If they are not at all the results you want, you must make the necessary changes in order to get the results you want.

Get your business in gear for the end of the year! You'll be even more ready for 2007!

Ways to Keep the Customers You Have

Following up from yesterday's post, I'm going deeper into some ways to keep the customers you already have. It pays huge dividends to keep your customers - because it is almost always less costly than getting new ones. And, your current customers will likely bring you additional customers with their "word of mouth" marketing of you and your company.

Ways to keep the customers you have:

• Showing your appreciation of each customer. This can be in the form of hand-written notes, holiday cards, a personal thank you note, a phone call from the owner or president, a gift basket or gift card, or even a logo-crested item that advertises your own product or services. Regardless of what it is, appreciation goes a long way to sustain a relationship.
• Invite your customers to lunch. If your customer base is primarily local, you can invite them to your office for a major customer appreciation catered event and really play it up. You can have tours of your facility, introduce your staff, and make an event of it. You can make it an annual event - and really use it to springboard new products and services.
• Invite your customers to a workshop or seminar. It doesn't even have to be related to your products or services. The workshop can be on time managment, New Year's resolutions, or anything motivational and uplifting.
• Publish a company newsletter. Use this as a marketing tool in addition to making it newsworthy. It can be done as a traditional newsletter or as an ezine. As long as it keeps you connected to your customers, it should work for you.
• Fix any and all problems as soon as possible. While the customer may not always be right, the problems should always be fixed - if you want to keep the customer who has the complaint.
• Make yourself available. Return calls in a timely manner. Address issues that arise. Never close your door on a customer - unless you don't want them back.
• Initially be selective when seeking customers - and then it becomes 100% easier to want to keep them!

How to Increase Your Bottom Line

This Week with Sara Fitts looks at how to increase your bottom line by increasing sales and growing your business - any business, actually. I see these as basic fundamentals of business growth.

1. Keep the customers or clients you have. Customer service is extremely important in growing your business. By keeping the customers you already have, it becomes much easier to attract others. Your base should be held in the highest regard and never taken for granted. Reward your customers for their loyalty to you, and you'll have them for as long as you're in business.
2. Attract new customers or clients. Marketing should be an on-going activity that keeps your name in front of your target market at all times. Marketing is not an activity that should be "done" when sales are down. Marketing won't attract customers without follow-up. Attract new customers by following up on every marketing campaign. Follow-up is fundamental - but often lacking. Follow up on all leads and prospects. Increase your base.
3. Add to the average sale. Fast food restaurants do this extremely well with their value and combo meals. This is a strategy that I think can work in any business. Bundle your services or products for a bigger and better sale. Add value to every single sale for the sake of the customer as well as for the sake of the business.
4. Increase repeat business for every customer. This may mean an increase in research and development of new product offerings and services. This also means that you must stay on the cutting edge of your industry in order to increase your bottom line. Take the average time for repeat sales, and cut it in half. When you think about that, you've already doubled your revenue.
5. Refuse to accept all prospects as customers or clients. We all know who we need to get rid of - but we often don't because we feel we need their money. But the reality of the situation is that the worst customers or clients actually zap the life out of the business because we become drained by the aggravation they bring. If we refuse to accept poor candidates for our products and services, we then are more energized to go out and find the very best customers and clients. Be more selective, and you'll automatically increase your bottom line.
6. Remain positive, stay focused, and never give up. Growing your business will almost always take longer than you want it to, but never give up. Have a plan and keep working that plan.

An Invitation to Manage Your Time & Stress for the Holidays

This is an invitation from Sara Fitts to Manage Your Time & Reduce Your Stress for the Holidays.

I'll show you 12 ways to have more time and less stress - and enjoy the holidays so much more.

If you have an hour, I have the solution.

Join me for a 1-hour teleclass on Wednesday, December 6 @ 12 noon (EST). The tuition for this one-hour class is $45 (USD) - payable by debit or credit card. This class is limited to 20 people - so reserve your spot right now by emailing thecoach@SLFConsulting.com to register. Please include your name and telephone number in your email.

After you register, you will receive an email confirmation with payment details and call instructions.

I hope you'll join me!

5 More Ways to Reward Employees

Rewarding employees is one way to build loyalty and show appreciation at the same time. All business owners should want their employees to follow them into battle - and a good way to do this is by creating a climate and culture of appreciation.

Here are 5 more ways to reward your hard-working staff:

1. An MP3 player such as I-Pod or the Zen Nano by Creative (which I prefer!) provides a way to listen to music and actually be even more productive at work.
2. Shirts or sweaters with the company logo for casual Fridays create a real team atmosphere. It also provides free advertising when worn by the employees outside the workplace.
3. An afternoon off is an excellent way to show appreciation and to let the worker relax and enjoy a much-needed break. This would be especially nice after a big project or event.
4. A self-development seminar is a fantastic way to reward, energize, and re-awaken hard-working people. If the seminar is out of town, the trip is an extra bonus. To cut costs and save time, you could bring the seminar in-house for everyone.
5. Create a unique item that is exclusively yours as a reward for any extra effort on the part of your staff. For example, it might be something as simple as a paperweight with your company logo. It could be a state-of-the-art flashlight for the "beacons" in your organization. It could be a model of what you manufacture. It could be a framed motivational poster. Anything that references your acknowledgement of their dedication, hard work, and energy is appreciated when given with sincerity and authenticity.

5 Ways to Reward Employees

This Week with Sara Fitts focuses on rewarding employees in today's post. Rewards don't have to be elaborate or expensive - they just need to be a way to say "thank you", "nice job", or "I like your work ethic" to hard-working staff members. They also serve as a motivational tool to boost morale.

1. Gift cards and gift certificates are excellent ways to reward employees. You can get them from restaurants, specialty stores, spas, resorts, or even from American Express, Visa, or MasterCard.
2. Recognition as "Employee of the Month" with a picture and plaque on the office wall of fame is another good way to keep morale up and inspire extra efforts.
3. Order lunch for everyone and set it up in the conference room. As simple as pizza or subs to a more elaborate buffet - any type of lunch provides a way to relax and enjoy the people you employ.
4. Host an off-site staff meeting. Consider a resort, restaurant, or fitness center. After the meeting, provide relaxation in a comfortable setting.
5. Personal notes and letters are always appreciated - and definitely create a climate and culture of appreciation.

These are 5 simple ways to reward employees. They don't have to be expensive or elaborate. Simplicity is a fabulous way to express gratitude and appreciation. The only requirement is that whatever the reward, it must be authentically given. No one wants to be recognized as an afterthought or required agenda item.

How to Build Loyalty with Employees

I think the best way to build loyalty with your employees is, first of all, to be authentic. If you are "real" with your employees and say what you really mean, really mean what you say, and are able to say you're wrong when you're wrong - you will have loyal employees forever.

Here are some rules for building loyalty among your employees:

• Treat everyone as you want to be treated.
• Enjoy the people with whom you work - if you can't enjoy them, then maybe you have the wrong ones around you.
• Motivate them positively. Use rewards.
• Be honest. Criticism isn't necessarily a bad thing.

When Should an Employee be Terminated?

This Week with Sara Fitts looks at how to make the best of an employee termination decision. This type of decision is never really as easy as you might think it is, but there is a way to make it as painless as possible.

First, when should an employee be fired or terminated? There are many reasons why you might fire an employee. Among them might be:

• disregard for their job performance
• disregard for their colleagues
• disregard for the position they hold within the organization
• failure to perform certain (if not all) tasks associated with the job description
• failure to contribute to the overall culture and climate of the work environment
• failure to address the issues brought to their attention during performance reviews
• failure to work as a productive and efficient team member
• refusal to accept responsibility for their work and for the results of their work
• not "showing up" for work

No matter what business you're in, everyone on your payroll should be earning their pay every single day. I firmly believe that everyone should show up for work everyday; however, I also firmly believe that the owner has the responsibility to set the stage for the culture and climate of the business.

If you're the owner, you must motivate your people to work hard for your business, your products and services, and your customers or clients. Creating the right culture and climate for your business is as important as hiring the right people from the start. Everyone should want to be there and should enjoy the work and the environment in which the work is done.

Here are some questions to answer when you are trying to decide whether or not to terminate an employee.

1. How much time have you invested in this employee? How much effort has gone into the "fix" of the problem issue? Has too much time, effort, and energy gone into a lost cause?
2. How has the employee's performance changed over time? Or, was this simply a poor hiring decision initially?
3. What is the benefit to you, your other employees, and the business to terminate the problem employee? What are the risks of terminating this person?
4. How will this decision fuel you and your business? How will this decision drain you and your business?
5. How can you surround yourself with the best people possible?

I think the real key here is that every business owner must take responsibility for all aspects of the business - and make the best business decisions possible at all times, in all cases.

Small business owners and self-employed professionals struggle with growing their businesses and balancing their lives. I provide strategies, techniques, and resources for better time management and goal-setting so they can get better results. I help them move forward faster to experience greater business success as well as greater personal success. The benefits for every one of my clients are freedom from stress and strain, improved cash flow, more balance in their lives, more time and energy, and renewed interest and joy in their businesses.

If you'd like to talk with me about your business, please contact me directly to set up a complimentary 30-minute conversation. Call me directly @ 703.791.4741 to schedule a time to talk. I look forward to it!

Make Good Hiring Decisions

This Week with Sara Fitts looks at how small business owners can surround themselves with the best people possible when they make good hiring decisions. The business will thrive and the workplace climate will lead to greater satisfaction for the owner and the employees. Whether the business employs one person or 100+, good hiring decisions are necessary for the success of the business, the sanity of the owner, and productivity and efficiency of the employees.

While there are many things to consider in the overall hiring process, these are my rules for making good hiring decisions.

• Know why you need the position you are filling. It's your business, but be able to justify (if only to yourself) why this position needs to be filled.
• Identify 5 - 10 characteristics that you must have in the person you hire for this position. It's your business, but know what you ideally want to have in this position before you know who it is that will fill it.
• Write the job description - and list every detail involved. Later this will help in assessing and evaluating the performance of the employee in this position.
• Post the vacancy broadly enough to get a good sample of talent. Utilize all means necessary to recruit the best possible candidates.
• Interview all candidates in the same day if possible.
• Make your hiring decision as if your life depended on it - because the wrong person in the position can make your life miserable. It's your business, but if you surround yourself with the wrong people, you will be less productive, more stressed, and your workplace will be chaotic. Sure, you can fire the person later, but you'll be wasting precious time, effort, and energy.
• Evaluate performance on a regular basis. It's your business and you need to keep it on track for success, efficiency, and productivity.

Apologies are Accepted

This Week with Sara Fitts looks at how we apologize when we are in positions of leadership.

While we always intend to communicate the right thing at the right time, sometimes we stumble and say things or write things that come out wrong or are misunderstood. Sometimes we simply just use bad judgment and unintentionally offend someone - or lots of people. At these times, it is extremely important to acknowledge the error, apologize for its inappropriateness, and move forward to better the relationship.

It doesn't matter if the error is made by the CEO, the owner or president of the company, or an employee - what matters is that it is addressed. When offensive statements are made, many things can happen. For example, conflict can erupt and shut down production or hurt feelings on the part of staff or customers can ruin business deals.

Regardless of what the error is, the best way to handle it is to acknowledge that someone has been offended, angered, or hurt. To ignore this is arrogant and will have long-standing negative effects. To apologize for any and all errors will go a very long way to build better business relationships. Apologies are accepted. Often that is all that is needed to move forward in business and in life.

Using Email for Better Business

This Week with Sara Fitts looks at email and how it can be better utilized for developing your business and enhancing your professional image. These are just a few strategies that may make a big difference for business owners and their staffs. These strategies are especially helpful for self-employed professionals with no employees or limited staff support.

• Use a spell check program and read the entire email prior to hitting the "send" button.
• Use the subject line carefully. Make it sound professional and business-oriented.
• Be aware that every email can be forwarded thousands upon thousands of times. Make sure that nothing in your email is offensive to anyone who may receive it. Make sure your email is factual and legitimate.
• Use a signature that is a business builder. Make sure you have all necessary contact information and websites listed in your electronic signature with correct links. Use your signature as a major marketing tool. Make it as professional as possible.
• Use correct rules of grammar. Begin sentences with capital letters and end them with correct punctuation. Never use all capital letters and never use all lowercase letters. Each email should be a business letter from you to a client, customer, or prospect.
• If you are sending the same email to a number of different people, use the BCC feature so as not to "out" all the people receiving your email.
• Check your email several times each weekday. Respond quickly. Clean out your inbox each week at a minimum by deleting all emails that you don't need to keep and setting up folders for those you do need to keep.
• Avoid sending any email when you are angry or upset about the matter at hand. Take time to read and read again your repsonse to make sure that it won't be misinterpretted by the reader. Written words are much more easily misinterpretted than spoken words.
• Remember that email is a tool. The phone is sometimes a better tool at the moment. Send the right message utilizing the best tool for the particular situation.

Email is a necessary strategy and must be used in the best possible way to build and enhance your business reputation.

Sara L. Fitts is a business coach who works with small business owners and self-employed professionals to enhance their business development. If you'd like to find out how she can help you, contact her today.

Enhancing Employee Relationships

Not only do small business owners have to rely on building and developing business relationships, those with employees must develop relationships that boost morale and a culture of making the business work most efficiently and productively.

Whether the small business owner has 1 employee or 500 +, these are some things to think about to enhance employee relationships.

• Every employee is valuable and must be treated as a valuable employee. If the employee is not valuable, why is he or she employed?
• Have only a few rules, regulations, or policies - and apply them to everyone. When employees are treated differently, their loyalty will be destroyed and never recovered.
• Never underestimate the power of "please" and "thank you" because these little words go a long way toward boosting morale and employee relations. These words aren't lost on customers, either!
• Reward exceptional effort and positive results. If you reward mediocre effort and results, you'll get less than mediocre effort the next time.
• Be careful about competition. If you're trying to build a team, there is only one side and not an "us against them" mentality.
• Competition can be healthy and motivational, but it can backfire and lead to team destruction.
• Monthly or quarterly meet with all staff members and inform them of what's going on within the business. This is an excellent opportunity to reward exceptional efforts and big wins within the business.
• Manage by walking around and speaking with your employees. This is a powerful way to find out what is really going on and to show that you care about them as people and employees.
• Have fun at work. Whether scheduled or not, make every attempt to create a climate of care and concern - and enjoyment - within the work environment. When people enjoy what they do, they produce better results.
• Believe in your organization, in your product or service, and believe in your people. Most employees will work harder when they feel validated and cared for.
• Be authentic. If you as a business owner want to enhance employee relationships, you must come from a place of authenticity about it. Sincerity is required for positive results.

There are many additional ways to enhance employee relationships. I've listed the foundation of enhanced employee relationships here.

Relationships that Every Business Owner Needs

Every business owner must cultivate a number of relationships in order to be successful. Without these, sustainable success is very likely to be out of reach. Regardless of industry, geographic area, gender, or clientele, these are the most important business relationships business owners need to develop.

• Accountant
• Attorney
• Estate attorney / planner
• Financial planner
• Business coach
• Stockbroker
• Banker
• Commercial printer
• Insurance broker
• Networker
• Physician - internist
• Web designer / host / programmer
• Plumber
• Mechanic
• Dentist
• Electrician
• Handyman or handywoman
• Florist
• Virtual Assitant - or a live and in-person adminstrative assistant

When you really think about all the relationships that are cultivated and developed over the course of building a business, there are many people that have a tremendous impact on the rate of success experienced by the business owner. These relationships are priceless and must be kept in a place of honor within the business.

Take a few minutes and list your key relationships - let me know what I've left off my list.

Small Business Dashboard

This Week with Sara Fitts looks at the Small Business Dashboard - an instrument panel on which business owners set their focus. While each business owner looks at unique aspects of his or her company, there are certain items that apply to every single business owner - regardless of what type of business it is.

These are the crucial items on the Small Business Dashboard I use with my clients - as well as my own business.

• Revenue
• Sales
• Costs / Expenses
• Staff / Staffing
• Profit / Loss
• Long-term goals of the business (5+ years)
• Short-term goals of the business (30 days - 1 year)
• Mid-range goals of the business (2 - 5 years)
• Marketing Plan
• Business Plan
• Client / Customer Base
• Economic forecasts
• Target market trends
• Business trends
• Industry news and trends
• Worth of the business
• Growth options
• When to sell or close (retirement considerations)

Each business owner determines the specific gauges on the dashboard and how often they are monitored. I design dashboards for each business owner with whom I work - so I can provide them with the best tools for growing and managing their businesses. This is a powerful tool that creates a baseline for our coaching partnership and sets the stage for crafting the best goals to get the best possible results.

If you'd like to know more about how I work with business owners, please contact me directly for a collaborative interview.

Keep Your Focus

This Week with Sara Fitts is about keeping your focus - no matter what you do to earn a living. Entrepreneurs, self-employed, small business owners, and any other person who works for a living knows this - but we often lose sight of what it takes to keep our focus when we are in the midst of running our businesses or living our lives. These are a few tips that I've learned along my way - some from clients, some from books, and a few from my father. I hope you find them helpful.

These are some tips to help you keep your focus:

• Know what you want to do, why you want to do it, and what it will take to get it done
• Be realistic about finances and timelines
• Believe in all the possibilities that exist
• Define your distractions and keep them away from you during work hours - you can do this!
• Work at tasks for certain amounts of time - and keep these start and stop times sacred
• Begin with the end in mind - keep your eye on the prize - know that you will reach the pot of gold
• Exercise for energy, health, and fitness
• Rest and relax
• Know whose rules you are following - make your own rules
• Define what drains you - and avoid your drains
• Define what fuels you - and embrace these
• Change your mindset to reflect what you want to focus on - and use the power of your mind to succeed
• Take time to enjoy what you already have worked for and achieved - don't wait for it to be finished or perfected
• Stay fresh by doing something new or something different

There are many ways to keep your focus and these are just a sampling of them. I'd love to hear from you on how you keep your focus.

Successfully Self-Employed

This Week with Sara Fitts focuses on the characteristics of the successfully self-employed. Self-employment isn't for everyone; however, for some, it is the only way to earn a living. What makes self-employment a viable option for some and not others? We'll explore those very qualitites and traits that make self-employment a successful enterprise.

What does it take to be successfully self-employed?

• Motivation
• Strong self-management skills
• Integrity and accountability to oneself
• Patience, persistence, and perspiration
• Commitment to doing whatever it takes to make it happen and never settling for less

What else does it take to be successfully self-employed?

• Talent
• Seeing the opportunities that exist - and making the most of them
• Creating more opportunities - and making the most of them
• Building the strongest team of experts that can be put together
• Building relationships that will last a lifetime
• Making the best decisions on a daily basis
• Stepping out of fear and comfort - into boldness that creates and sustains success

Self-employment is sometimes a lonely existence and is often filled with struggles uniquely owned by this group (of which I am one!); however, self-employment can be made better and stronger with the ingredients mentioned above.

Self-employment can also be a fabulous way to earn a living and provide needed goods and services to the world at large.

Filters for Success

This Week with Sara Fitts will focus on the filters for success - both personal and business success. [Filters for success refers to the filters through which we see reality and life.]

1. Be proactive - seek solutions instead of rehashing the reasons for lack of success.
2. Take action - any action to move forward.
3. Believe in the possibilities - and focus on them.
4. Don't procrastinate - rapidly respond to new opportunities.
5. Be accountable - to yourself and others.
6. Do something different - and see what happens.
7. Honestly and candidly assess how well what you are currently doing is actually working for you.
8. Make necessary changes.
9. Variety is the key - you must keep it fresh.
10. Stop talking and start making it happen!

How we view anything is as important as what we are viewing. We must see things through the right filter - or risk sabotaging ourselves and our success.

Reflections

This Week with Sara Fitts is back on track after a 10-day break. For the past few years this was my annual vacation at the beach; however, this year I had other responsibilities and the beach wasn't in the equation. Instead of rest and relaxation, I instead used this time for reflection. I'm sharing some of my profound period of growth with you here.

The first thing I gained from this period of deep reflection is that reflection is needed. All of us are busy. All of us have certain stresses. All of us have more on our plates than we probably want. Reflection helps us re-adjust and re-align our lives and our work. Reflection is needed.

Another thing I re-discovered is that our purpose and mission must stay in front of us and that everything else we do has to fit. If our purpose and mission isn't in alignment with what we are doing, then we aren't as productive and efficient as we need to be. Actually, we sabbotage ourselves every time we do anything that isn't in agreement with our mission. Businesses have failed for this very reason. Purpose and mission must lead the way.

And probably the most important thing gained from this period of deep reflection is that when we believe in what we are doing, everything else will fall into place. When we doubt ourselves and let the doubt from others seep into our thoughts and actions, we lose our sense of who we are and why we are here. We must believe in what we are doing, and everything else will fall into place.

Today is a special day for me because I'm announcing something that I've been working on for more than 5 years. I'm extremely pleased and proud of this work and this product. In the weeks ahead it will sit on a bigger stage and will be available for the owners of small businesses and their top management teams. It can even support self-employed professionals. It is a coaching system - not a program or seminar or workshop - it is a system that will provide a structure for increased success, growth, and revenue of small businesses and corporations. The market is Fortune 500 companies, Inc 500 businesses, and those businesses who want to make either list. More will be announced later - but the name of my trademark coaching system is Simple Little Formula.

Stay tuned....

Stop Trying

How many times in a day do you hear someone say that they will "try" to call you back, that they will "try" to meet you for lunch next week, that they will "try" to get a particular task done? How many times do you ever use the word "try" in the same context? Now the flip side of the original question: How often do they call you back, meet you for lunch, accomplish the task "tried"?

I feel that "try" is a word of inaction and disempowerment. Just using this word creates a climate of uncertainty - will it get done or not? I propose that we do not use this word - personally or in business - and instead be more decisive by stating clearly what we will do or not do. Almost immediately we have more credibility in the eyes of colleagues, clients, and customers. This is an empowering posture that can help us hold our own accountability.

A quick way to increase your position and credibility is to stop trying - and start doing or not doing. Either do something or don't, but stop trying. This is the best way to get into action, hold your accountability, and set yourself apart from others. The only thing left to do is follow up and follow through.

Reasons We Get Stuck

From time to time all of us experience the feeling of getting stuck. While I think it's much more important to get unstuck than to focus on being stuck, the reasons are important to note - so we can move forward faster.

The major reason we get stuck is that our choice of goal doesn't fit our priorities. Sometimes the goal we've chosen is one we've had continuously for months or even years. And sometimes our goal is simply too big and we need to break it down into smaller pieces. The cure for this could possibly be that we need a fresh perspective - and a fresh goal. We need to have a reachable, realistic goal that can be achieved in particular steps.

Another reason we get stuck is fear. Fear isn't always bad - it sometimes keeps us alive. Fear needs to be addressed and acknowledged for what it is. We must respect the fear. And then we must build reserves in order to reduce the consequences of our fears.

Yet another source of our "stuckness" is attitude and mentality. Positive attitudes get more positive results. Negativism breeds a contempt that creates an environment detrimental to growth and postive change. We can get unstuck and move forward if we adjust our attitudes and our mentality.

While there are many sources of why we can get stuck, these are at the top of the list. If we can address these sources, we all will move forward faster.

Lessons Learned

Today I'm thinking about all the lessons I've learned in the past years - about life and about business. One of the lessons I've learned is that things take longer than you want them to or need them to take. Why do things take longer? There are a number of reasons, I suppose; however, the one reason that keeps coming to mind is that no matter how well prepared you are, the timing is still not perfect. Since timing isn't perfect, things take longer!

Another lesson learned from my experience is that calm is power. When you are calm and others around you are not, you definitely have the edge and the upper hand. When you lose your calm demeanor, you lose control of all emotions and rational thoughts. Even if you just focus on remaining calm, you have an edge. And, once you lose composure, you can't take back what is said.

A third important lesson I've learned is that we have the power to make things happen. It isn't magic and it isn't mysterious. The power to make things happen consists of passion, motivation, determination, and persistence. We can't sit around and wait for something to happen - we must make it happen. And we must make it happen every single day.

Top 5 Characteristics of a Great Manager

Great managers are wonderful to work with and for - and here are the top 5 characteristics of the best managers.

1. Create a climate of openness and trust.
2. Never hide behind the position.
3. Acknowledge every staff member for his/her contributions.
4. Listen and observe.
5. Admit mistakes - learn from them and teach others how to avoid them.

Great managers can get excellent results from their staffs because they know how to manage people. They have many more attributes than the ones I've listed above; however, the list is made up of what matters the most to the people working in any company.

Top 5 Ways to Manage Your Time

There are many ways to manage your time, but I think these are the top 5. Even one of these 5 will help you take control of your time and create some breathing space.

1. Create stronger boundaries. Set limits and stick with them.
2. Confirm all appointments. This way you will never waste time driving or waiting for the meeting or appoinment.
3. Touch each piece of paper once. Stop moving stacks of papers from pile to pile.
4. Schedule everything. Much like the adage a place for everything and everything in its place, schedule everything that must be done and set a specific time in which to do it.
5. Capture an hour just for you. This rejuvenates you and creates more energy to get the other things in your life done.

Top 5 Characteristics of a Good Leader

Leadership remains a hot topic and today I'm listing the Top 5 Characteristics of a Good Leader.

1. Practices clear, candid, and open communication.
2. Creates a climate of trust.
3. Gives feedback and expects feedback from others.
4. Puts the right people in the right positions.
5. Sees the big picture - and never loses sight of it.

There are many characteristics of good leaders, but I think these are the top 5. Without these particular attributes, leadership suffers.

Top 5 Mistakes of Entrepreneurs

Today's Top 5 List is based on some of the mistakes made by entrepreneurs. The point is for us to learn from them and to strengthen our entrepreneurial spirits.

1. Sticking to one idea too long. Ideas are the currency of entrepreneurs - so try out several to see which ones are financially successful.
2. Ignoring cash flow. You'll always need more cash than you think you will.
3. Selling too hard. If you have to sell your ideas too hard, start listening to why they aren't buying.
4. Not having support structures. Hire people to help you - build your own team of support to include a virtual assistant, accountant, business coach, and any others you need to make your business venture work.
5. Giving up too soon. Everything takes longer than we want it to, expect it to, need it to. And that's just the way it is. Plan on a much longer launch time than you want - and stick with it.

I love entrepreneurial spirits - and have several entrepreneurs as clients. If you're an entrepreneur who is wanting to make things happen faster, a coach is one of the tools that can help.

Top 5 Ways to Work Effectively at Home

This Week with Sara Fitts is devoted this week to daily lists of top 5's. Today I'm listing the top 5 ways to effectively work out of your home office. Sometimes it can be extremely difficult to work out of one's home, but I find that the most successful home offices utilize these 5 ways to be more effective.

1. Develop a routine or schedule. You're the boss, so set your times of operation - and stick with them.
2. Set deadlines for specific tasks - with consequences attached. Usually the self-employed have built-in consequences of not getting the work done!
3. Educate your family, friends, and neighbors about your business and your work schedule. While everyone experiences interruptions from time to time, set strong boundaries and live by them - period.
4. Set daily goals that will hold your focus. This can help manage your time, too.
5. Prepare for the next business day before today's close of business. Just by clearing your desk, organizing your files, reviewing the calendar, and knowing what's on tap for the next day leads to the start of another good day in business.

Each of us must find our own best ways to run our businesses and our home offices, but these are the top 5 ways that successful people have remained effective leaders in the business world.

Extreme Self Care Program

Today I'm showcasing Extreme Self Care. I'm licensed to provide this coaching program and those who have completed this program have found that they are living better, healthier lives as a result.

Extreme Self Care consists of 100 items which, when completed, will very likely result in emotional and physical balance - which further supports your career and busines success. The entire purpose of this program is to focus on strengthening the client through improved balance, wellness, and improved overall quality of life. Stress reduction is a major benefit as well. The whole point of this program is that it integrates the changes you are making in your life in order to create sustainable growth and sustainable improvement.

For more information, please contact me. I'd love to explain how this program can be designed just for you.

Personal Freedom Coaching Program (TM)

Today I'm showcasing a program that I'm licensed to provide. Personal Freedom is a fabulous personal development program that is based on 10 foundations of our lives.

The Personal Freedom Program addresses each of the following foundations of our lives as a separate module. I offer this as a 12-week program covering a module per week with assessments provided. The following are topics that are covered in this program:

1. Creating Boundaries
2. Requirements
3. Raising Your Standards
4. Finsih What is Unfinished
5. Getting Your Needs Met
6. Orienting around your Values
7. Building Reserves in all Areas
8. Minimizing Tolerations
9. Handle Your Money Completely
10. Define Success on Your Own Terms

People of all ages and professions have benefitted from this program and attribute it to increasing their personal success as well as business success. If you'd like more information, please contact me. I'd love to talk with you!

Intentional Leadership

Intentional Leadership is the coaching program I'm showcasing today. Please contact me directly for more information or to schedule a complimentary session.

Intentional Leadership is a 90-day program that focuses on the specific skill sets that are needed to set apart excellent leaders from those who only hold the title or position. The program consists of weekly 30-minute calls, unlimited email support, and weekly laser sessions of 5 - 10 minutes that support the client's progress. While this program addresses particular skills, the client's unique and individual situation is addressed at every point.

This program works for managers, sales professionals, team leaders, project managers, supervisors, and anyone who wants to position themselves for leadership roles in any organization.

Please visit www.SLFConsulting.com for more information on the programs I offer - or contact me personally to find out how this program might work for you and your specific needs.

Manage Your Time

This Week with Sara Fitts is dedicating this week to showcasing five coaching programs that I offer. Please contact me for additional information or to schedule a complimentary session to explore any of these programs.

Manage Your Time is a 6-week coaching program that provides a structure with supportive strategies to help you take control of your time and manage it - instead of letting it control you. The program works with weekly 30-minute phone calls (one-on-one coaching) and unlimited email support between calls. Strategies and techniques are presented in addition to providing unique structures for the individual needs of each client. The success rate for this program is extremely high - actually 100% of my clients have reported improved time management skills over the past few years.

This program works for individuals - personally and professionally - to improve their time management and give them more time. It keeps them efficient and more productive. For more information, please visit www.SLFConsulting.com or contact me directly. I'd love to help you manage your time!

Peak Performance for Managers

This Week with Sara Fitts will focus on five coaching programs that I offer to give you a better idea of the broad spectrum coaching provides. Please contact me for additional information or to set up a complimentary session to explore any of these programs.

Peak Performance for Managers develops the skill sets needed to move forward at a faster rate of success. Peak performance is vital in today's business climate. This program is designed to close the gap between current and desired performance, to increase job satisfaction and productivity, and to increase the rate of career success. This program will benefit managers, supervisors, project or team leaders, human resources professionals, and just about anyone ready to move forward faster.

The real beauty of this program is that it works for groups or individuals - and is unique to the client's field and position. For more information, please visit www.SLFConsulting.com or contact me directly. I'd love to talk with you about reaching your peak performance.

What 3 Words Describe You?

What 3 words describe you at your best? What 3 words describe you at your worst? What 3 words describe you on a daily basis?

These adjectives create power and learning for you. When you are candid with yourself, you can fully express where you are in your personal and professional development. After identifying the words, are you satisfied with them? If you are, excellent! If you aren't, what do you do now? The power in this exercise is in defining and re-defining who we are. If we don't like who we are, we have the power to create something better.

Try this coaching exercise and see what happens. What did you learn? Were you surprised? Take it a step further and ask those around you for their input. Again, what did you learn? Did their words surprise you? What changes will you make as a result of these words?

If you'd like to experience this coaching exercise with me as a facilitator, please contact me and I'd be happy to take you through a complimentary session.

What 3 Things Aren't Serving You Well?

What 3 things are you doing that really aren't serving you well? I think this is an interesting exercise. When you can identify anything in your personal routine or in your career or business operations that don't really help you in any way, you can eliminate it and substitute something that will get you better results.

If what you're doing isn't helping you, it is hindering your success. Regardless of whether it is personal or professional, we all should only do the things that serve us well. When we do anything that doesn't serve us well, we are literally shooting ourselves in the foot and engaging in self-sabotage.

One of the quickest ways to immediately get better results is to identify the things in our lives and in our work that aren't serving us well - and eliminate them. Take this exercise seriously - and reap the benefits almost instantaneously.

What Do You Want Less of?

What do you want less of? This question is usually posed in the opposite direction - asking for more, not less. So the question sometimes throws us off a bit, but when you really think about it, there are many things we want less of.

What do you want less of?

• stress
• struggle
• overwhelm
• pain
• fear
• conflict
• mindless chatter

This is a provocative question that can lead to enormous empowerment to improve one's life and one's business. Take the time necessary to answer this question fully - and you'll be catapulted forward at a powerful rate of speed.

What do you want less of?

Where Do You Hold Yourself Back?

Where do you hold yourself back? If you really give this question serious thought, there is no telling how empowering the outcome can be. When we address what is holding us back, we can then move forward faster.

Where do we hold ourselves back? Sometimes the answers are obvious and other times we must dig deeper to name them. Here are some answers that I've experienced over the years from clients and colleagues.

• Telling only part of the truth - not the "real" truth
• Going along with the crowd instead of finding our own voice
• Not showing up fully
• Listening to others instead of ourselves
• Giving in to fear
• Settling for less than the best

In order to move forward faster, either personally or professionally, we all must address everything that holds us back from living our fullest lives. Where do you hold yourself back? Just by answering this one question will move you forward - as soon as today!

What Fuels You?

What fuels you? What energizes you? What makes you get up in the morning to face another day?

My work fuels me. I get energy from my clients and the projects I create and participate in. When I'm working on something, I can get lost in it and not even take a lunch break! But in order to stay fresh and focused, I often have to "schedule" short breaks within my day. Sometimes just 10 minutes to breathe is enough to rejuvenate me and keep me fresh.

While I love what I do, I am a strong advocate for vacations. I believe that all of us need to have some down time for rest, relaxation, and rejuvenation. It can be long weekends away, a week at the beach, or even an elaborate vacation abroad. The real point is taking some time away from stressors (and stresses) and doing something you enjoy for a sustainable period of time. I believe you really need a long weekend at minimum in order to accomplish this. My ideal is 10 days or two weeks. This is long enough to really relax and rejuvenate.

The purpose of vacations should be to fuel us for the next several months. It should provide enough fuel to get us through the routine stress of the workday and other things that pop up and attempt to throw us off our game. In today's environment, we all need to fuel ourselves for the long haul.

What fuels you?

Attract Success: Master Your Craft

Become more attractive to customers, clients, or superiors by mastering your craft. Being the best at what you do is the easiest way to become successful. This principle isn't promoting competence - it implies an even higher standard than mere competence. To master your craft means to learn how to deliver your services to fit the ever-changing needs of your customers, clients, or managers. It means to invent better ways to do everything you do.

Mastering your craft is about raising your own personal standards within the context of your professional life. It is about reducing the costs (in time and emotions) of delivering your services. It is about increasing the demand for your services. It is about making any and all necessary personal changes in order to move forward.

When you master your craft, you often experience the following:

• You learn more.
• You learn faster.
• You separate yourself from colleagues and others who drain you.
• You find better ways to do what you're doing - even if you're already good at it.
• You find greater joy in your work and in your life.
• You influence others more easily.

Being the best at what you do is the easiest way to become successful. Master your craft.

Attract Success: Deliver Twice What You Promise

Another excellent way to attract success is to deliver twice what you promise. When you consistently deliver more than was expected, new customers and clients are drawn to you. Anyone can do this by positioning themselves to always do more than is expected, more than is necessary, more than others in the same business or job are doing. This sets you apart from all others in the same field. This makes you the "go-to" person and makes you more attractive in business and in life.

This principle is fairly easy to implement. It begins with a commitment on your part that you are controlling your repsonse to all requests from superiors and customers or clients. You decide that your response to all requests will be twice what is being asked for. It is closely tied with eliminating delay because in order to deliver twice what is promised, you must get it done without hesitation.

Delivering twice what you promise not only will attract success - it will be a huge stepping stone in your career and professional life. It will set you apart from all others.

Attract Success: Eliminate Delay

Eliminate delay. Time is expensive. Wasting time is very unattractive. Putting things off is unattractive. People do not buy from unattractive businesses when other options are available; therefore, eliminating delay is an excellent way to attract business, customers, and clients. Personally, this principle works to attract friends and colleagues as well.

But, eliminating delay does not mean rushing. Details are still important. Steps cannot be left out of important procedures. Eliminating delay refers to making the most of our time. Eliminating delay refers to removing the obstacles to our success. It doesn't mean working faster - it means working more efficiently and more productively. It means doing what is most important and doing it now. It means refusing to let the obstacle spin our wheels. It means refusing to let anything else get us off our game.

People and organizations who are slow to respond will get further and further behind. People and organizations who are most successful are the ones who eliminate delay.

Attract Success: Unhook Yourself from the Future

Unhook yourself from the future. Attraction works in the present, not in the future. No one wants to know what you're going to do, they want to know what you are doing. This principle of attraction works in your personal life as well as in your business life.

Too many times we wait for just the right moment, just the right job, just the right amount of money in our account, just the right weight in order to do something. And in the process of waiting, we miss the opportunity that now brings us. Now is the time to do whatever it is you need or want to do. Putting things off until an arbitrary date in the future immediately disempowers us. Even if we must have a future date for a project, there is nothing that prevents us from working on it or towards it today.

Unhook yourself from the future. Attraction works in the present, not in the future. How will you attract success today?

Attracting Success: Become Selfish

Thomas Leonard developed 28 principles of attraction that formed his book "The Portable Coach". This week I'm taking 5 of these principles of attraction to illustrate what I know to be true about attracting personal and business success.

Become incredibly selfish. Without you, there is nothing, and attraction isn't possible. Selfishness isn't always a negative character trait. When we become selfish in a positive way, we take care of ourselves and are able to grow and develop in ways never before experienced. No one attracts success when they are tired, run down, and drained. We can only attract success when we are fueled and energized. Our fuel and energy comes from our "selfishness" that creates boundaries that protect us.

Regardless of what we seek to attract - more business, more sales, more money, a stronger team - we must put ourselves first in certain ways. We must put ourselves first in terms of taking care of ourselves. We must eat the right foods, get rest and exercise. We must protect ourselves from influences that drain us or harm us in any way. We must realize that we are what we are selling. We must also realize that no one is buying "tired and worn out" when "fresh and energetic" is on the market, too. By becoming incredibly selfish, we become (and remain) fresh and energized.

A key way to attract success personally and in business is to become incredibly selfish.

Risk is Always Reducible

Risk is always reducible. Personally and in business, we can always reduce our risk. Here are a few ways risk can be reduced.

• Leave 20 minutes early.
• Have a few more copies of the report you'll need for your meeting.
• Under-promise and over-deliver. [Never the other way around!]
• Prepare "new client/customer" packets before you get new clients/customers.
• Upgrade your personal operating system (so you can manage your time, set the right goals, create balance in your life, and move forward).
• De-clutter your home and office so you don't worry about unexpected guests.
• Have a system for everything you do.
• Develop your own routine.

Reducing risk is really about having an insurance policy of sorts. Your personal and business "insurance policy" is in place when you reduce risk. Most of the ways to reduce risk are very simple and easy to implement.

How do you reduce your risk?

There's Usually a Better Way

There's usually a better way to do just about anything. When we do the same things we've always done in the way we've always done them, we generally get the same results we've always gotten. To get better results and outcomes, we need to find better ways to work - personally and in business. If we're not moving forward, we're standing still. If we're standing still, there is no growth. If there is no growth, we're stagnant.

Like with most changes, the first change is the mindset. We must believe that there is a better way. It may be simpler or more complicated. But any better way will bring better results; otherwise, it isn't better.

Think about your own personal operating systems. If you are content with the results they bring you, there isn't a pressing need to look for a better way of doing them. But, if you aren't operating at optimum performance, there is a better way. These questions may help you decide.

• Do you manage your time extremely well?
• Do your priorities fit your goals and actions?
• Do you have a life outside of your work that you really enjoy?
• Are you experiencing growth personally and professionally?

If you answered "yes" to these questions, you are working at or toward peak performance. If you answered "no" to any question, there is a better way.

Contact me for a complimentary 20 minute session to find out more about creating better ways to design personal operating systems around time management and goal-setting strategies.

Problems are Immediate Opportunities

While no one enjoys problems, they do provide opportunities for us - immediately, if we act fast enough. When you think about it, this one framework has the power to transform a negative into a positive. This alone can move us forward much faster regardless of our situation.

Problems can drain us of energy, motivation, and creativity. Problems can stop all momentum. But if we change our mindset and allow a different perspective, we can then focus on the solutions instead of the problem. Just by switching the focus, we empower ourselves and those around us to move forward. When we are moving forward, we are fueled by energy, motivation, and creativity.

Sometimes it's easier said than done, but problems are immediate opportunities for everyone and every business. Just as "necessity is the mother of invention", this coaching framework is a powerful tool in business as well as personally. Problems are immediate opportunities. Do you have an opportunity today?

The Answer is Somewhere

The second coaching framework I'm discussing this week is: The Answer is Somewhere.

Often we face problems in our personal lives and in our work - and sometimes the solutions don't come easily. But the answer to everything is out there somewhere. We sometimes have to get out of our comfort zones and face our fears head on in order to find the solution.

A critical factor in using this framework is being proactive in searching for solutions. What we focus on expands - and, if we focus on the fact that there is no way out of a particular situation, then the solution will be almost impossible to find. On the other hand, when we believe that there is a solution out there somewhere, we are much more likely to find the solution.

When we focus on the solution instead of the problem, we are 100% more likely to solve it faster. The answer is always somewhere.

Delay is Increasingly Expensive

This week I'm exploring a few of the frameworks of coaching. I'll relate them to personal and business coaching situations - and make each one applicable to everyday life for most of us. I hope you enjoy the frameworks I've chosen to discuss.

A coaching framework is simply a structure designed to support the client as he or she moves forward to a different level. The framework itself offers a perspective that often drives change.

Delay is increasingly expensive. Another way to state this is: If not now, when? Often when we wait for "just the right time", we miss the opportunity completely. Windows of opportunity are usually small - so waiting jeopardizes our success. In personal situations as well as business situations, time is usually extremely important. I'm not advocating jumping off a cliff; however, I'm totally against waiting around trying to "over-perfect" the task at hand.

Delay is increasingly expensive. Believe in your abilities. Trust your instincts. Go for it. Make it happen. Your coach is the safety net.

For more information on how this coaching framework can support you personally and in business, contact me and I'll arrange a complimentary session to illustrate this framework.

Stop Talking about It - and Make It Happen

The real key to finding balance is to make it happen. We need to stop talking about the lack of balance or feeling out of balance - and create it for ourselves. We really do have the power to balance our lives - maybe not 100%, but we can create some balance in our lives and in our work.

My point is this: What we focus on expands. When we focus on the fact that we don't have balance in our lives, the "lack" of balance gets so big that we become paralyzed by it. The paralysis keeps us from being productive and efficient - and happy. The cycle, at this point, becomes difficult to break; however, it definitely can be broken.

Break the cycle of imbalance.Stop talking about it and make it happen. Create some balance in your life - and get more accomplished, live easier and happier, and have more energy. How can you create more balance in your life?

Take a Break - without Feeling Guilty

An excellent way to achieve some balance quickly is by taking a break without feeling guilty about it. It can be a day off, a weekend away, or even an afternoon away from work. We all need to be rejuvenated in order to be productive. Tired and "out-of-balance" people aren't nearly as productive as they could be with some rest, relaxation, and sheer enjoyment. Stephen Covey calls this time to sharpen our saw.

Last weekend I took the entire day on Saturday to rejuvenate. I had an absolute blast! I just needed time to myself - so I rented 4 DVDs and had my own film fest. I never even left the house the entire day! What a wonderful respite I had. And, believe me, it has had powerful carry-over into my work, too.

It doesn't have to be an elaborate event in order to have positive effects. The point is that this time off must be relaxing to you and must not make you feel guilty about taking the time away from other things. It is tremendously important to create balance in our lives in just this way. Taking a break is necessary for balance, productivity, and our overall mental and emotional well-being. Try it and see what happens in your life and in your work. My bet is that everyone around you will take note of the change. Give yourself permission to take a break without feeling guilty.

Create Balance with Stronger Boundaries

I believe that we can balance our lives with stronger boundaries. It is extremely important to set boundaries and honor them. No one will respect our boundaries unless we are committed to them and protect them. Initially, it may be difficult; however, once we respect our own boundaries, they are truly set in place.

What boundaries can we set for ourselves? There are too many to name, but here are some:

• a closed door
• "voicemail only" times during the day
• structured start and stop times for tasks
• "Do Not Disturb" sign
• saying "no"
• a 10-minute walk
• definite meal times
• scheduled short breaks during the day

It really doesn't matter what the boundary is - the purpose of it is to protect you. In the process, it creates balance in our lives and in our work. When we have balance, we are more efficient, more productive, more relaxed, and happier. Create balance by setting stronger boundaries - and honoring them.

Balance is a Verb, Too

Often our use of the word "balance" is in the noun form. We want balance and we want to feel the power and peace it brings. But what I've found is that we all sometimes forget that balance is a verb, too.

When we shift our mindset and focus on the fact that we really have the ability to "balance" things in our lives and in our work, we then move to a totally different field of play. Just this shift in thinking allows us to create balance. We can do this by:

• allowing ourselves to set boundaries that protect us and our time
• deciding when we will complete our tasks
• specifically setting times (start and stop times)
• letting go of the need for absolute perfection
• making the commitment to create more balance in our lives and in our work
• taking charge of our schedules - of our time
• making decisions and sticking with them

This isn't necessarily an easy concept to implement; however, once done, it can be the most powerful tool we will ever have, personally as well as professionally. When we use balance as a verb, we become much more confident and competent.

Finding Balance in Life and Work

Finding balance can be one of the most difficult things we face. There always seems to be too much to do - and something gets left undone as a result. We never seem to have enough time to do many of the things that we really enjoy. We feel drained because we don't have enough rest - or enough recreation.

The real truth of the matter is this: Balance isn't either/or - it's AND.

The way we find balance is to create it by changing our mindset - and making room for the fun things and the important things in our lives - and in our work. Our biggest restriction is the 24-hour day; however, with the right mindset that can be handled.

For starters, change your mindset so that you aren't choosing one thing over another - but changing something else so that you can have both if it is possible - and if it is important enough. Finding balance is about finding ways to do the things we really love to do - and want to do - while doing the things we have to do.

Intentional Leadership

Intentional leadership is leadership defined by each member of an organization regardless of position. It defines the role of leadership as it plays out on a day-to-day basis and strengthens the organization. Intentional leadership creates a culture that develops all members and holds the expectation that everyone assoiciated with the organization grows personally as well as professionally in all areas.

Intentional leadership is expressed and illustrated by:

• decison-making based on the beliefs, values, and culture of the organization
• open communication with and between all members of the team
• ownership, responsibility, and accountability from, with and by everyone
• commitment
• results!

What I'm really saying here is this: while some leaders are born, all of us can become leaders by our intention. Intentional leadership is developed. In fact, I have designed a coaching program that does just that - it develops leaders intentionally. If you'd like more information on my coaching program, please contact me @ 703.791.4741 or email thecoach@SLFConsulting.com.

Trademarks of a Leader

Leaders are unique in many ways; however, there are qualities that every leader possesses. I call these the trademarks of a leader.

• good communication skills
• great motivator
• excellent ability to persuade others
• leads by example
• rallies the team
• is unselfish
• puts goals of the organization ahead of their own goals
• determination
• courage
• confidence
• results-oriented and results-driven
• ability to create the future by believing in the team
• positive attitude
• takes ownership
• accepts responsibility
• accountability abounds
• makes decisions
• appreciates team efforts and expresses that appreciation
• commitment
• enthusiasm

When these trademarks are developed, organizations are effective and successful. Organizations without effective leadership are never as successful as they could be. Leadership skills must be developed - in all areas of every organization - regardless of position.

5 Ways to Develop Leadership

Leadership can be developed in these 5 ways.

1. You must believe that leadership is personal and not positional.
2. You must listen more than you talk.
3. When you talk, you must say something that really matters.
4. You can delegate authority, but not responsibility.
5. You must be authentic. No one will follow a "fake" into battle.

Real leaders are everywhere - not just in positions of power and "leadership." Organizations need good leaders in all areas - top to bottom. Real leaders are the ones who step up and believe in what they are doing. They believe in the people who work with them and for them. They hear what is said and they hear what isn't said. When real leaders talk, they speak of things that matter to them and to their organization. While delegation is often the mark of good leaders, responsibility is never delegated and real leaders step up and accept that responsibility.

The real key to developing leadership is authenticity. Real leaders are the ones who aren't fearful of rocking the boat. Real leaders take charge regardless of the role they play in the organization.

Thoughts on Leadership

Leadership is a hot topic right now. There are articles in business magazines, books on the best seller lists, workshops and seminars - and coaching programs on the topic. What is the fascination with leadership and why is it so important?

Leadership is extremely important. Without it, organizations never reach their fullest potential. With it, they soar to new heights. Leadership can't be bought or sold - it is something you either have or don't have. With it, you are followed into battle. Without it, you are chased from the playing field. And I still firmly believe you can develop leadership - but it doesn't happen instantly.

Leadership can be developed in anyone who is seriously interested in personal and professional growth. It comes from within the person and isn't necessarily connected to any position. Regardless of profession, leadership is key to moving forward in business - as well as personally.

How does one develop their leadership skill set? (Please read my blog on Wednesday, July 5 when I address developing leadership.)

Keys to Selling Yourself

Today I'll summarize what I think are the real keys to successfully selling yourself in any arena. Here they are:

• Be approachable. Even in the busiest day be approachable when you are needed. Sometimes just a few minutes for someone else is all that it takes. Schedule the few minutes if you need to.
• Take strong positions. Even if your position is unpopular, stand by it if you really believe it. This will set you apart.
• Look the part you want to play. If you want to sell yourself, dress the part, act the part, speak the part.
• Build relationships - this takes time. Connect with key people and build upon each relationship. Be genuine and enjoy the relationship.
• Don't be average - be different from the rest. Never settle for less. Finish what you start. Enjoy the ride - every single day.

Next week my topic is leadership.

Selling Yourself by Listening Better

An excellent way to sell yourself is by listening well. Good listening skills will take you further than you can imagine. And, with practice, this skill set can lead to many new opportunities for professional, as well as personal, growth. People want to be heard and appreciate being listened to during conversations and in meetings.

Five ways to be a better listener:

• Never interrupt.
• Don't think about what you are planning to say while others are talking.
• Ask questions to clarify what the other person really means.
• Listen to hear what isn't being said.
• Re-state what you have heard and understood - just to make sure you did!

Selling yourself to anyone is much easier when they know you're listening to them. A good listener is a good find - professionally and personally.

3 Ways to Get Noticed

Whether you're looking for a new job, changing careers, or moving up your career ladder in the same organization where you've always worked - these 3 ways will get you noticed.

• Set yourself apart with your introduction.
• Make your words fit your actions.
• Finish the job - every single time.

You introduce yourself many times. Create a unique way of introducing yourself that will state who you are and what you do. Set yourself apart with your authenticity.

Make your words, both spoken and written, fit your actions. Or, if you prefer, "say what you mean and mean what you say." Set yourself apart with your authenticity.

Never leave tasks undone. Finish what you start. Stop waiting for the perfect way to do the job. Just get it done and worry about revising it later. Finish the job every single time. Set yourself apart with your authenticity.

I think that authenticity is really the only way to get yourself noticed. And, believe me, people notice.