The Modern Observer Group

Sep132019 by Modern Observer GroupNo Comments

Making Creativity Predictable

Attitude and Mindset, Featured, Innovation

We may never know exactly where creativity comes from, but you can create the conditions that invite it. Consider the problem you're trying to solve — and then walk away from it. Letting the problem marinate gives your brain a chance to draw connections and sort through possible paths forward. Keep a journal of ideas that inspire you, whether they’re from books, conference sessions, or random conversations. The goal is to have something to refer to when you need a mental jolt. You can also get inspiration by doing things that don’t interest you. Does a magazine have an article on a topic that bores you? Read it anyway. You never know where your next big idea will come from. This works because it activates parts of the brain that…

Sep62019 by Modern Observer GroupNo Comments

Be Honest About Your Work

Attitude and Mindset, Communication, Featured

It's been said over and over. People do business with people they know, like and trust. How are people supposed to trust you if you are not honest about what you do? Over the past several weeks I have met a number of people introducing themselves as coaches, consultants, and specialists who will teach me how to multiple my earnings. Each of them fell into one of three categories: network marketers, forex investors, and cryptocurrency investors. None of these people had any skills that would qualify as a coach or consultant. Additionally, not only did they not want to say what they did, they did not want to name the company they worked for. Even if you are self-employed, you work for a company. It may be Your name, Inc.…

Sep42019 by Modern Observer GroupNo Comments

‘Do What You Love’ Has Been Widely Misinterpreted

Attitude and Mindset, Featured

It has become a mantra among life coaches and their proteges. "Do what you love." In response, an inordinate number of people are refusing to take jobs that don't meet every requirement they out forth. The result is not what they thought it would be. The decision makes them unfulfilled and unemployed. In the show 'Mad Men' Marie Calvet tells her daughter Megan, who is despondent about not being hired as an actress, "Not every little girl gets to do what they want. The world cannot support that many ballerinas." The truth is that both of these are true. How can that be? It's about looking at the big picture. Doing what you love means setting goals. Preferably you should set big, audacious goals. Everything you do should be geared…

Aug262019 by Modern Observer GroupNo Comments

Lessons From A Stray Cat

Attitude and Mindset, Featured

In the area around my home is a stray cat and her two kittens. For a week we worked with animal control to catch them, get them medical attention, and find them homes. The cats did everything they could to escape us. I started to think about what the cat was trying to run from: a good home, warmth, food, etc. Of course the cat didn't know that. All the cat knew was it was trying to avoid the unknown. Then I started to think about how many people do the same thing. What kind of amazing opportunities have you missed out on because you were avoiding the unknown. Just because something is unknown doesn't make it bad. Sometimes you need to take the leap into the unknown to get…

Aug212019 by Modern Observer GroupNo Comments

The Goal Of Business Is To Go Out Of Business

Attitude and Mindset, Featured

If the headline of this article seems strange to you, you're not alone. Most business people spend their time trying to make sure they don't go out of business. The difference is the reason for going out of business. You don't want to go out of business because of lack of capital or lack of customers. So how do you want to go out of business? A product or service is designed to solve a problem. Whether that problem is how to get from one place to another (car), how to get the word out about a business (advertising and marketing) or how to keep kids from being bored (video games) you need to solve that problem. Why do you want to try to go out of business? You want…

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:…