High-Achieving Women's Blogazine

In Part I, Collaborations are the Key to Business Success, I discussed what constitutes a collaboration and why it is a key element in taking your business to the next level.

Collaborations begin the minute you have the inspiration for a project – even if you don’t know who you want to collaborate with. Start by recognizing that when you collaborate, a new energy is created that is ‘bigger than both of you’.

Here are a few tips to follow if you are thinking of working with another person or business:

1. Have a specific vision or common objective and make sure that it is one that you both share.
2. Create a written mission statement and develop an action plan. Be as specific as possible by including the tasks you both are responsible for and the roles that each of you will play.
3. Develop a written contract or memorandum of understanding (MOU). Be specific about monetary and time commitments and the division of the benefits from the project.
4. Set regular meeting times and make sure you have an agenda. Have specific, clear goals with deadline dates.
5. Without reservation, accept the other person’s skills and methods of working.  Remember they will have to accept your skills and method of work as well.
6. Be sure to utilize the skills that are unique to each collaborative partner.
7. Keep the lines of communication open between collaborators.
8. Build the collaborative relationship on mutual respect, trust and lots of humor.

One of the best things that you can do to make your project really soar is to incorporate masterminding principles and techniques. The book ‘Think and Grow Rich’ is a good reference source.

If you live in Houston, you might want to attend: Take It Up a Notch Boot Camp Intensive® While the rewards of strategic alliances, partnerships and collaborations definitely increase the return on investment, more significantly than what can be accomplished independently, many of these alliances fail due to the lack of not knowing how to apply ‘new economy’ techniques for building successful for-profit and non-profit collaborative relationships. This intensive boot camp  starts August 3^rd. To register and reserve your seat: http://bit.ly/bxm6i8 .

Love, Success and Greatness

Dr. Laureen Wishom

Million Dollar Solutionist™

twitter: DrLaureen  
Linkedin: http://www.linkedin.com/in/drlaureen
Facebook: http://profile.to/drlaureen

© 2010 Dr. Laureen

I received a call from a former client who wanted to know my thoughts on forming business collaborations.  I reminded her of what Anne Frank’s once said: “Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much”.

Collaborations are the key to business success. Think about the TV reality show: Survivor. The players consistently display the power of collaborations by building alliances early in the game. In most cases, those collaborations ensured a victory.

Business guru, Stephen Covey started the collaborative trend that extols the value: “the whole is greater than the sum of its parts”. Collaborations are the difference between winning and losing the game. With this being said, it is not much different in the world of business from the TV reality show: Survivor.

Collaborations are key elements in taking your business to the next level. It is a powerful business building strategy, which is often overlooked, yet it is an easy business practice that produces powerful results that increase your footprint in the marketplace.

Love, Success and Greatness

Dr. Laureen Wishom

Million Dollar Solutionist™

twitter: DrLaureen  
Linkedin: http://www.linkedin.com/in/drlaureen
Facebook: http://profile.to/drlaureen

© 2010 Dr. Laureen

In the new economy, strategic alliances enable businesses to gain a competitive advantage by accessing other entities’ resources, including their markets, technologies, capital and people.

Although the below list is not all inclusive; traditionally, businesses use strategic alliances to:

• achieve advantages of scale, scope and speed
• increase market penetration
• enhance competitiveness in domestic and/or global markets
• enhance product development
• develop new business opportunities through new products and services
• expand market development
• increase exports
• diversify
• create new businesses
• reduce costs

Strategic alliances are becoming a very powerful tool for expanding the reach of one’s company without committing the owner to expensive internal expansions beyond h/her core business model or budget.

Love, Success and Greatness

Dr. Laureen Wishom

Million Dollar Solutionist™

Twitter: DrLaureen  
Linkedin: http://www.linkedin.com/in/drlaureen
Facebook: http://profile.to/drlaureen

© 2010 Dr. Laureen

We all know that angry callers are a fact of life and at some point we all may encounter an angry person especially if we sell products or services.  The key to handling an angry caller is not to take h/her hostility personally. Before trying to respond to an angry caller, let h/her vent. 

Only then will h/she be interested in hearing what you have to say.  When you respond, indicate that you heard and understand what is said.  Do this by providing a summary of the key points.

It is important to empathize with the angry caller even if you believe h/she is wrong. It is at this point that you must listen for subtle messages h/she sends.  Develop a relationship with the caller by using h/her name.  This makes it more difficult for h/she to attack you and much easier for h/her to be receptive to your offer to correct the problem.

Avoid using the word “you” near the beginning of your statements. Phrases such as “You need to…” place blame on the caller. Instead, use “I” phrases such as “Might I suggest…”. Don’t say “I’m sorry”. You can, however, apologize for the caller’s inconvenience. You can say that you regret that h/she is dissatisfied. But do not say the words “I’m sorry”. Ask the person what you can do to correct the problem.  Let them know how you will correct the problem and the date that it will be corrected and by whom.  Be sure to leave the caller with the appropriate contact numbers and a definite follow-up date.

It is extremely important not to let an unpleasant caller ruin your day.  When you hang up the telephone, leave any unpleasant feelings about the caller behind and continue your day with much success.

Hope you enjoyed this post.  It helped one of my clients handle an anger customer several months ago.

When it comes down to “image” in business, the first perception to deal with is not that of the customer, but your own. You know the type of image you enjoy seeing from others, and needless to say, customers also want excellence in your image, products and services. Here are 16 ways to boost your business image:

1.    Learn to see your business through your customers’ eyes.
2.    Pay attention to details and show your best all the time.
3.    Create a unique brand identity with a catch phrase that is recognizable.
4. Be consistent with all marketing materials.
5. Be sure your business card has a great logo and is printed on quality card stock.
6. Make sure all of your marketing materials are conveying the same message.
7. Have separate phone lines for faxing, credit card orders, and Internet usage.    
8. Always work on improving your telephone and listening skills
9. Embrace the latest technology to get your company up to speed.
10. Build an effective website, be sure to keep it up to date and never stop improving it.
11. Don’t copy anyone else – learn to be unique and creative.
12. Hire a consultant to improve your company image, branding and marketing to take your company to the next level.
13. Network like a pro – join at least two professional organizations.
14. Don’t forget to help and support others, it will come back ten times over.

14.5    Take advantage of teams, committees and volunteer for projects to increase your visibility and to develop your network. The image or perception you create today can mean new business tomorrow. First impressions are lasting impressions. Imagine that you only have one time to image right. Advertising, marketing, public relations and various other communication techniques can very well be ineffective if the necessary steps are not taken to bullet-proof your company’s image.

For more information on business image, order Maximizing Your Footprint – 10.5 Strategies for Business Growth Program.  It will change how you image your business.   ‘Helping Women Soar to Be the Best and Beyond’™

        Dr. Laureen Wishom Career Success & Business Growth Expert Millionaire in Progress ‘Think Big, Act Big to Win Big – It’s Your Time to Sparkle’™

In today’s increasingly competitive consulting marketplace, it is extremely important to not only meet your client’s expectations but to go above and beyond what your client expects. One of the first tasks that your consulting company should obtain is a professional but friendly image.  Make sure that you never meet your client without a smile.   Also don’t forget to greet every person with a smile who is not your client – you never know; they may be your next client in disguise. Now, before you enter into a new client relationship, be sure to ask each client about his/her expectations. You can never exceed a client’s expectations without knowing what the client expects. As the consultant, you must ask well thought-out questions to accurately understand the client’s needs and to determine a plan of action. Your good communication skills will help the client talk openly about what they want and don’t want.   Once the client has hired you to be his/her consultant, make sure that you add the below element to the client’s portfolio of services: 

• Speed – Never miss a promised deadline, and deliver early whenever possible.
• Information – Provide additional information so clients can easily use or implement your recommendations and changes.
• Value Add – Always, always give the client something extra (be sure it is valuable). 

Your ultimate goal is to always surpass the client’s expectations.  You do this by being knowledgeable, confident, efficient and authentic. For more information on client expectations, order Maximizing Your Footprint – 10.5 Strategies for Business Growth Program.  It will provide a step-by-step plan for how to exceed your client’s expectation.

‘Helping Women Soar to Be the Best and Beyond’™ Dr. Laureen Wishom Career Success & Business Growth Expert Millionaire in Progress ‘Think Big, Act Big to Win Big – It’s Your Time to Sparkle’™

Doctors, health-care professionals and patients are all finding that laughter may indeed be the best medicine on the market today. Laughing is found to:

• Lower blood pressure
• Reduce stress hormones
• Increase muscle flexion
• Boost immune function by raising levels of infection-fighting T-cells (disease-fighting proteins called Gamma-interferon and B- cells, which produce disease-destroying antibodies).

Hospitals around the country are incorporating formal and informal laughter therapy programs into their therapeutic regimens. Did you know that in India they have actually formed laughing clubs?  Participants gather in the morning for the purpose of laughing. Also, laughter triggers the release of endorphins, the body’s natural painkillers, and laughter is infectious. If you don’t believe me try laughing and see how many people you affect. Remember, ‘humor’ is a universal language and it is a contagious emotion.  It brings people together and it breaks down barriers, but best of all it is free and has no known side effects. So here’s my challenge to you. 

Will you purpose to laugh at least 10 times a day every day for the next 365 days? Helping Women Soar to Be the Best and Beyond™

 Dr. Laureen Wishom Career Success & Business Growth Expert Millionaire in Progress Think Big, Act Big to Win Big – It’s Your Time to Sparkle™

With the many changes in our economy, the job market and people needing to supplement their income, I receive a lot of calls concerning going into business and the difference between entrepreneurship and freelancing. If you are still employed, look for business opportunities that can provide additional income, offer flexibility and can potentially become a full time self-employent opportunity.  Here is my take on entrepreneurship and freelancing.

ENTREPRENEURSHIP Entrepreneurship is simply attempting a profitable venture under risk of failure. Entrepreneurship is the business model above Employment, and may come in the form of Self-employment, Business Ownership, or Investing.

Self-employment refers to owning your job, whereas employment means working for someone else. A self-employed individual works at his own hours and at his own rates. Examples of self-employed individuals are doctors, architects, and virtual assistants.

 Business Ownership means owning a system. Business owners typically oversee the operations of their business, which is run by employees.

Investing is the pinnacle of entrepreneurship. Business owners may consider investing their money in hopes of good returns. This can be done by investing in bank accounts, bonds, stock, percentage of ownership in business ventures or real estate.

FREELANCING Freelancing involves working for several clients simultaneously, which is similar to being consultants. Examples of freelancers are architects, writers, illustrators, virtual assistants, and web designers. Freelancing is a great take-off point for a young entrepreneur, since it exposes the person to a wide network of people and challenges. Business owners often find freelancers as reliable and a cost-efficient alternative to brick-and-mortar staff, and often enlist such services as contractual work. “Success always comes when preparation meets opportunity.”  

Dr. Laureen, Career Success & Business Growth Coachsultant/Expert Business and Non Profit Consultant Marketing Strategist and Strategic Planner Prominent Networking Coach Master Professional Trainer Author and Speaker   http://www.masterpiecesolutions.biz http://www.highachievingwomen.biz http://www.gahaw.biz twitter: DrLaureen Linkedin: http://www.linkedin.com/in/drlaureen Facebook: http://profile.to/drlaureen Phone:  281.584.0348  or 1.888.447.8118 Email: drlaureen@drlaureen.com

Hello High-Achievers:

I received a call today, yes on Sunday from one of my corporate friends. Oh by the way I do not normally take calls on Sunday. Here is what she asked, “Even though I am a career professional and not a business owner, I just realized that I should have a personal brand to identify myself as a professional in the customer service industry.  How do I develop a personal brand?” Here is my response, “One of the best ways to develop a person brand is to identify the ‘value-add’ that you bring to the table which your competitors do not. 

The value-add will separate you from your competitors and place you on the ‘sought after’ career list.  The four elements that you need to develop your personal brand are:

1.Personal Appearance (take into account your clothing choices, style not fashion, and personal hygiene)

2.Personality (includes your personal goals, and values)

3.Competencies (the skill sets that enable you to perform your job better than others)

4.Differentiator (the benefit you bring to the table or what makes you different from others) Once you have defined the components of these four elements, your personal brand will evolve from combining personal appearance, personality, competencies and differentiators that set you apart. 

Now that you have a well-developed personal brand statement, turn it into a story-like message that you can deliver over and over again. ”   I also said, “Don’t forget that is important to get your name out there.  Start by meeting key people, either online or in-person in your field. Send them an email or a message via their web site or networking profile. You will be pleasantly surprised at the results that a quick email will bring.  If time permits volunteer in a capacity where you can utilize your skills and expertise.  This is a great way to gain exposure as an expert in your career field and a great resume building tool.” If your need a great resume, feel free to utilize my ‘resumes for success” service and if your need a career success coach give me a call 281.584.0348. Also if you have more suggestions on career branding, please respond to the blog… your comments are welcomed!  

*************************** What you achieve while moving through all of your next levels, is as important as what you become when you are at your pinnacle level” by Dr. Laureen  “If You Listen Better, You Will Communicate and Market Better, and With a Profit” Dr.Laureen

Hello High-Achieving Entrepreneur Women,

For those of you who do not know me, I am the Chief Solutionary Officer of Masterpiece Solutions, LLC.  Our company provides training in listening, communication, marketing, business strategy and networking skills to high-achieving women looking to move up to the next level in their careers and businesses.  We can help you improve your success and networking techniques.  We also offer virtual and laser coaching to female executives, female career professionals and women-owned businesses.   We consistently receive calls from women like you who need answers to career and business related questions. They call us because we are known as the “Resource Source”.  The top question today was from a female career professional who wanted to know what her personal value statement should contain.  Here is my response…

The key to successful personal brand promotion is getting your personal value statement in front of as many opportunity sources as possible.  You should include derivatives of your personal value statement in all your “collateral” such as your resume, bio, profiles and wherever possible on the Internet. Some of you may have never heard of a personal value statement.  Briefly, a personal value statement is a precise, well-rehearsed personal statement that highlights your value to a prospective employer or business associate.  It includes your role, how you deliver value to the company and the quantifiable results you’ve achieved. Oh, I forgot to tell you that it is only 20-40 words.  Yes, that’s correct.   A personal value statement is 20-40 words in which you must convey your quantifiable value. Here’s another idea for a collateral piece that can enhance your value:  Produce a short PowerPoint presentation describing your personal value statement.  This is a great way to tell your story when the opportunity for a career discussion arises.  A short PowerPoint presentation is a useful selling tool and a great way to capture your personal value statement, case studies and career path story.   

Need answers, call us or email mail me at drlaureen@drlaureen.com. Until next time!  If you have additional information about personal value statements, post your comment. Lets learn together.  For more information on building a personal brand, view my article (http://ezinearticles.com/?Career-Professionals—How-to-Develop-a-Personal-Brand&id=1068176).