Today much is written about the dysfunction in American families. No doubt the structure, (and it can be argued the success) of the family has changed in this country. However, focusing on what a functional, successful family might be more productive than focusing on what does not work.

What are some of the characteristics of a healthy, productive, functional family?

• A healthy family has fundamental, non-negotiable values.
• A healthy family is open to resources outside the family in times of need.
• A healthy family sets limits.
• A healthy family has defined roles – parents are parents and kids are kids. The parent sets rules and enforces them. They enjoy their children, but have established boundaries for their children. In addition, the children are secure in their place in the family
• A healthy family understands that problems will occur and that they are usually temporary and solvable.
• A healthy family has rules and routines but is also flexible.

These guidelines certainly make sense for families, and you might consider using them in evaluating your business as well. Often you spend as much time in your business as you do with your family. A small business develops deep relationships within the firm as well as with clients and vendors. Unfortunately, business relationships can become every bit as dysfunctional, and in some cases toxic, as personal relationships. Ask yourself the following questions:

Does your business have fundamental, non-negotiable values?

• Are they clear?
• Are they consistent?
• Are they communicated?

Is your business open to leveraging outside resources?

• Do you fully utilize vendors, home offices, coaches and collaborative partners?
• Do you rely upon professionals for services needed outside the expertise of the business?
• Are you open to additional knowledge, training, and education from outside sources?

Does your business set limits?

• Do people – employees and clients – know these limits?
• Do they make sense?
• Are they effective?

Does your business have defined roles?

• Do leaders lead?
• Do managers manage?
• Are all members of the team responsible for the objectives required of their specific roles?

Do you set rules and abide by them?

• Are you flexible with rules when exceptions do not impede the mission of the business or service to clients?
• Do you enjoy personal relationships without crossing personal boundaries?
• Are your associates secure in their place in the business?

Business is not easy. Business challenges the best and the brightest. Designing business functionality provides the best structure for achievement of goals and objectives, as well as the delivery of a unique, beneficial, and positive client experience.

Work Hard & Have Fun!™

The first quarter of 2012 is in the books. NOW what?

Simple: Do what YOU do better than anyone else.

Often people pull back from that statement. They will say things like, “There’s nothing special about what I do.” Nothing could be further from the truth! There is one thing I promise that you do that nobody else can do…

Be your BEST self.

Choices make the difference.

• Choose to serve your clients first.
• Strive to help them get what they want.
• Give them your very best ideas, tailored to meet their needs.
• Fight to help them help themselves.
• Commit to doing your absolute best for this minute, this hour, this day.
• Be better than you were yesterday.
• Never quit.

If you chose to do these things and add yourself to what you do, then you will be absolutely and wonderfully unique. Having made that commitment, let’s get started!

First, look ahead to July 1st and ask yourself exactly what has to happen during the quarter for you to be ecstatically happy. Second, ask yourself the C.O.R.E Questions:

• What Challenges do you face at this time?
• What are your present Opportunities?
• What resources do you have and need to attain your objectives?
• Taking all this into account, how will you Execute A Plan to achieve them?

Now get to work. If you want to see a quick video of people doing things you can’t, CLICK HERE. Then remind yourself that at one time they couldn’t do the things they are doing. First they had to decide to attempt the impossible. Then they had to do it. Now it’s up to you to continue to create the masterpiece that is YOU!

Work Hard & Have Fun!™

Two of the most important words in sales and advisory practice are:

What’s Next?

These two words can be applied to a number of professional practice areas, including new client(s) acquisition, service items, client reviews, marketing, and basic daily responsibilities, duties, and activities. This morning I was talking to nationally known marketing guru David Newman, from Bryn Mawr, PA. David works with hundreds (maybe thousands) of professional service providers, including speakers and others who want to use speaking as a tool to help grow their business. He said something that was short and NOT so sweet:

No SOU™ Leads To IOU’s.

We all know that IOU is an acronym for “I Owe You.” However, I had to ask him what “SOU” stands for, and he told me it is an acronym for:

Sense Of Urgency

All of need to have an acute “Sense Of Urgency.” Every day we need to to approach each day with a list of activities prioritized by the impact of the completion (or lack thereof) of those activities in light of our dreams, goals, and objectives. Often these lists are long, and sometimes we do the things right at the expense of doing the right things. Mark LeBlanc, another marketing genius says to take that list, and break it into a series of high value activities. Select three activities from the list, do them, and select the NEXT three most important high value activities and do them next! Repeat as needed!

This simple strategy for planning your day will provide the SOU™ that prevents piling up IOU’s!

Work Hard & Have Fun!™