Business Clarity Group

What A Michigan Wolverine Can Learn From The USC Trojans

debra — Thu, 17 Sep 2009 16:48:11 +0000

As a Michigan grad, I’ve always been proud of how the Wolverines dominated our conference. While I was there, we were accustomed to 20 or 30 point victories. However, somehow we always got clobbered when we went to the Rose Bowl…which was painfully re-enacted in the movie, The Big Chill. How is it that the USC Trojans in particular always had a trick play or a big aerial drive that made us look flat-footed and antiquated?

I really didn’t see the difference in play until our son chose to go to USC and we attended a game. Whereas the Wolverines always look majestic on the gridiron, the Trojans almost seem chaotic, much like the colonists must have appeared against the Red Coats. I realized they play a very different strategic game. Whereas Michigan was always methodical with its solid offense and defense, the Trojans take risks and dream big dreams.

I saw this again when USC played against OSU last weekend. First, Coach Pete Carroll gambled on the fourth down to give USC a 7-0 lead. Then, after a couple of lackluster quarters, and with little more than a minute to go, they came from behind to score a winning touchdown with an improbable 95 yard drive. Afterwards, the quarterback Matt Barkley was quoted to say, “We’re Trojans. That’s what we do. This is what we dreamed of, coming back like this. Doesn’t matter where we are in the score. We found a way. I love this.”

And that’s what gives the Trojans the edge. A lot of people would say they have better players. But that’s too easy an answer. I believe it’s two things. Coach Pete Carroll and his team are willing to take calculated risks. And second, the Trojans have a vision of their success, even when the chips are down. Risking failure but assuming success is built into their culture.

How about you in your business life? Do you exhibit the confidence to do the unexpected, to take calculated risks and push the envelope to achieve success? And second, and more importantly, do you have a vision of your success that you carry with you, even in these difficult times? Because when you do, you will have the edge to win in this game that we call business.

Increasing Your Productivity

debra — Thu, 27 Aug 2009 16:51:00 +0000

I had the opportunity today to hear executive coach Marshall Goldsmith talk about one of his favorite coaching clients, Alan Mulally, President and CEO of Ford Motor Company. He discussed why he was so easy to coach (he immediately implements) and what makes him a strong leader (he’s systematic and focused ). He then touched on what other leadership lessons one could learn from Mulally. In a nutshell:

· Life is constantly changing.

· Don’t fixate on the past.

· Life isn’t fair.

· How can I make the best of today?

Mulally actually called into the webinar and added these two points:

· Resiliency is key.

· Enjoy the journey.

Your productivity will hit new heights if you continuously ask yourself, “How can I make the best of today?” Try this for the next five days and see how it changes your perspective. Then, let me know how it’s changed your personal and professional life.

10 Marketing Strategies

admin — Wed, 28 Jan 2009 03:32:45 +0000

I was struck by a Tom Friedman op-ed piece that I saw today. In it, he calls for our new president, Barack Obama, to be “not radical left or right, just a radical, because this is a radical moment.” It occurred to me that this is a time for business leaders to be radical to insure that their companies are able to sustain through these difficult times. How? Pure and simple – there are two straightforward ways: bringing in new business and cutting costs.

What’s a radical approach in business development?

Employing ten marketing strategies simultaneously. First and foremost, get out and connect with prospective clients. Be radical – set higher standards. If you have dedicated sales people, mandate that they make at least ten presentations per week, either in person or through GoToMeeting. If you are a partner in a law or accounting firm or a “solopreneur”, your minimum is two. You’re uncomfortable with business development? Be radical – as others hire you for your expertise, hire someone to help you develop your marketing skills. It’s a long term investment that has a high ROI.

Other tactics?

What do people see when they google your name? Dated material and blurry photographs? Rewrite your bio and update your LinkedIn profile now. Are you faceless online? People like to see who they are doing business with. Invest in a quality photographer who will show you in a compelling way.

Want more? When was the last time you gave a speech in your area of expertise? Be radical – organize to do four speeches this year. Be active in peer networks which bring you business opportunities. Professional associations, alumni networks (both academic and corporate), chambers of commerce are a few good examples. Be mindful of how much time you invest in these extracurricular activities to exact the best return on time.

Position yourself as an expert - write a professional article or book, create a content-rich e-newsletter, blog (and respond to blogs), respond to LinkedIn questions. Be radical – plan to do three publications this year. Develop a mailing list. If appropriate, extend an offer on your site where potential buyers are able to opt in. Every time you give a presentation, ask the organization for an attendance list. When you network, collect appropriate cards. Be radical, if starting from scratch, plan to develop a list of 1,000 names by year end. Already have a list? – Double it!

Don’t be satisfied with mere survival. Be radical – and win!