The Modern Observer Group

Jul192019 by Modern Observer GroupNo Comments

Succeed At Networking Events by Being Generous

Attitude and Mindset, Communication, Featured

You're not the only one who walks into a networking mixer full of dread. Before you make a run for the door, try a different approach. Tell yourself that it isn't about you. Instead of trying to meet potential clients, or making another connection that will advance your career, focus exclusively on what you can do for the other attendees. Refrain from telling anyone about your own area of expertise and think about how you can help others in the room. Introduce yourself and immediately ask about them — who they are, why they're there, and what they're looking to achieve that evening. Then think about what connections you can make, what favors you might offer, what introductions you might broker. Not only will the event be more fun but…

Jul102019 by Modern Observer GroupNo Comments

The Entrepreneur And The Side Hustle

Attitude and Mindset, Communication, Featured, Focus, Planning

The gig economy provides new ways for entrepreneurs to enhance their earning and in some cases provide funding for their ventures. A side hustle can be an amazing tool for entrepreneurs. More than money, they can offer new ways to meet people and a way to exercise different skills and abilities. There is, however, a downside. Depending on what your side hustle is, it may impede your ability to establish yourself in your entrepreneurial field. If your side hustle came first, you have (if you've been successful) created a brand for yourself in hat side hustle. You'll need to expand that brand or target a different audience. If you've been selling essential oils, that audience may not accept you as a web designer. Target different markets for each job. If…

Jul12019 by Modern Observer GroupNo Comments

Who Are You Giving A Referral For?

Attitude and Mindset, Featured

Businesses thrive on referrals. There are organizations that exist for sole purpose of having businesses trade referrals. Before you give another referral, think about who you are giving the referral for. In every referral there are three parties: you, the person you are referring, and the business you are referring to. In reality you are trying to help all three parties but by putting one party over the others, you can give better referrals. Your focus needs to be on the person you are referring. Many businesspeople focus on the business they are referring people to, in hopes that they will get referrals in return. The fact is this can lead to substandard referrals that backfire. The you focus on referring a business, it may not be a good fit…

Apr242019 by Modern Observer GroupNo Comments

When Talking to Customers, Be Confident and Show Your Expertise

Attitude and Mindset, Communication, Featured

Are you an expert in your field? If not, why should I use your product or service? Customers expect the best and you give the impression that you can't give it, they will go elsewhere. You need to project the image that you are an expert. That requires using the right words, especially since more and more customer interactions take place through writing (email, live chat, even Twitter). Start the conversation by establishing a personal rapport. Show the customer that you’re listening to their problem or complaint, and then shift to a take-charge attitude, using confident, assertive language. Research shows that customer satisfaction is higher when you avoid deferential words (“afraid,” “mistake”) and use dominant language instead (“must,” “confirm,” “action”). In addition, customers will see you as more helpful if…

Apr222019 by Modern Observer GroupNo Comments

Credibility Is Easily Lost

Attitude and Mindset, Featured, Improvement

There is very little that is as important to your success as your reputation. Your reputation determines how you are viewed. If people do not think you are credible, they will not believe what you say. While it is easy to destroy your reputation, it is difficult to restore. Here are some things to keep in mind to keep your reputation at its best. Follow through: When you say you are going to do something, do it. You must be true to your word. If for some reason it becomes impossible to do what you said, be honest. Try your best to accomplish the task, but if you can't go to the person and explain why you were unable to do what you said. If you don't know, say so:…

Apr172019 by Modern Observer GroupNo Comments

All The World Is A Stage

Attitude and Mindset, Featured

In the play, As You Like It, William Shakespeare states, "All the world's a stage and all the men and women merely players." The phrase is meant to compare life to a play, but the line applies to business as well. In business everyone has their role and it takes everybody hitting their mark to make things run. This isn't just about the people but about the businesses themselves. Businesses play different roles at different times. They can partner with other businesses in one area and compete with them in another. They can be benefactors, suppliers, buyers, employers, etc. The roles they play are many and just as each employee, supplier, etc. needs to play their roles for the business to benefit, the business has to play its roles properly…

Mar222019 by Modern Observer GroupNo Comments

Want to Be More Open-Minded?

Attitude and Mindset, Featured

Open-mindedness at work — about new products, strategies, business models — is one key to success. But how do you develop it? Research has found there are several things you can do. For one, travel, whether it’s to another country or somewhere closer to home. As you encounter ways of living that differ from the ones you know best, your brain will get better at accepting new approaches and ideas. For a cheaper option, read fiction. Books can train your brain to be curious about others’ experiences and opinions. Another low-cost option is mindfulness meditation, which has been shown to help people be willing to revise their ideas. And if you’re someone who tends to get stuck in their ways, there’s a simple trick you can try: Start sentences with…

Mar182019 by Modern Observer GroupNo Comments

One Of The Most Common Pieces Of Coaching Advice Is Wrong

Attitude and Mindset, Featured

Coaches say it all the time. It appears in motivational memes on social media. On the face of it the advice makes sense but following it will not lead you to success. In fact, it will hinder you. The motivational statements say things like "Rich people read books, poor people watch television." Another popular one admonishes you to only watch educational television. The upshot of the advice is that any time spent not improving yourself is a waste of time. The problem with this is that following it leads to burnout. You cannot go full tilt for all your waking hours and not burn out. The pressure of not having down time causes many people to quit and ultimately fail. You need to take in a ballgame, watch a movie,…

Mar112019 by Modern Observer GroupNo Comments

If You’re One In A Million There Are 1,000 Like You In China

Attitude and Mindset, Featured

We all want to think there is no one else like us. In business there is always someone else that does what were do. What we need to do is figure out how to stand out from the crowd. What sets you apart from everyone else? The key standing out is being your authentic self. The one thing that sets you apart from your competition is you. There may be many people who do what you do, but the combination of what you do, what you believe, and how you act are a combination of traits that are unique to you. Don't just showcase your business. Showcase yourself. People do business with people they know, like and trust. Be that person and stand out.

Mar62019 by Modern Observer GroupNo Comments

Keep Things Fresh By Creating A “New” Day

Attitude and Mindset, Featured

We all have things that we have to do on a regular basis. We do them over and over and risk falling into a rut. It's just as easy to fall into a comfort zone and stay there. Whether you're in a rut or staying in your comfort zone, you need to shake things up to get things done. One way to do this is create a "new" day. Pick one day a week. On that day try a new food or go somewhere you've never been. Use this day to take a class and learn something new. The idea is to expose yourself to something new each week on that day. By doing this you keep yourself from falling into a rut. It also helps keep your brain active…