When asked about the skills of a leader, seldom is the word ‘courage’ mentioned. To describe leadership, we usually hear words like: driven, visionary, humble, self-aware, decisive, inspirational, honest, steadfast, good listener, motivator, passionate, positive and focused. And, when it comes to leadership in business, courage is almost never on the list of skills that great leaders possess. In fact, courage is thought of more as a character trait – the ‘either you’ve got it or you don’t’ kind – than a skill that can be learned and cultivated. And yet, courage is arguably the most valuable, learnable skill needed in leaders today. Here’s why. Continue reading →

Using a Setback as a Springboard to Success

Bad things happen to good people. And when it does, it can feel like a disaster. For example, for most people, hearing the words ‘we’re going to have to let you go’ feels like a gut punch. But it doesn’t have to feel that way. What if that so-called “bad thing” was just the gateway to something much better? It would be so much easier to view a “rejection” as a “redirection” to something better, and used it as an educational experience and fuel for future success.  Continue reading →

Bad things happen, even to good people. And, it can seem like a catastrophe when things go wrong — like the loss of a job, an account or a business — especially through no fault or wrongdoing. But, even if it seems like the end of the world, it’s usually not. In fact, for many, going through a big trial often leads to something even better down the road. Here are some inspiring stories of some people who had big career setbacks and went on to greatness. Read more. Continue reading →

Business managers are expected to plan their weeks, months and quarters. VPs and Directors create department plans for the year ahead. And business owners and C-Suite execs will even create five-year plans. But planning always involves guesstimates and assumptions and never includes a crystal ball. So what happens when Plan A goes awry? What is a business exec to do when the best laid plans go down the economic drain… or get blown away by Mother nature… or get put on viral life support… what then? That’s when Plan B comes in handy. Does your department, division or company have a Plan B…or more than one? Continue reading →

Promoting a Podcast Properly

Plan. Record. Publish…. Wait, not so fast. For companies that have decided to enter the world of podcasting (as a marketing strategy), there is typically a deep urgency to start publishing podcasts right away. But to have the most successful podcast possible, there is a need to plan promotion efforts carefully prior to launch. After all, you don’t get a second chance to make a great first impression. Here are some tried and tested tips for promoting a new podcast program. Continue reading →

Getting Started

Podcasts are hot, and your company has decided to dip a toe in podcasting waters. Now what? There’s a lot to do and decisions to make. Set goals. Choose a concept. Select a name. Decide on content. Pick gear. Select a DAW (aka Digital Audio Workstation… software to edit files). Determine the style or format. Establish staffing to handle hosting, recording, editing and promotion. Create a show jingle and cover. Select publishing platforms. Plan promotion efforts. Just getting started can be a lot of work and it can feel overwhelming. No worries. Here are the steps to get started. Continue reading →

In the last few years, podcasts have become ubiquitous. Everywhere you turn, some company or person is announcing a new and exciting podcast. And, at the office water cooler, there is always someone talking up a new podcast they love. So why have podcasts suddenly become so popular when they’ve been around for over 15 years? There are a multitude of reasons why podcasting has become the medium of choice for podcasters and listeners alike. Here are 10 reasons why everyone is jumping on the podcasting bandwagon… and why it may be time to consider launching a podcast too. Continue reading →

Podcasts are an exciting, appealing and increasingly popular communications tool. When handled correctly, podcasts provide an opportunity for companies to connect directly with supporters, build brand and encourage engagement. And, the low barrier to entry means any business or individual can create and launch a podcast using one of the myriad of free platforms. But, will podcasts be like the blogs, vlogs and YouTube Channels of yesteryear… just another marketing schtick that companies try and then terminate when the toil exceeds the treasures it generates? For companies thinking about launching a podcast, here are some things to consider. Continue reading →

The world is changing so much, so fast, that it is hard for business leaders to know what to do next. For some, it feels like being tossed in a storm. In the midst of such a gale, the waters get murky. Each move contradicts the next. Contract. Expand. Pivot. Shut down. Reopen. Furlough workers. Rehire workers. What’s a business to do? Use this time to master the strategies that will be invaluable after the Covid hailstorm passes. Here are a few strategies that are sure to be useful in the post-Covid world. Continue reading →

The lines that separate work time and personal life aren’t just blurring… they have been all but erased. For the masses working from home – which in the U.S. amounts to tens of millions or more and is expected to continue for the foreseeable future – there is little to no separation between personal and professional space. With a phone, laptop or tablet, a solid internet connection and some supporting software, more people than ever are working remotely at least 50% of the time. And without the traditional boundaries of what constitutes work space verses a personal place, the two are colliding in a messy mix, raising two important questions. 1. How do business leaders ensure the work gets done and professionalism is maintained? 2. And how do employees ensure they are productive without allowing work to take over home life?
Here’s how. Continue reading →