Tips to Help You in Business and Life. 1-18

If you are a business owner or team manager, or if you dream of becoming one, the following tips will help you to develop a winning mindset.

"It's the strengths and strategies of the Generals which
determine the course of history . . "

DO YOU WANT TO BE FIRST RATE?

"If you're first rate you'll hire first rate people!
If you're second rate, you’ll hire third rate people.
If you're third rate, you'll hire fourth rate people.
How long can you make it without a first rate team?"

SUCCESSFUL PEOPLE

Never forget their goals and always work towards them.
Adapt to changing situations making decisions along the way.
Believe in themselves and what they are doing.
Do not get disheartened by others' lack of enthusiasm for their projects or goals.
Spend their pennies wisely.
Are up-to-date with topical changes and how these will affect their business.

11 TIPS FOR DEALING WITH CHANGE

Everybody these days talks about "change". Everything is changing, people are changing, business methods are changing, the economy is changing.
Here's a winning philosophy to combat the effects of change, keep it in mind when you decide to change things at work. It was first published in "Dun's Review" way back in 1951 . . . but it is still as relevant as ever . . . alas, change never changes!

Change is more acceptable when it is understood
Change is more acceptable when it does not threaten security than when it does.
Change is more acceptable when those affected have helped to create it than when it has been externally imposed.
Change is more acceptable when it results from an application of previously established impersonal principles than when it is dictated by personal order
Change is more acceptable when it follows a series of successful changes than when it follows a series of failures.
Change is more acceptable when it is inaugurated after prior change has been assimilated than when it is inaugurated during the confusion of other
Major change.
Change is more acceptable if it had been planned than if it is experimental.
Change is more acceptable to people new on a job than to people old on the job.
Change is more acceptable to people who share in the benefits of change than to those who do not.
Change is more acceptable if the organization has been trained to plan for improvement than it is if the organization is accustomed to static procedures.

A LOOK BACK AT WHAT WAS PREDICTED FOR THE NEW MILLENIUM?

Planning ahead can be fun and interesting. Here is what was predicted by Dr Roy Amara of the Institute of the Future for the decade 1990-2000. These predictions were made in the mid 1980’s and it’s interesting to look at them with 20/20 hindsight. His predictions on the international scene were as Follows:

The formation of three "super traders" with a possible fourth to emerge by the end of the decade. The super traders will be the European Economic Community, the Pacific rim alliance encompassing Japan, South Korea and Taiwan (He missed the rise of China).
In response to these trading threats, a North American trading alliance could be formed between USA, Mexico and Canada (NAFTA – Correct, but it was a complete Failure).
The fourth to emerge may well be the "democratized" communist bloc members (China and Russia – He was a decade early but spot on the money).
On the home front, Dr Amara saw significant improvements in white collar productivity caused by an older and more experienced work force that will
work harder and smarter (wrong).
It was also predicted as a decade when savings should grow (the baby boomers are at full income earning potential) (wrong) and investment in new technology will pay off (right).
He also sounded a word of warning on the distinct possibility of another energy crisis:- “Oil reserves are likely to run out within the next thirty years and research and development into alternative power sources is lagging behind reality.” (Wrong, and Right).
All in all, not a terrible job considering that he was predicting the future. Can you use organizations like this to improve your forward planning?

ONE “WHY'' IS NOT ENOUGH

Be prepared to ask five whys about a problem. Example . . . A pump burned out - why? There were metal filings in the bearings - why? The filter screen wasn't on the filter - why? Because it fell off and was at the bottom of the coolant basin - why? The maintenance man didn't put a lock nut on the filter. Why? . . . and, bingo . . . there's the real problem!

Five "whys" lets you prevent recurrences of a problem. One why only lets you take emergency - and temporary - corrective measures.

SECRETS OF GOOD WRITING

Pretend you're the reader when you're writing a letter, note or memo. This will help you "talk" to the reader in the same style and tone you would
like if you were at the receiving end of the correspondence.
Try and eliminate boring and archaic phrases . . . "Dear Ted" and "yours faithfully" may have had a place in every day language several centuries ago
but today they don't. In fact, "Ted" has every right to feel offended if you addressed him as "dear" in a street conversation. He also has every right to
wonder why you want to be "faithful" to him.
Make your letter contain real interest . . . treat the opening and the closing as you would the header of an advertisement. It’s got to stimulate and activate.
Conclude with a summary and a "call to action" so that the reader is in no doubt as to what they must do.

AVOID INTERRUPTIONS

Broken concentration can cost time and money. Being interrupted before an assignment is completed increases the chance that you will fail to achieve hoped-for results, or that you will never finish it.
Reason: Most people who are held up for just one minute need 20 minutes to regain full concentration.
It takes even less time to lose momentum and begin procrastinating.
Solution: Fix a firm date and time on your calendar to complete the unfinished work and make completion rewarding by imagining how gratified
you'll feel once it's done.

STRESS IS SIMPLY A WASTEFUL STATE OF MIND

If you had to go looking for stress, where would you go to? The Sahara Desert?.. Siberia?
Stress is something that's manufactured inside the minds of men. It's a product of how you perceive, define and react to the world.
Very often we get "stressed out" by thinking of "what if” scenarios that will never eventuate. Key: It often helps to think ahead but never allow emotions to be swayed by events that have yet to unfold. Write down the "what if' scenarios and also write down what your cool emotional response should be that will maximize your position.
Don't assume that something will happen unless you have good grounds for the assumption and don't waste time solving problems that haven't happened.

Remember. . . FEAR is simply False Expectations Appearing Real.

KEYS TO PERSONAL PRODUCTIVITY

To brush off a busybody, try honesty ("I really don't care to get into that right now") . . . or change the subject. Say you'll talk about it later. Ask the person to repeat the rude question, letting your irritation show on your face . . . or counter with a probing question of your own.

GIVING COMPLIMENTS

When complimenting another person, be honest, direct, specific and brief. Avoid long-winded praise, which only makes the recipient uncomfortable. To receive a compliment gracefully: Smile and say a simple Thank you.

PRODUCTIVE WAITING

Carry an address book, pen, postcards and stamps wherever you go. When you are stranded, use the time to write a few cards to nourish your friendships. Even in this age of instant electronic communications, people get a real buzz out of receiving a post card by “snail mail”.

INTERNET ON THE ROAD

Have a good quality laptop with a fully charged battery and a mobile broadband connection. Also make sure that your broadband modem is unlocked so that when you travel to a different state or country, you can buy a prepaid SIM and be connected straight away.
Another useful tip for travelers is to use the free wifi at McDonalds, Starbucks, airports etc. It saves money and gives you instant access when you arrive in a new place.

OVERCOMING LATENESS

One of the frustrations in life is waiting... waiting that is, for somebody who has broken a promise to meet you at an appointed time. You are the person who has been inconvenienced. Of course unforeseen circumstances will always crop up and are generally excused by the aggrieved "waiter".
However, there are some people in society who are always late . . . in fact, they have a reputation for it.
If you are one of these people, here is a little tip that may help overcome this affliction that most of us find extremely irritating.
When making an appointment record two times in your diary . . . the time of the meeting and the time you will have to leave to arrive comfortably 5 minutes early. Take into consideration the likely state of the traffic and any other hold ups.
Always concentrate on the earlier time. If it appears you are going to be late, ring and advise, it’s only good manners.

HOW TO REMEMBER PEOPLES NAMES

It can be embarrassing in both business and social gatherings to completely forget the name of somebody to whom you have just been introduced.
These suggestions will help banish that problem forever.
When first introduced to the person, repeat their name. eg "Roger, I'm pleased to meet you".
Notice their appearance and see if there are any obvious memory joggers, e.g. Roger may be wearing a red shirt. Attempt to associate the first letter of their name with some visual characteristic. Roger may also have a ruddy complexion or red hair or be wearing a ring.
Repeat their name over and over for a while until you become comfortable.
If you are talking to a circle of new acquaintances, practice memorizing the names of the people in the group.
Repeat their name whenever you have to address them, in this way you are cementing their name in your memory bank.

HOW TO CRITICIZE (AND GET RESULTS) WITHOUT ANGER

No one likes to criticize, but sometimes it is necessary and there is a certain art in doing it correctly. Ask yourself these questions to see if you know how to give constructive criticism.
Do you know all the facts before you begin to criticize?
Do you direct your criticism at the task' rather than the person?
Do you deliver your critique calmly to keep the stress level down?
Do you steer clear of sarcasm?
Do you avoid long prefaces and small talk before criticizing to prevent the other party from becoming nervous?
Do you always criticize in private?
Do you emphasize that nobody's perfect, but that a person is more likely to benefit from mistakes if they're called to his or her attention?
Do you avoid phrasing things as absolutes ("you'll never get this right” or “You’ve completely ruined the project”)?
Do you stay positive by emphasizing the benefits of doing something the right way?
Do you end a criticism session by saying something encouraging and friendly?
Keep this list in mind the next time you have to criticize an employee and avoid the possibility of your comments causing more harm than good'

THERE'S A SMART WAY TO SAY JUST ABOUT ANYTHING

George Walther in his new book "Power Talking", Claims that the words that we use to frame our thoughts can affect the results of all we do and over a lifetime, the cost of poor word selection can be mega enormous. An extra split second to think about the affect can be the difference between winning and losing. Some hints from the author:
Avoid the word "but" . . . substitute "and".
Example: Instead of: "you did a good job today, but you need some extra training", Use: Suzanne, you did a great job today and you'll need some more training to let you stay ahead". (Note the personalization by introducing the name? That and the word "you" are most powerful to any listener).
Avoid negative self image words. Instead of "I failed", substitute "Today, I learned that…”
Don't apologize for an imagined short coming. Change it or forget it.
To a visitor, don't say "Sorry the office is in a mess". Say, "Welcome to my work place, I'm glad to see you, Bill". (Did you again note those two very powerful words?)
Offer positive deadlines you know you can fulfill rather than weakly offering tighter ones.
Instead of . . . "We'll try to have it to you by 4pm" offer a deadline you know you can beat "Barry, I’ll have it to you by 5".
Remember the words of Og Mandingo “Today I begin a new life. I'll persist until I succeed. I'll live this day as if it were my last. I'll act now". Then, get out and accomplish more with every word you talk.

WAYS TO CHANGE BAD HABITS

Whether you want to stop smoking, eat more intelligently or overcome procrastination, consider these tips:
Increase your motivation to change. Talk to friends who have made the change and make a list of the pros and cons of changing. Make a formal written contract with your spouse or a friend.
Keep a log of your bad habits. Do you snack while watching TV? Do you eat while you are preparing a meal? Are you smoking heavily after meal? See if there is a pattern you can break.
Set specific, doable objectives. Say "I'll smoke three fewer cigarettes a day this week”. Example: Substitute a competing behavior to avoid the habit. Example: Drink a glass of water when I'm hungry.
Start with small changes and build on success.
Reward yourself for each small success as you complete each part of a job you've been delaying.
Visualize yourself with the new habit' See if you don't feel better.
Ask for support from your family. If you can, enlist another person to do the same thing you're doing.

HOW TO ORGANIZE YOUR BOSS

Don't let a disorganized boss curtail your, nor your companies chance to succeed.
Some ways to prevent the problem:
Find out what the boss expects. Ask "If you ever had an assistant who did superior work what did he or she do that helped you?".
Read company and trade publications, observe others and tap the grapevine to boost your knowledge of the organization's business.
Ask for clarification if you don't understand. Example: "I'm concerned I don't fully grasp what you want, Let me tell you what I think you said".
Make it easy for the boss to let you handle paperwork and scheduling.
Offer to gather information the boss needs.
Remind the boss about deadlines.
If you can, take over some of the Bosses less important duties. This will have the added benefit of (slowly) training you into his job.

Sources:

Many Thanks to the following sources:

Unknown
"How to make nothing but money: Discovering your hidden
opportunities for wealth", Dave Del Dotto.
"Dun's Review”
Institute of the Future
Basic Management Philosophy Handbook for Toyota
Better Business Profits
“Time Management Made Easy”, Kathleen Hawkins
"Fighting Invisible Tigers" by Earl Hipp.
“Own your own life” by Gary Emery
Dr. Robert L. Bell, Seventeen Magazine.
“Staying OK” by Amy Bjork Harris
Ian Oliver – Traveltips.org
Future Business Magazine
“Your Memory - A Users Guide” by Alan Baddeley.
"The Effective Executive", Dartnell Publishers.
Power Talking" by George R Walther.
The Dotted Line, Cincinnati.
The Office Professional, Texas.