A functional team is developed, it's not automatic

What are we teaching in our various organizations? Are we empowering the capacity for growth among those with whom we interact? Our personal biases, hangups and other negative fabrications of our minds should have no room in a progressive environment.

This old saying often regurgitated without thought is:
"If you want to do something well, then do it yourself"

This is one of the biggest hindrances to success. If you require help, then take the time to outline exactly what help you need and by when. Acknowledge that hidden agendas have no place in the progression of an organization who is already challenged with the situations that they face in the mainstream reason they came together in the first place.

If you have the necessary structure in place with the correct checks and balances, then the reduction of people pushing adverse agendas is significantly reduced, and you should get on with the business at hand.

What go you started, won't keep you going. You need to be able to scale up, and trust others to fulfill their roles and responsibilities.

If you really want to test your leadership ability; volunteer. It's an environment where you ability to rally everyone to support a common cause it key. It is having systems of accountability where people know what they're supposed to do and how their contribution helps in moving the organization towards its goals.

Look at the above video again and engage in some introspection. The serious questions that you ask yourselves may bear some revelation that you may not like the answers, however now you know the answers they can be addressed.

Remember, a functional team is developed, it's not automatic.

Are we serious about our marketing? Here are 6 lessons.

You may wonder why I have such a topic for this post, but just Friday, March 15, 2019, in the evening an observation prompted me to put this post up. It is not intended to get the representative in trouble, but more importantly, reinforce the need for companies to be diligent about what they do with regards to representation within the market.

I happened to visit Pricesmart, Barbados when I encountered this product. Left to my own interpretation about what the product's benefits are I am yet to hear the voice of the lass who tossed it into not only my shopping cart but also those of others who happened to be going through the aisle.

Clearly, she came to the end of her shift as she just walked off after throwing her 3 pointers from quite the distance. This was done without a greeting or even an inquiry as to if I/we wanted the product.

Thanks for the free sample, but there are ways that things are done and this is not what I know product sampling to be. Surely the company paying for this product to be marketed had no intention of having their product represented this way. Then again, maybe they did since clearly no due diligence was done to find out if the marketing company had a track record of presenting products properly to the general public. It seems like they hired the cheapest company to get the product out.

Approaching the cashier, I had to indicate that this product does not have any pricing and described how it reached my cart. The cashier assured me it was a sample and nothing would happen when clearing security to go to my vehicle.

Here are some 6 lessons:

1. When marketing your businesses, the cheapest option is not always the best. 
2. You need to train your representatives on the presentation of the products they will be showing. 
3. The representatives need to be courteous even when their shift comes to an end. 
4. She did not know if I was a mystery shopper for the same/other brands or even for Pricesmart itself. (easily she could lose her job in an already tough job market) 
5. Your representatives need to know how to competently handle objections raised by potential customers. 
6. You never know who is a blogger. 

Marketing dollars are expensive, and often businesses have to be creative in order to find funds for marketing in an already competitive environment. Many need to remember that they are not working for the company for whom they wear the uniform, but primarily they represent themselves and cannot afford to take a shoddy approach to their work. 

If your team needs to be trained, there are a multitude of trainers who can help you realize your objectives. Marketing organizations need to invest in their teams so they get the best representation. As I always say, think beyond the first sale. 

Check back often as we post things that we observe. That's what we can do in the islands. I hope that this article helps businesses become more aware of how little deviations in behaviour can help/hinder the development of your business. 

Has literacy been redefined

In all aspects of life, work and personal, it would appear that we have lost the ability to communicate what we mean in a way that we are understood by others.

At university, I learned a very important lesson in this regard. Many of us who ordinarily would get outstanding grades when we did accounts, struggled with financial management. It was so bad that it prompted the lecturer to have meetings with us to determine why this was so. The struggle was real.

During our first meeting, he asked me a series of questions. Among all the questions that we asked, he then gave instruction, "Show me how you read". At first, it seemed strange. How do you show someone how to read?

As I was observed reading, the lecturer then said to me that he saw where I was going wrong and showed me a technique for reading. Using this technique, it would feel as if the words were burned into my brain via a laser. More than that, I remembered what I had just read with clarity and understanding that I had not experienced in a lifetime.

It made me realize somethings:

• Reaching the university level does not mean you can read. 
• Being able to recognize and pronounce words is not reading, it goes much deeper into the comprehending of what was read and the interpretation of what is meant by the author communicating the message. 
• Over the years, I have realized that people who struggle with reading and ultimately self-expression quickly resort to violence as an outlet.

Can this be a reason why there is so much conflict within our society? Is this responsible for people resorting to violence as a solution since they cannot communicate effectively?

I remember taking a writing class with people who wrote novels and was told that I don't have what it takes to write novels, I'm more suited to business writing. A gentle let down if there's such a thing. Nonetheless, I persevered. My intent is not only to improve my writing, but my communicating on the whole. 

There are so many who have not grasped the rudiments of grammar, sentence structure and all the other linguistic techniques. There are so many publications saying what not to do, I read them since I believe that if you know the rules, then you know how to break them; did I write that? I really meant to apply them properly. 

Let's do better to see if we can enhance our literacy. Perhaps in doing so, we would improve our society as well. 

I welcome feedback. It helps with improving my skills. Why not jot me a note. Thanks for stopping by for the read. 

I'm excited...Here are 7 reasons

During this week the new year will begin and I am excited to be returning to work. I went on leave from the end of November and while it was supposed to be a vacation, it didn't quite work out the way I intended. It seems that as soon as I stopped, every health bug that couldn't catch me when I was going at the frenetic pace of my work schedule was just waiting to come in and roost. It seemed like every bug hit me as my resistance was quite low, and I ended up getting much-needed rest, though not necessarily on the terms I would have planned. 

So now what? Why am I excited? 

I had time to think. The downtime allowed me to reflect on the past year, and the future. It enabled me to see what I wanted/did not want; where I made mistakes/experienced learning; where I failed/succeeded. The thing is we rush through life without really taking the moments necessary for reflection. 

I often tell my participants when making references about a reading list about the book, "Think and Grow Rich", by Napoleon Hill. They have also heard me say I have never heard/nor read the book/article called work hard and get rich. One has to put in the time to just think about what they're doing. 

During the last year, I have met with people who wanted different things/results for their lives and businesses. Despite their backgrounds, one common thread was that they never were able to grasp the time necessary to dedicate themselves to realizing these goals. Some had the plans, in their head, which seldom does any good; but they didn't really commit to anything, not even in writing. 

Those who went through the modeling process with me realized that there is a sequence that can be applied to the way we execute our plans. However, we cannot just use a haphazard approach and hope that the details will sort themselves out. There is a recipe for success and they are tools, systems, and measurements that can be applied to somewhat ensure we are close to the planned results we desire. 

The systems are not only for operations, but for finance, marketing, and legal elements that are related to the business/personal activities. Once followed, our lives can become much easier and streamlined. 

People are willing to learn, and the feedback from those who have met with me, shared and learned with me, and followed the plans was encouraging since their stories tended towards the path of success and growth as they saw it. 

I am excited about the possibilities for this coming year. Since:

• There are systems that enable people/businesses to realize planned results once followed; 
• People are willing to learn just how this can be done; 
• They are recognizing the benefits/opportunities for applying themselves; 
• There has been a reduction of hopelessness; 
• In an environment where there has been economic displacement, people can quickly acquire economic stability regardless of the scale of their operation/development; 
• The principles can be applied to individuals, businesses, and not-for-profit organizations;
• The assistance is not only limited to being provided through me but is available globally. 

2018 is almost over, but 2019 and beyond holds promises that can be realized by all who wish to apply themselves. From Blades & Blades Consultancy Services LP, here's wishing you every blessing in the new year. May your plans be realized by you and those whom you will serve. 

HAPPY NEW YEAR! 

Story Time - Brief business examples

There's a saying the elderly repeated when I was growing up, that to talk is to reveal. It is for these reasons that I constantly tell the youth that they should grasp their education with both hands and feet. It is because, even when you have qualification and experience, there are people within the workforce that will still try to take advance of you.

When you're young and full of energy that is the time that you should try to live your life to the fullest before family etc. comes on board. People go through challenges and when they do, it is important that they maintain the right mindset if not they can be easily led off course; that is assuming they had a course planned.

Nowadays, I have a greater peace of mind than when I may have worked for significantly more money. Though I frequently get my medical check-ups, they are more preventative than curative. I know what it is to have money and I also know the flip side of the same coin.

High paying jobs are not always as they seem. They have pressures that are associated with them that can be daunting if you don't have a strong support group coupled with strong resolve. I gather much of my strength from The Almighty God. It has allowed me to fare better with the storms I weathered.

Working with various teams, I have been blessed to have always been a part of a team of high performers. Standards have been set high and exceeded on many an occasion however to realize this required lots of discipline.

In the early days of my working, I was asked why I go to work early even though I'm in charge. Upon reflection, when I drove on the roads at that time I found that there was less traffic, and those who passed by in one direction or another often happened to be the well-known business leaders within our country.

This preparation meant that when those with whom I worked called meetings at seemingly odd times I was always prepared for the most part. Although, I do remember going into a meeting one evening that was so much pressure that when I caught myself, I had driven past my home without even realizing it and ended up by the airport. It was a meeting that almost left me bewildered for the most part, and I remembered the best revenge is a massive success, which I set about to have happen the very next day. I decided instead of going home to return to work and encourage my team of marketers to really excel, and so they did. The very next day sales were asking me to ease off the pressure from them; to which I reminded them what they said in the meeting and hung up the phone.

My first trip to The Cayman Islands taught me the importance of learning Geography. My orders were to catch the next flight out to meet the VP in Miami at American Airlines counter, I was not to be late. Upon arrival, I was bumped to first class, given my instructions for the marketing research on the flight over, and when going to collect my luggage once we arrived was told by the VP if I ever travel with him again don't have luggage, anything that can't fit within a carryon is not needed. These guys were high pressure but also high performance. The environment was one where we made things happen and though reasons were acknowledged, excuses weren't tolerated.

Whenever we hit revenue targets and exceeded them the celebration was short and the next target was set. If we missed even by a fraction, the target was reset and we strive to hit it again. There was no almost there. If we wanted anything, first we worked, then achieved, before we could realize the reward. I still use that approach to this day and therefore abstain from hire purchase transactions for the most part.

Doing without keeps you sharp! Your observation is then keen, and your strategies set on replicating success.

Sure we can realize goals on occasion, however, can you say you can replicate it 22 - 26 days per month?

Why am I telling you this? In our current environment, we are faced with challenges. Unemployment for some, inability to afford things by others, the opportunities that seem to be constantly escaping us by others. WE MUST NOT LOSE HOPE.  Faith is the beginning of things hoped for, the evidence of things not yet seen.

What I've learned is:

1. You must write your goals and have pictures of them;
2. A date by which you wish to achieve them must be on there;
3. You must be committed to reaching that/those goal(s);
4. Recognize you can reset the goal(s) if you miss it/them;
5. You must work! They are not realized by wishing about them. 

There's a winner within you waiting to be recognized; not by the world but by you. YOU HAVE TO recognize YOUR INNER WINNER! 

Here's hoping you benefited from reading this. I am Richie B. 

Ineffective Telecom Usage

Mobile phones have become mainstream in most societies. Virtually everyone has access to one for their usage on a daily basis.

Recently, I was driving through Wildey and saw a business promoting their power tools, and I got to thinking that there were mobile phone units that cost more than these tools. Neither the power tools nor the mobile units were cheap.

Then my mind took me to the thought of how they were used. The power tools were used for the specific purpose for which they were intended. The mobile phone has the main characteristic of communication, however, I don't think we do it very well.

Many of us seem to have the daily ritual of sending good morning messages, jokes, and bad news/warnings. Often the recipient gets the same message at least 4 times; a conversation with the sender may reveal how hard things are for them, yet they never sent a tip out as to how they may have been able to help someone in need. The thing is many are in business.

Since most phones are priced higher than some desktop/laptop computers, how can we make them a productivity tool that aids us in advancing through this life we live? When we think about it, we can be:

• mobile
• productive
• informed
• administrative
• researched 
• and so many more things, all from the palm of our hands. 

Why are we not living better as a result? It may be due to not having goals as it relates to our usage of the mobile phones.
E.g.s

• Do you have standards where those with whom you interact know when they can expect feedback from you when the contact you via one of your many communication methods available on your mobile phone? 
• Are you one of those people who feel immediately pressured when the phones rings or dings that you have to mindlessly jump to respond to those on the other end, even when you have your day scheduled? 
• Do you even have a schedule for when you interact with others via your mobile? 
• Do those with whom you interact know your preferred media for when they wish to communicate with you on a business-related matter? 
• Do you feel compelled to have more than one mobile to handle your business related/personal calls? 
• Do you feel overwhelmed and underproductive? 

You are not alone since many people face this dilemma daily across the globe. The thing is, what are you going to do about it to regain control over your life? Make the plans and then adhere to them. This is key for gaining control over your most important asset - TIME. This also helps you have better controls over your expenses in terms of costs/earnings. 

Is there anything done yet?

It is no laughing matter when you see that this is already the 10th week of the year. With the speed of which we got here and the changes that are going on around us, we need to ask. What have we accomplished? Are we on target to realize anything?

Time is an asset that is often misused. If we lose money, chances are we can make it again. However, losing time; well that's gone for good. 

With the other 42 weeks left, what will we experience? 

• Entire governments are changing
• New inventions and innovations are being introduced
• Businesses are opening their doors for the first time while others close their doors for the last time
• The landscape is changing with people of all age categories dying, yet others are being born and are making strides at a pace faster than the eras past

What will be the contributions that those of us who are currently alive make that can positively impact those around us? There are opportunities via businesses/charities even our daily activities to add value. Who would have thought, 25 years ago, that you would be able to look into the palm of your hand and see/speak/interact with someone who may be on the other side of the globe and more for free?

People who are younger than we are, who barely entered their 20s became mega-successful financially.  Many of us are yet to grasp that givers gain. The more we give, the more we gain. Success rarely follows the selfish. 

As an assessment of your progress, ask yourselves; is there anything done yet? 

Time Management - Really...

Life today is challenging and hectic, with many different activities vying for our attention. So often comments are made by people that there just aren't enough hours in a day, How they'll have to clone themselves to get things done. Claims extend to how busy people are with home and work activities.

The clincher comes though when one observes these said people, or better yet when they get to really take notice of what they're doing. How much of it is really important? Do it take them closer to their goals, dreams, and aspirations?

Take a look at some scenarios that unfold and then decide if they are a good use of time. Some of them may be funny, some may offend you if they apply to you. If you're easily hurt - STOP READING NOW!

• Walking around the office all day, spending time in discussion that have nothing to do with work - television shows, other people's business, your own laments and woes, just idle talk. 
• Shuttling ourselves and children to multiple events on a daily basis and not really knowing what they excel at doing. 
• Are they multitasking opportunities where we can exercise rather than sitting around waiting, for instance?
• Why do we waste time on the mental commute? When we are at work, agonizing over the dreaded Monday morning through to the TGIF happy moments. We should be living in the moment. While at work, work; when at play, play. Get off the roller coaster of thinking of the other one [work] while at play / vice-versa. 

I'm sure you know many other examples, so I'll stop here. 

Schedule time for everything - even appointments with yourselves. Trust me this is quite useful. You'll see your time management improve. Use the smartphones you paid so much money for to send the alerts. When they first came out the brags about their memory capacity were staggering. Use them and free your mind up for more useful things like thinking. You'll be amazed at the progress you can make towards your goals. 

Check our some of our other articles on our blog site. You may find some useful information for FREE!