Tag: New Century Dynamics Executive Search

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Make a Counter-Offer!

Mark, a friend and colleague, called Monday, asking for advice on behalf of his daughter,  Julie.  She had just received a job offer.  It included a generous benefits package and a performance bonus.  However, the base salary was 10% lower than her expectation.  It occurred to me that the initial offer was a bit light.  The market value for that position is greater than the initial offer.  Mark’s question was, should Julie make a counteroffer, and how much?

Before answering his question, I probed a little to determine if this opportunity was, in fact, a good fit for Julie.  Also, I wanted to learn the extent of her interest in this company.  Was it something she sincerely wanted?  Mark explained that it aligned with her college degree and will give her direct experience in her chosen field.  She likes the product and the people.  They are optimistic about this opportunity.  Mark’s insight made it clear that this job had great potential for his daughter.  I was ready to answer his question.

I told Mark that an initial offer of employment is seldom the employer’s final offer.  Furthermore, savvy employers expect a counteroffer.  They want to hire the best talent at the lowest possible salary.  They have flexibility in the budget to pay more.  But they don’t know the candidate’s bottom line compensation requirements.  Why should their initial offer be the most they can afford?  The only way to resolve the question is to negotiate.  Mark was concerned that a counteroffer would cause the client to withdraw the offer.  I said that I had never seen that happen.  On the other hand, I have seen job offers rescinded if the candidate demonstrated inappropriate behavior during the negotiation process.  I told Mark that if Julie showed a lack of good faith or presented irrational demands, she could lose the job.

My answer was Yes, she should make a counter. Share on X

Mark was pleased to hear my perspective.  We then turned to how much she should request and how to deliver the counter.  I suggested that she ask the employer for the additional ten percent as I believe that to the market value for the position, given his daughter’s experience.  “The worst that can happen is that they will say no,” I said.  He asked me if I had a template they could use to draft her counteroffer.  I told him that he could find numerous examples on the internet and that I would be happy to review their response before they sent it to the hiring manager, which I did.

From my perspective, negotiating the starting salary and benefits package is the final part of the interview process.  These negotiations give the hiring manager a clearer sense of the candidate’s potential.  It reveals her problem-solving skills and ability to make her case and defend her position.  Negotiating the starting salary will be Julie’s first experience working for this company.  It will confirm her interest in working for this employer or not.  Negotiating the terms of a Job Offer is the final step in the interview process.

Key Attributes for Successful Negotiations

    • Confidence
    • Ability to state a position and make a case
    • Exhibits rational behavior
    • Performance under stress
    • Orientation toward win-win solutions
    • The Ability to Understand the Other’s Position

The ability to negotiate a better deal is fundamental to every business.  It is an essential skill that can be very useful to the employer.  Even though the negotiation abilities of a recent college grad may not be fully developed, the prospective employer will gain insight into the potential for further development.

I am often called on to engage in a search assignment for a newly created position.   Sometimes, the prospective client does not have a good feel for the market value of that position.  They rely on my expertise to determine a competitive compensation package.  However, I will not take on the assignment until we have established a competitive salary range that I can present to my candidates.  Otherwise, it would be a complete waste of time.  The new hire’s actual starting salary will require negotiation.  Employers expect you to make a counteroffer.  But remember, the prospective employer is still evaluating you throughout the salary negotiation process.

Upon reviewing Julie’s counteroffer letter, I found that it was a good product.  Still, I offered a few suggestions to make it better.  The employer accepted her counteroffer.  Julie started her new job on Wednesday.  Success!  Never hesitate to make a counteroffer.

Thank you for visiting our blog.

 

Jim Weber, Managing Partner – ITB Partners

Jim Weber – Managing Partner,  ITB Partners

I hope you enjoyed our point of view and would like to receive regular posts directly to your email inbox.  Toward this end, put your contact information on my mailing list.

Your feedback helps me continue to publish articles that you want to read.  Your input is very important to me so; please leave a comment.

 

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Success is a Habit

There’s been much interest in developing productive habits and having a set of principles for success in life during the past few years. Jordan Peterson and James Clear have written extensively on these issues. Their books have been widely read, especially among younger males. Our institutions have failed in this regard. Schools, for example, do not reinforce our cultural values and lack emphasis on character building for our youth. Or possibly because the old established institutions are not relevant to the younger generation. Regardless, it seems that many are adrift.

We learned our guiding principles from our parents, primary school, and church. I remember my mother telling me to stand straight with my shoulders back. She drilled into me that slouching does not make a good impression. We also learned about maintaining good habits by playing with others—things like sharing, respect, and fairness. We learned about the Ten Commandments, not all of which are particularly religious. They speak about honesty, respect for our elders (authority), avoiding envy, and lying. Stealing and murder were prohibited as well. Many of us participated in team sports, like Little League baseball. We learned sportsmanship, working together as a team, supporting one another, being on time, and honoring our commitments. We learned proper etiquette and table manners from our parents, and some were enrolled in formal classes to learn those rules. We learned how to behave in conformance with the norms of a healthy society.

Today, we can see the difference between successful folks and those who struggle. It is evident in their approach to life and the habits they embrace, wittingly or not. Much of my work is about helping people identify and correct bad habits. I help my clients develop productive routines and fix issues not being addressed. Usually, I help create systems and processes to improve performance.

Success is a habit, or more to the point, a collection of practices.

    • Be on time.
    • Be Proactive
    • Be Prepared-analytical
    • Take good notes
    • Follow up
    • Be organized
    • Honor you commitments
    • Be Ethical: honesty and integrity
    • Follow the rules of Reciprocity
    • Build relationships slowly
    • Attract like-minded people
    • Maintain your physical health

From my experience, successful people share a collection of attributes. I have observed that they are focused on what they want and have the discipline to realize their goals. Furthermore, they attract and surround themselves with like-minded people. You may have heard that you are the average of your friends and associates. I believe this to be true. Stated another way, successful people are forward-thinking and develop systems to achieve their goals. Share on X Without a system, goals are just wishful thinking and daydreams. Another way to think of a system is a collection of habits. Let’s consider practices successful people share.

At the forefront, successful people are trustworthy. They are honest and ethical people who honor their commitments. The importance of trust should not be a surprise to anyone. Would you willingly associate with someone you did not trust? Of course not. If you are trustworthy and dependable, you will attract ethical associates. Ethical behavior is the foundation for success.

Successful people exude confidence. They have a positive, can-do attitude that people will naturally follow. I am reminded of the saying, “if you can conceive it and believe it, you will achieve it.” They are high-energy people who energize and motivate others. Compare these attributes to low-energy complainers who drain you of your energy. Avoid these people!

Maintaining a healthy lifestyle is another critical attribute for success. A healthy body is required to generate the energy and drive needed to achieve one’s goals. It is challenging to develop confidence if you are not physically fit or do not feel well. A proper diet and exercise are part of their daily routine. They get the appropriate amount of sleep to be alert and focused during working hours. They see their doctor annually to check their vital statistics and catch potential ailments early.

To summarize, successful people are in control of their lives. They determine how they want to live and create that environment. Their lives are not perfect as they suffer unpleasant circumstances like everyone else. However, they experience fewer adverse events and cope with them better because of the systems they have created. Their grand system is a set of beliefs, attributes, and behaviors (read habits) they employ to create their lifestyle. For those of you looking for success or that want to mentor others, I suggest that you further explore the points made in this article.

Thank you for visiting our blog.

 

Jim Weber, Managing Partner – ITB Partners

Jim Weber – Managing Partner,  ITB Partners

I hope you enjoyed our point of view and would like to receive regular posts directly to your email inbox.  Toward this end, put your contact information on my mailing list.

Your feedback helps me continue to publish articles that you want to read.  Your input is very important to me so; please leave a comment.

 

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Employ Data Analytics to Build Your Business

Data analytics is a suite of tools to support and improve your business planning and operations. They inform and optimize daily and strategic business operations, marketing, and risk and product management by providing insights into customer trends and existing business practices and products.

Data analytics help you uncover or highlight subtly expressed or hidden future trends and patterns in data describing your customers, inventory, products, and services. Today, ITB Partners reviews several ways in which your business benefits from advances in data analytics for accurate customer description and growth predictions.

Measuring Marketing Campaign Effectiveness

Describing customer demographics and purchasing behavior is a key strategy to improve your business and marketing plans. A good place to start is to analyze sales data sets, including customer responses to surveys, website statistics such as clicks and browsing information, and social media data.

Data visualization and spatial analysis tools, including pie charts, histograms, and mapping, make complex customer and purchasing data consistent and easier to understand. Seasonal patterns of customer purchases, among many other factors, strongly influence marketing plans. Practical business concerns, such as inventory, distribution, and actual customer in-store and even online experiences, are also affected by daily weather. Data analytics is a way to clearly show these seasonal and daily weather patterns in relation to sales figures, demographics, and feedback from customers about your products and their experience.

During the slow season, why not build your knowledge of prescriptive data analytics to predict products you should market next? Enroll in an online technology degree program or catch up on the latest trends with a short course tailored to your interests and needs. For example, customizable logo design services are increasingly available online to facilitate creative logo development and graphic design searches. Experiment with your own logo design by choosing a style and icon, adding desirable text, and combining colors, fonts, and styling in iterative and unique ways.

Understanding Product Development and Operations

Leading product managers use data analytics in creative ways to understand product viability and development. Product management often builds on successful marketing data analytics, using the same data regarding customer preferences and behaviors, and adding new data on competitors, customer service, and market penetration. Other analytical tools incorporate data on product improvement and product innovation.

Operations data analytics introduce data on product flows and processes to streamline and increase the efficiency of company activities. Mapping and optimization of process flows can benefit your business in countless ways. For example, a business could learn that multiple employees are involved unnecessarily in approving an invoice or inventory acquisition, resulting in lost time and effort. Decision-making is more efficient if individual employee responsibilities are carefully delineated, and fewer transactions require multiple approvals.

Another essential business operation to consider is customer relations and service. Graphics and analytics reveal ways to retain current customers and recruit new customers by mapping sales patterns and customer feedback and better understanding customer satisfaction.

You can also give yourself the inside track in an ever-changing technological race by pursuing a degree in Information Technology – and thanks to the flexibility of online programs, you can learn at your own pace and keep working while you study!

Data Analytics Provide a Competitive Edge

A suite of data analytics tools provides insight and understanding in improving and streamlining your company strategies, product development, and operations. Share on XTailor specific analytics and visualizations to increase acumen and information in risk management, marketing, customer recruitment, inventory and distribution, and many other aspects of your business.

ITB Partners is a Consortium of independent management consultants providing high value-added solutions to your problems. We look forward to meeting you!

Thank you for visiting our blog.

 

Jim Weber, Managing Partner – ITB Partners

Jim Weber – Managing Partner,  ITB Partners

I hope you enjoyed our point of view and would like to receive regular posts directly to your email inbox.  Toward this end, put your contact information on my mailing list.

Your feedback helps me continue to publish articles that you want to read.  Your input is very important to me so; please leave a comment.

 

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Stop Procrastinating and Accomplish More!

I put this article off for too long! No kidding! Procrastination is not one of my worst habits, but I am prone to succumb to it from time to time.

Why write about the subject now? Maybe because it is time to file our state and federal taxes. It is on my mind because people I know waited until the filing deadline to complete their taxes. I am confident they are not alone. I have known many who were last-minute tax filers. Fortunately, that is not an issue for me as I have an accountant who does our personal and business taxes. He has complete access to my QuickBooks Online account, which is always current. I have almost eliminated my tax preparation requirements. Procrastination is no longer necessary.

I have never been much of a procrastinator. I am a planner by nature and by training. I try to be proactive. The thought of putting myself through the stress and anxiety of meeting a deadline at the last minute is too painful to bear. That does not mean that I don’t procrastinate from time to time. Sometimes, I procrastinate to avoid irritating or mundane tasks. Getting my annual automobile inspection is a good example. While in college, I did not engage in last-minute, pre-exam cram sessions. Instead, I believed that I would perform better with a good night’s sleep. It was the same during my corporate career. I made a point to complete my assignments early, especially if they involved a presentation. I used the extra time to hone my subject matter knowledge and focus on the presentation. I never wanted to present work that was less than my best effort.

To some extent, everyone engages in procrastination. I have known many who wait until the last minute to complete assignments. I spend much of my time coaching my clients to overcome procrastination. Watching them race through the process of completing an important task at the last minute is painful. Helping them defeat the urge to procrastinate improves their performance, moving them closer to their goals. Share on X

Ways to Approach and Correct Procrastination

Do not punish yourself for procrastinating
Commit to completing the task
Promise yourself a reward upon completion
Find someone to hold you accountable
Change your attitude toward the task
Focus on the issue
Eat an elephant, one bite at a time

To minimize procrastination, I’ve adopted a few helpful habits that may interest you. My most powerful technique is to put the task right in front of me to be in my way. I create a situation where I cannot get around the job, so I must dispatch it. A good example is putting my dry-cleaning in the passenger seat of my car. Once that is done, I cannot ignore it. I must take it to the cleaners and retrieve my clean laundry. I know that is a small, inconsequential example. Even so, the concept works with more essential matters.

No one likes paying bills, but the avoidance cost is steep. We must pay them eventually. To get this task behind me, I will put a stack of bills in the center of my desk. They are right there in front of me, screaming for attention. Furthermore, I have adopted electronic bill pay methods, including the authorization for automatic withdrawals. Now, I have one less activity to avoid.

To continue making progress in a health-related area, I set concrete milestones and plan rewards for goal attainment. For example, I will plan to purchase an article of clothing as I achieve specific points in a weight loss program. Creating a reward keeps me motivated to stay on track to achieve my objective. I find it helpful to start with a plan that segments the overall scope of larger projects into smaller components. Completing small activities generates momentum that leads to successful completion.

In conclusion, procrastination is a bad habit that inhibits your productivity and goal achievement. It is a common affliction. It is natural to avoid complex, tedious, unpleasant, aversive, and stressful tasks. Instead, we prefer to engage in the fun stuff! To defeat procrastination, consider changing your attitude toward the job. Make it a priority you cannot avoid. Break larger projects into smaller parts to be tackled sequentially. Reward yourself for completing a dreaded task. Finally, you might look for ways to eliminate routine tasks through automation. Begin practicing some of these tips, and let me know if they work for you

For more information about procrastination and how to overcome your avoidance issues, you may find it helpful to check out these links.

https://www.businessinsider.com/main-types-of-procrastinators-how-to-avoid-accountability-coaches

https://www.washingtonpost.com/lifestyle/wellness/procrastinate-why-stop-advice/2021/07/09/13b7dc2c-e00e-11eb-9f54-7eee10b5fcd2_story.html

Thank you for visiting our blog.

 

Jim Weber, Managing Partner – ITB Partners

Jim Weber – Managing Partner,  ITB Partners

I hope you enjoyed our point of view and would like to receive regular posts directly to your email inbox.  Toward this end, put your contact information on my mailing list.

Your feedback helps me continue to publish articles that you want to read.  Your input is very important to me so; please leave a comment.

 

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First, Build Trust!

Building Relationships

Recently I had the unfortunate experience of watching a client suffer through the effects of failed relationships with two of his vendors.  It was painful to watch, but it cost my client far more.  The impact of these failures was delayed project completion, an additional cost of labor and materials, and an erosion of trust with his customers.  The most painful realization was that these situations were self-inflicted wounds, easily preventable if my client had followed the proper procedures.

The fundamental issue was that my client failed to properly qualify either vendor to ensure that they could deliver on their promises.  I remember Ronald Reagan’s motto during his presidency; trust but verify.  In this case, my client invested his trust without verification.  Regrettably, the results were predictable.  These vendors were not competent to do the work my client required of them, and one was impossible to work with, continually trying to rewrite the terms of the agreement.

The long lead time for materials resulting from the Covid pandemic created a difficult situation for my client.  As a result, he looked for an alternate solution using a local vendor.  He found someone and immediately gave him four significant projects.  Admittedly, this vendor had good references, and his finished product was acceptable.  As an executive recruiter, I understand the limitations of a reference check.  Extracting useful information from them takes a certain degree of skill.  Unfortunately, I was not a part of the vetting process.  The result was unfortunate.  Although the vendor was a good craftsman, he was not a good businessman.  He could not determine appropriate priorities for his work.  He had little regard for his customer.  He did not finish the required onsite work and held my client hostage for payment he did not earn.  My client should not have trusted this vendor with the scope of work needed.  Likely, he will soon be an employee working for someone else.

The other subcontractor had done good work for my client on many routine projects.  However, he professed to be competent in one area my client had not witnessed.  That turned out to be a big mistake.  This vendor hired an incompetent subcontractor who made a mess of the project.  My client was required to find another subcontractor to demo the original work and start the project over.  We later learned that the subcontractor had hired a relative to complete his job.  My client refused to pay him for the shoddy work.  Even so, the vendor continued to demand payment for his work.  My client could not finish his work on time, which strained his relationship with the customer.

Both situations created significant angst for my client.   He gave his vendors his complete trust without adequately vetting their capabilities.  I explained how he could have used me to check the references on one vendor and how we might have further vetted the competency of the other.  My client was operating in blind faith.  That is not my preferred way to conduct business.

I use a well-defined process to build trust.  I begin by giving someone small projects to evaluate their competency.  If the first project is successful, I gradually increase the scope and complexity of further tasks assigned to that person.  The last thing I would ever do is give a significant assignment to an unproven person.  This process works for almost any relationship.

I believe that respect is given, but trust is earned.   Everyone deserves respect; it’s just a good practice among human beings.  However, one must earn trust.  It is a precious commodity to be carefully guarded.  Gaining someone’s trust requires an investment in time.  You know what you have to do to gain the confidence of your clients, customers, friends, and especially your spouse. We must be vigilant to guard against situations that put our relationships at risk. That includes developing confidence in the capabilities of our employees and vendors to help us serve our customers. Share on X

Thank you for visiting our blog.

 

Jim Weber, Managing Partner – ITB Partners

Jim Weber – Managing Partner,  ITB Partners

I hope you enjoyed our point of view and would like to receive regular posts directly to your email inbox.  Toward this end, put your contact information on my mailing list.

Your feedback helps me continue to publish articles that you want to read.  Your input is very important to me so; please leave a comment.

 

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Network Your Way to Business Success

 

If you’re an aspiring entrepreneur, growth is a key factor in your business start-up’s success. Networking is a great way to immerse yourself in the world of business and can help you develop a base following from which to grow. ITB Business Partners – Management Consultants can be a valuable resource when it comes to providing high value-added solutions to your most pressing challenges.

What Is Networking?

Networking is basically an opportunity to connect with other people as a way to establish or advance relationships, identify potential areas for collaboration, and meet prospective clients and customers. Networking is a term used to describe everything from attending business functions to how you follow up with people you’ve been connected with or introduced to through others. As the term implies, your goal with networking is to build alliances, meet new people who can help you advance your business, and amplify your connections. It requires a sincere approach, so if you’re a hard-sell personality, you might need to temper yourself during in-person networking situations.

Why is Networking Important

While there are certainly many ways you can go about marketing and advertising your business, developing relationships, requires a more personal one-on-one touch leading to more robust business relationships. For example, if you’re in a networking event and meet somebody who provides printing services, which you need, you’re more likely to feel comfortable with someone you’ve met and spoken to than somebody you’re found online. These personal connections can be long-lasting and profitable. Your goal should be to establish mutually beneficial alliances. Once trust is established, the relationship can grow and business opportunities will follow.

Where to Network

So where are the best places to network? According to Copper Chronicles, there are a surprising number of places to network once you’re in a networking frame of mind. You can connect via online or in-person business functions offered by small business development centers, chambers of commerce, and Rotary clubs. You can also attend conferences, trade shows, and business networking events specifically designed to connect business leaders. You can also network at volunteer events, particularly those that are associated with your line of work or your Industry. Virtual networking is important too, – you can start with LinkedIn and your social media platforms. Don’t forget non-traditional yet effective methods – talk to other parents at kids’ sporting events, go to charitable events and fundraisers, join your local PTO, and if you belong to a house of worship, serve on a committee and arrive before service for coffee and connecting.

Preparing to Network

Before you start seriously networking, make sure your business is well-positioned. This means having a website, social media presence, and a business card that has your business name, your name, your website, contact information, and potentially on the back, a few bullets, or a brief overview of the products and services your company provides. To make a memorable impression, consider looking for a way to design your own business cards. Using a premade template for your cards allows you to customize your work by adding images, text color, and the fonts of your choice. Make sure your card matches your company brand so you make a notable impact.

Maintaining Networks

In addition to building networks, maintaining them is also important from a customer relationship management perspective. Don’t consider the people you’re connecting with as just “leads,” but rather, as people you can learn from and build a foundation with. In other words, develop a relationship in which you stay in touch, get coffee or lunch, offer support where you can in the form of referrals, and take an actual interest in them and their business. Establishing trust and learning about one another’s business goals can aid in finding ways to collaborate. According to Business News Daily, giving more than you ask for is another great way to establish solid connections.

While there’s nothing new about the concept of networking, digital marketing has allowed us to connect in a number of different ways, some of which will require different approaches. Be strategic in your approach to ensure you’re getting connected to the people most likely to help you build and grow your business. Share on X

ITB Business Partners – Management Consultants help business managers solve their problems by matching them with high-quality independent management consultants who are experienced leaders, discipline experts, and project managers. Visit the site to learn more, sign up for the company newsletter, and reach out directly for more information.

Thank you for visiting our blog.

 

Jim Weber, Managing Partner – ITB Partners

Jim Weber – Managing Partner,  ITB Partners

I hope you enjoyed our point of view and would like to receive regular posts directly to your email inbox.  Toward this end, put your contact information on my mailing list.

Your feedback helps me continue to publish articles that you want to read.  Your input is very important to me so; please leave a comment.

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Make Your Complaint Count!

ITB Partners Members Meeting

Recently my wife and I were in a big box flooring store buying tile for upgrades we are making on our home.  As with many retail establishments trying to get back in business after the pandemic, this retailer had its challenges.  They were short-staffed, so it took longer to complete the full sales cycle.  I never saw a manager in the store that evening.  While I was waiting to talk with a salesperson, another customer began complaining to an employee.  The employee was assembling his order.  His issue was about the time it took to have a salesperson help with his order and then to have the selection pulled.  He wasn’t quiet about it either.  He became somewhat animated.  I sympathized with him; however, I noted that his approach was unproductive as he complained to the wrong person.  He directed his anger at an employee equally frustrated by the situation.  He might have been more effective if he had found a manager to express his thoughts.  Or maybe even a letter to the company CEO.  But railing at a non-management employee?  Hardly a wise decision.

Complain to the right person about the correct issue.

Whenever I observe or hear of someone getting ugly with someone trying to help them, I remember a story I heard early in my career.  I don’t know if it’s true; however, the message is instructive.  The story tells about someone trying to get an airline flight home after a difficult week.  Thunderstorms in the area created a challenge for the airlines.  As it took longer for the ticket agent to find a suitable flight, this passenger became more agitated.  He berated the ticket agent, complaining about her employer’s poor customer service, and suggested that she was incompetent.  Ultimately this gentleman got his ticket and boarded his flight.  However, he landed in Peoria, not his destination, and his luggage arrived in Timbuktu.  As I said, I don’t know if the story is true, but from my experience, it certainly could’ve been.  It was likely a punchline to a comedian’s joke, however prescient.  The moral of the story is never making an enemy of someone trying to help you.

Please don’t misunderstand; there is a time and place for customers to express their displeasure with their service.  Hearing customer feedback is critical to help companies improve their operations and become more competitive.  However, one must deliver input to someone who can make a difference.  Make a meaningful contribution by offering your complaint to customer service representatives, a manager, or someone responsible for the customer's experience. Share on X Otherwise, you have wasted your time and that of your target.

Successful employees quickly learn that a large part of their job is to solve problems.  They are successful because they present solutions that resolve negative situations.  Employing this strategy ensures further career success.  Most corporate types have heard their superiors say, “bring me solutions, not problems.” I have witnessed the benefits of following this career-development strategy.  My career was launched and maintained by finding solutions to problems that were hurting my company’s effectiveness.  I know of many people who have had success following this principle.

Let’s return to my experience at the flooring store.  The picker noticed my cooperation during this situation and pointed that out to the complaining customer.  I nodded in agreement that it was not his fault as he was also a victim of their staffing shortage.  I can tell you; he bent over backward to help me when it was my turn to be served.

If you have an issue with a vendor, find someone to help you resolve your issue.  Make sure that person understands how their service failed to meet your expectations.  But don’t stop there.  Send a letter to a more senior manager with a summary of the incident.  A written note is especially relevant to recognize a satisfactory resolution.  Doing so is an opportunity to generate goodwill by recognizing the person who helped you experience a positive result.  Don’t waste time complaining to someone who cannot resolve the situation.  Seek out someone who can.

Thank you for visiting our blog.

 

Jim Weber, Managing Partner – ITB Partners

Jim Weber – Managing Partner,  ITB Partners

I hope you enjoyed our point of view and would like to receive regular posts directly to your email inbox.  Toward this end, put your contact information on my mailing list.

Your feedback helps me continue to publish articles that you want to read.  Your input is very important to me so; please leave a comment.

 

 

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Starting Over: Building a Business After the Pandemic

As the United States emerges from the COVID-19 pandemic, many people are deciding it is time to chase their dreams and work on starting their own business. According to research, this happened many times during state shutdowns. If this is your first time venturing into entrepreneurial aspirations, learn about what you can do to get started on the right foot with this guide from ITB Partners.

Finding a Business Idea That Works

Before doing anything else, it is crucial to find a business idea that works. It doesn’t necessarily have to be complicated. Consider your experience, skills, and education, and what you would like to do.

Perhaps you already have skills as a hairdresser and want to work for yourself. Maybe you have lots of experience with animals and would like to begin a dog walking and boarding business. There are plenty of business possibilities to help you get started.

Setting Up and Making It Legal

Once you decide what your business will involve, decide on a name for your company and begin the process of setting it up. You may choose to make it a sole proprietorship, an S-corporation, or a limited liability company.

If you choose an LLC, know that there are many benefits associated with this, such as limited liability, less paperwork, certain flexibility, and even advantages when it comes to taxes. Depending on the state you live in, there are different regulations when it comes to setting up an LLC, so make sure you research those first. If you want to outsource the paperwork and avoid dealing with an attorney, you can use a formation service to help you.

Networking and Meeting Other Professionals

No matter what stage your business is in, make it a priority to network with others. Share on X This will help you find your new clients, introduce you to professionals to help build your business, and make it easier to get referrals and reach out via word of mouth.

Look for events such as Network After Work. You should also start talking to people you know, even if the last time you were in touch was high school or college. There are plenty of online tools that can help you find contact information so you can reconnect again, allowing you to build your circle.

Creating a Marketing Plan for Your Company

All businesses need a marketing plan. Start putting together ideas of how you want to reach your client base. This can include using social media, direct mail marketing, having a website, going to trade shows, and using promotional materials, to name a few.

If you plan on adding images to your company’s marketing materials or you are working on an image with a graphic designer, you may find it easier to compress JPG files so you can email them with ease. However, compression can sometimes degrade the way the JPG file looks. To combat this, use a JPG-to-PDF converter, which can allow you to make your JPGs into PDFs while keeping the same quality. You can even do this with more than one file at once.

Creating Space and Enlisting Services

In getting your startup off the ground, you want to ensure that you’ve got a designated space at home where you can work. If you go as far as upgrading an unused room to a home office, you may even improve your home’s value. Just make sure that you’ve got the privacy and resources you need.

You’ll also want to set up a great website for your business and see to it that your cyber security is looked after. Online threats are growing ever more numerous and widespread, and they can threaten both your business and your customers’ information. Make sure you are all protected with a comprehensive plan.

Getting Support From a Mentor

Running a business can be hard. Rather than try to go through it alone, get help and support from a mentor. Business mentors can give you ideas on what problems you might run into and provide advice when you aren’t sure what is best for your company.

No matter what your reasons are for starting a business, it is possible to get the support and guidelines necessary for success, as long as you take everything step by step.

This article is brought to you by ITB Partners, a consortium of independent management consultants providing high value-added solutions to your problems. Our consultants are experienced leaders, discipline experts, and project managers. Our industry expertise ranges from consumer packaged goods and manufacturing to supply/chain,  logistics, and the service sector.   Additionally, we have depth in consumer services franchising, specifically restaurant, hospitality, retail. For more information, please contact us today!

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Jim Weber, Managing Partner – ITB Partners

Jim Weber – Managing Partner,  ITB Partners

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Create a Culture of Collaboration

A well-functioning company is a company in which different teams and team members all easily collaborate with one another. And when that kind of successful teamwork happens, it can look so easy and organic, one might even assume that things just fell into place naturally, with no effort. But while good collaboration looks effortless, often it only comes about through multiple efforts on multiple levels. As a business owner or manager, you need to acquire the leadership skills that will allow you to facilitate that kind of teamwork. Here are some guidelines for how to master these skills and get your company running like a well-oiled machine.

The importance of collaboration.

If everyone in your company is only ever assigned to work within their own department, on their own project, they may become extremely adept at detailed work within their own professional silo but may be missing out on the opportunities that arise when teams cross over departmental borders and communicate about different projects.  And this means your company is missing out, too, because creative crossover and exchange are necessary for your company to maintain a cohesive identity. Additionally, the added energy that comes from heightened collaboration can propel company growth. Without collaboration, team members may develop unhealthy workplace attitudes, too, including suspicion, resource-hoarding, and interdepartmental tensions. Share on X

Start with the right people.

Part of getting your teams to work well together means choosing the right team members. So, when hiring, don’t just look at skill level and experience. Some novice professionals may be better than seasoned experts when it comes to working well with others. So don’t just look at a resume. Also, ask for references from former managers as well as colleagues, so you can get a sense of a candidate’s communication and collaboration skills. Also, remember not to confuse surface-level social charm with the actual ability to collaborate on a group project.

Create opportunities for collaboration.

Employees may not be aware that you are encouraging more collaboration if you don’t open avenues for them to do so. Encourage consultation between different teams and let different team members take turns leading meetings and discussion sessions. It can be a good idea to mix things up a little, by encouraging employees to switch up teams and projects – but be wary about doing this to a point that induces stress or burnout. An important way to encourage collaboration is to create spaces, both real and virtual, where all team members across departments interact, express concerns, ask questions, and develop good connections.

Foster a culture of communication and trust.

This is an area where you as a leader need to model the kind of culture you want to see in your workplace. You can’t cultivate communication and trust if you come off as suspicious, distrustful, unwilling to listen, and taking everything too personally. And you definitely should not be engaging in or tolerating toxic workplace behaviors like bullying or harassment. Instead, take time to get to know team members, listen when they have concerns, and be firm when it comes to not tolerating bad behavior. Be respectful to your team members, be authentic, and never ever violate anyone’s trust.

Invest in the right tools.

Encouraging collaboration is a lot easier when you make available the tools that facilitate it, such as templates, apps, and software that allow for better communication and information sharing. Employees will appreciate access to such tools, too, because it’s so much easier to work well on a project when you understand its place in the bigger picture. For instance, if your company is working on a new product, it’s helpful to create a product roadmap template so every team member can see where their task fits into the overall project of production and launch.

Remember that teamwork can’t be forced, but it can be modeled and encouraged. Do your part as an owner and manager to create the kind of workplace culture where collaboration happens, and this will pay off for all parties involved. Leaders in the food and beverage industry interested in fostering greater collaboration among team members may be interested in the coaching and mentoring programs offered by New Century Dynamics.

Image via Pixabay

Thank you for visiting our blog.

 

Jim Weber, Managing Partner – ITB Partners

Jim Weber – Managing Partner,  ITB Partners

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Ten Common Career Mistakes to Avoid

Executive Career Consultant, Richard Kirby discusses Ten Common Career Mistakes to avoid. This presentation was delivered to the Atlanta Chapter of Great Careers/The BENG on February 8. For more information about Richard Kirby, visit his website at www.richardkirby.net

 

Thank you for visiting our blog.

 

Jim Weber, Managing Partner – ITB Partners

Jim Weber – Managing Partner,  ITB Partners

I hope you enjoyed our point of view and would like to receive regular posts directly to your email inbox.  Toward this end, put your contact information on my mailing list.

Your feedback helps me continue to publish articles that you want to read.  Your input is very important to me so; please leave a comment.