Mission: Possible

Posted on August 17, 2012 by David

Just because you can’t see the finish line doesn’t mean you don’t start the race.

Mission: Impossible was a popular TV show that ran from 1966-1973. It featured an elite covert operations team assigned seemingly impossible tasks that were carried out with the utmost in secrecy. Any agents who were discovered must deny their involvement even if faced with death.

Now you’ve been given a great task. How do you go about fulfilling said task? What do you keep in your bag of tricks so you can accomplish what has been handed to you?

If the task seems daunting, don’t let it discourage you. You can still have a set of goals and work each step until you reach the end.

Will it happen overnight? Probably not. Remember that the Grand Canyon wasn’t formed in a day.

Posted in Bottom Line, Extra Mile, Hard Work | 9 Comments

The customer is always . . .

Posted on August 16, 2012 by David

Teaching your people how to react can go a long way in developing customers for life.

. . . the customer.

They are not always right. The company isn’t always right. There’s a balance.

You have a hot-headed customer come into your operation. Sometimes they just need to be heard. Other times, they have a legitimate complaint that needs your immediate and full response.

Could it be that their expectations are higher than their experience?

Do your customers know what your policy is regarding complaints? Returns? Refunds? Clear communication with your customer is key to building repeat and referral business.

Posted in Disney Institute, Expectations, Good Service, People Management, Uncategorized | 5 Comments

You’ve at least got to start

Posted on August 13, 2012 by David

It’s gotta start somewhere.

Thanks to a life long friend for the reminder that in order to achieve success, you’ve got to start the journey.

How can I (insert anything here)? You take the first step. What does the first step look like?

It can be going back to school to further your education in a new subject area.

It can be heading over to your local community bank to apply for a small business loan.

It can be writing a blog.

The important thing is to start.

“A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.” Lao Tzu, Chinese philosopher (604 bc – 531 bc)

Posted in First Step, Success | 4 Comments

The one key to success

Posted on August 12, 2012 by David

Walt died before this castle was built. But his team didn’t quit.

Do you know the one thing that is THE key to success?

Some would say it’s don’t fail.

I say it’s don’t quit.

If you don’t quit, you have close to a 100% chance you’ll experience failure along the way. And that’s okay.

But if you quit, you’ll have a 100% chance you’ll never succeed.

And that’s not okay.

Posted in Success | 3 Comments

Come early, stay late

Posted on August 11, 2012 by David

Looking in the past or the future?

Dedication. Willingness. Determination.

While I am a proponent of the work-life balance (thank you Jeff for the reminders), there are times when there may not be a good substitute for working long hours.

Deadlines, projects and extraordinary circumstances may call for you to perform above and beyond what is expected.

Wait . . . shouldn’t we always perform above and beyond? Too many people only do what is expected and nothing more.

But you’re better than that. You’re smarter and you understand that your hard work will add value to your job, your company and you.

Posted in Career, Dedication, Determined, Hard Work, Loyalty, Maturity, Noticeable | 7 Comments