The Modern Observer Group

Nov62019 by Modern Observer GroupNo Comments

5 Actions of Power Networkers

Networking is a key activity in building your success. Whether you are a business owner or an employee, networking is an important way to build a referral base, find a new job, move up in your career, and build your personal brand. Networking doesn't come naturally to most people, so here are five tips to follow to supercharge your networking. 1. Do your homework. Utilize all the resources at your disposal to determine which events are relevant and interesting to you, given the topic as well as the people attending. After determining which event to attend, map out a plan to make the most of your time there. Leverage existing relationships for introductions to individuals who are attending whom you'd like to meet. Let your social networks on Twitter or…

Oct42019 by Modern Observer GroupNo Comments

Practice Saying No to Requests for Your Time

Communication, Featured

Most people have far more work than they can possibly get to. That’s why it’s so important to say no to things that aren’t a great use of your time. But turning people down can be uncomfortable. To get better at it, practice saying no politely and gracefully. If a colleague asks you to do something that isn’t your job, you might say: “That isn’t my area of expertise, but I’m happy to connect you with someone who could help.” If you’re asked to attend a meeting or join a project that you don’t have time for, say: “Thanks so much, but I have to decline. My schedule is at capacity right now.” If you’re asked to finish a task on a too-tight deadline, say: “I would love to help,…

Sep182019 by Modern Observer GroupNo Comments

Help Your Team Embrace Change

Communication, Featured, Improvement

Companies are constantly changing. And whether the changes are big or small, leaders need to inspire their employees to embrace what’s new. Here are some ways to do that: Talk about how people feel. Change stirs up lots of emotions (fear, frustration, and anxiety, to name a few). Hold regular meetings for people to express what they’re worried about, and encourage them to be honest.Tell stories. Stories can be powerful examples of how people overcame challenges. Think about the challenges your employees are facing, and share stories that relate to them.Ask “What if?” questions. “What if we built our workflows from scratch — what would they look like?” “What if we were all freelancers — how would we solve problems differently?” Use change as a catalyst to rethink the ways things are done.Treat…

Sep112019 by Modern Observer GroupNo Comments

Why Isn’t Your Free Trial Really Free?

Communication, Featured

You've developed a killer product. You want people to try it so you offer a 30-day free trial. Of course you don't want people to just use the free trial so you ask them for a credit card so you can bill them at the end of the trial. That's where you made your big mistake. What's the message you just sent your customer? When you ask for a payment method for a "free" trial, the customer is immediately suspicious. The message that you just sent is that your product isn't that good and you're relying on people to forget to cancel the trial so you can charge them for a product they don't really want. Is that the first impression you want to make? If you want to offer…

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.…

Aug232019 by Modern Observer GroupNo Comments

4 Rules to Help Your Team Disagree Productively

Communication, Featured

Conflict can be uncomfortable, but we can’t find the best ideas or reach the best solutions if we agree with each other all the time. As a manager, it’s your job to help team members learn how to disagree productively. Here are some rules for keeping debates professional and on topic: Remember you’re all on the same team. The goal of the conversation isn’t for one person to be proven right or to “win” the argument. The goal is to solve the problem at hand — together.Stick to facts. Make sure people are defending their ideas with clear, sound logic, not with rhetorical tactics or by being the loudest.Don’t make it personal. No name-calling, personal attacks, or questions like “How could you believe that?” Assume that everyone’s intentions are good.Be intellectually humble. Respect everyone’s…

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…

Jul172019 by Modern Observer GroupNo Comments

During A Virtual Meeting, Make Sure Everyone Understands The Discussion

Communication, Featured

We all know how hard it can be to follow along on a conference call. When facilitating a virtual meeting, it’s your job to make sure everyone fully understands what’s going on. Compensate for any difficulties by acting as a moderator. Try the following: After each comment or question, briefly paraphrase what was said. For example, you might say: “That’s an important question. I agree that the production facility’s capacity is a major risk in this plan. Here’s what we know…” Summarize a comment: “So, in your experience, this research technique requires a lot of resources, maybe more than we have. What does everyone else think about that?” These summaries may slow down your meeting, but making sure everyone understands the discussion will save you time in the long run.

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…

Jun102019 by Modern Observer GroupNo Comments

Communicating According To Your Clients Needs

Communication, Featured

Communications is an integral part of your customer relationships. Customers need to feel that you are accessible when they need you. Problems occur when communications preferences get in the way. As a business person, you need to be able to handle whatever your clients prefer. While phone and email have been standard in business for decades, communications has changed as business does. Online companies have stopped providing phone numbers, much to the aggravation of their customers. As millennials entered the workforce, they used text messaging as their primary communications. Even more recently, Facebook Messenger has emerged as a channel for customers trying to reach your business. Your business needs to have communications channels open. You should be ready to add communications channels, but just as important let people know how…