The Easy Answer Newsletter
Volume 6, Issue 2 September 30, 2005
In this edition of the Easy Answer II, you'll find...
* Just a Thought or Two
* Free is Always Better. NOT !
* Comments from the Audience
* Your Preposition of Choice
Just a thought or two...
“People will talk about you. The good news is you get to write the script.” - Becky McCrary
"Keep away from people who try to belittle your ambitions. Small people always do that, but the really great make you feel that you, too, can become great." - Mark Twain
Free is Always Better. NOT!
The state chapter of a national charity called. They were planning an
event to educate and inspire their local representatives to make better
impressions when calling on business leaders. Partnership was critical to
their fundraising success. Not just appearance. Networking. Business
development. They had seen me present and knew I was perfect for their
audience.
I was available. I gave them a price and placed the date on hold. They
said they’d get back to me.
When they called, it was to cancel the hold on the date. A modeling agency
who taught business skills had agreed to do the presentation for free.
With a well-known name they couldn’t lose, right?
After the event, they called. The first time they had gotten everyone
together from across the state, such high expectations for the impact on
the annual fundraising, and what a waste of time! She could not believe
what this agency passed off as business skills. Two of her favorites were
“Shaking hands spreads germs. When greeting a business leader, you should
rub elbows instead.” and “Brown is a power color for women.”
Now that’s a statement about getting what you pay for!
When your customers want to talk price, is it just dollars or is it value?
When someone asks “How much?,” do they know that they can’t live without
it? Don’t assume. Ask great questions to gain information and insight.
What does it cost you in maintenance and system integrity every time you
experience a power failure? (generators)
What do you want your staff to experience and do differently as a result
of this meeting? (training)
How much do you pay each year in benefits, lost productivity and employee
morale from back and neck strain, hand sensitivity and headaches?
(ergonomic office furniture)
What could you do with the time you devote to interviewing and checking
backgrounds of potential employees? (staffing agency)
With a bank on every corner, why would anyone choose to go out of their
way to do business with you? (financial institution)
Free is not a good price if it doesn’t get the job done! It has to meet or
satisfy a need or expectation that addresses a particular issue or
concern. Why do people do business with you? Why do they stop? Ask them.
Then hush and let them tell their story. Their stories are free. Their
stories are priceless. That’s the real value of doing business with you.
“Many of our staff members expressed that this conference was the best they had ever attended. Your ability to deliver a message consistent with our theme made for a very educational and enjoyable experience.”
Robin Brown, Conference Chairperson
U. S. Attorney’s Office
Birmingham, AL
“I think her sense of humor and how she looks at life is wonderful.”
Tommy Scott, Director of Residential Services
Clarendon County Dept of Special Needs Board
Manning, SC
Your Preposition of Choice
One little difference. You can outline your entire business plan with
one little difference. You can predict the professional development of
your entire staff with one little difference. You can identify the stress
level of all involved with one little difference. You can identify staying
power with one little difference.
Remember third grade English? Parts of speech? A preposition is that
smallest of words expressing a relationship between a noun, pronoun or
noun phrase. In other words, the relationship between people.
What’s the relationship between you and your peers, you and your staff,
you and your customers, you and your family? What is your preposition of
choice? Do others work for you or with you?
Webster defines for as a representative of, on behalf of.
Look at the characteristics of someone who works for you.
- prefers detailed, written instruction
- is great at repeating instructions (i.e. that’s our policy; Daddy said so)
- usually follows through on instruction; may need some prodding
- shows up
- knows job description and responsibilities
- job security is critical
- knows your way is the best way and seldom offers suggestions
With is used to indicate that two or more persons or things are together, near each other, in agreement, harmony, etc. Look at the characteristics of someone who works with you.
- sees the big picture
- takes ownership
- self-starter
- sound reasoning process (i.e. share an idea and let her run with it)
- excited about process and opportunities
- finds and researches ideas in articles, commercials and other marketing plans
- gets job done
- personal satisfaction with a good job
- sees challenges
A manager’s preposition of choice is for. Managers need
to control the process. After all, they’ve usually been around longer,
attended more conferences, have heard the best practices, and know what
works. Managers often supervise employees with little or no job training,
make decisions and need others to act on them.
A leader’s preposition of choice is with. Leaders desire a
team of thought. They speak in big picture concepts, expecting those on
the team to have ideas on influence, impact and implementation. They are
the least concerned with taking credit for new ideas or plans. Leaders
want to share the vision and then get out of the way. They experience the
workplace excitement as the vision takes form.
The skills that make a great manager will often inhibit one from being a
great leader. Everyone doesn’t make that leap. And everyone shouldn’t.
There are many occupations where a great manager is necessary for success.
With today’s emphasis on leadership, take a hard look at your preferred
style. Look at your business plan, the professional development plan of
your staff, the stress level that everyone works under, and your turnover.
Could an outsider predict your preposition of choice?
“Becky’s presentation was given with excellent comic timing and call back which led to a very well entertained audience.”
John Lacrosse
“Becky McCrary is an awesome speaker! I enjoyed her seminar and learned so much in a fun atmosphere!”
Mim Zane
Merus Water
Greenville, SC