A choice can require additional data or more time. Members of the team need further deliberation to make an informed call. The customer has to check budget allocations. You're unsure it’s aligned with the overall strategy.
Waiting can be justified but excuses can also be the reason we wait. Some decisions require time, others aren't made because we're in the way.
We look for leadership to be decisive and crisp. It’s about helping people get better, keeping everyone on track, and getting stuff done. But it isn't always smooth in real life. How often have you finally pulled the pin and the relief quickly replaces your fear?
Some inspiration as we deliberate:
The only person you really have control over is yourself.
Deborah Reber
It is in your moments of decision that your destiny is shaped.
Tony Robbins
When you make the right decision, it doesn't really matter what anyone else thinks.
Caroline Kennedy
Peacefulness follows any decision, even the wrong one.
Rita Mae Brown
Almost any decision is better than no decision at all.
Brian Tracy
Once you make a decision, the universe conspires to make it happen.
Ralph Waldo Emerson
Once we make the decision, we can stop deciding.
__________________________________________________________________
Showing posts with label budget. Show all posts
Showing posts with label budget. Show all posts
June 24, 2019
September 12, 2018
Deciding to Decide
A choice can require additional data or more time. Members of the team need further deliberation to make an informed call. The customer has to check budget allocations. You're unsure it’s aligned with the overall strategy.
Waiting can be justified but excuses can also be the reason we wait. Some decisions require time, others aren't made because we're in the way.
We look for leadership to be decisive and crisp. It’s about helping people get better, keeping everyone on track, and getting stuff done. But it isn't always smooth in real life. How often have you finally pulled the pin and the relief quickly replaces your fear?
Some inspiration as we deliberate;
The only person you really have control over is yourself.
Deborah Reber
It is in your moments of decision that your destiny is shaped.
Tony Robbins
When you make the right decision, it doesn't really matter what anyone else thinks.
Caroline Kennedy
Peacefulness follows any decision, even the wrong one.
Rita Mae Brown
Almost any decision is better than no decision at all.
Brian Tracy
Once you make a decision, the universe conspires to make it happen.
Ralph Waldo Emerson
Once we make the decision, we can stop deciding.
__________________________________________________________________
Waiting can be justified but excuses can also be the reason we wait. Some decisions require time, others aren't made because we're in the way.
We look for leadership to be decisive and crisp. It’s about helping people get better, keeping everyone on track, and getting stuff done. But it isn't always smooth in real life. How often have you finally pulled the pin and the relief quickly replaces your fear?
Some inspiration as we deliberate;
The only person you really have control over is yourself.
Deborah Reber
It is in your moments of decision that your destiny is shaped.
Tony Robbins
When you make the right decision, it doesn't really matter what anyone else thinks.
Caroline Kennedy
Peacefulness follows any decision, even the wrong one.
Rita Mae Brown
Almost any decision is better than no decision at all.
Brian Tracy
Once you make a decision, the universe conspires to make it happen.
Ralph Waldo Emerson
Once we make the decision, we can stop deciding.
__________________________________________________________________
February 21, 2017
Investing Unwisely
You don’t have to go too far before you hear some mutation of the phrase “we can't do that here”. At first, it almost seems believable but with some thought it's more of an auto-response. No new ideas is often next in line.
It reminds me of what a colleague once said to me. He often boasted that "employees are overhead, customers are profit". Yes, dinosaurs do walk among us.
But before you feel compelled to say “we can’t do that”, one suggestion is to put the company on the hoist to expose waste before you make cuts on essential items such as the people who work there. Companies often bemoan decreasing results but think they can cut themselves into the black.
Or worse, do nothing.
__________________________________________________________________
It reminds me of what a colleague once said to me. He often boasted that "employees are overhead, customers are profit". Yes, dinosaurs do walk among us.
But before you feel compelled to say “we can’t do that”, one suggestion is to put the company on the hoist to expose waste before you make cuts on essential items such as the people who work there. Companies often bemoan decreasing results but think they can cut themselves into the black.
Or worse, do nothing.
__________________________________________________________________
May 6, 2016
Decisions
A choice can require additional data or more time. Members of the team need further deliberation to make an informed call. The customer has to check budget allocations. You're unsure it’s aligned with the overall strategy.
Waiting can be justified but excuses can also be the reason we wait. Some decisions require time, others aren't made because we're in the way.
We look for leadership to be decisive and crisp. It’s about helping people get better, keeping everyone on track, and getting stuff done. But it isn't always smooth in real life. How often have you finally pulled the pin and the relief quickly replaces your fear?
Some inspiration as we deliberate
The only person you really have control over is yourself.
Deborah Reber
It is in your moments of decision that your destiny is shaped.
Tony Robbins
When you make the right decision, it doesn't really matter what anyone else thinks.
Caroline Kennedy
Peacefulness follows any decision, even the wrong one.
Rita Mae Brown
Almost any decision is better than no decision at all.
Brian Tracy
Once you make a decision, the universe conspires to make it happen.
Ralph Waldo Emerson
Listen to your gut, make the decision, then stop deciding.
__________________________________________________________________
Waiting can be justified but excuses can also be the reason we wait. Some decisions require time, others aren't made because we're in the way.
We look for leadership to be decisive and crisp. It’s about helping people get better, keeping everyone on track, and getting stuff done. But it isn't always smooth in real life. How often have you finally pulled the pin and the relief quickly replaces your fear?
Some inspiration as we deliberate
The only person you really have control over is yourself.
Deborah Reber
It is in your moments of decision that your destiny is shaped.
Tony Robbins
When you make the right decision, it doesn't really matter what anyone else thinks.
Caroline Kennedy
Peacefulness follows any decision, even the wrong one.
Rita Mae Brown
Almost any decision is better than no decision at all.
Brian Tracy
Once you make a decision, the universe conspires to make it happen.
Ralph Waldo Emerson
Listen to your gut, make the decision, then stop deciding.
__________________________________________________________________
July 19, 2013
Making Decisions
A choice can require additional data or more time. Members of the team need further deliberation to make an informed call. The customer has to check budget allocations. You're unsure it’s aligned with the overall strategy. Waiting can be justified but excuses can also be the reason we wait. Some decisions require time, others aren't made because we're in the way.
Lead or Follow?
We look for leadership to be decisive and crisp. It’s about helping people get better, keeping everyone on track, and getting stuff done. But it isn't always smooth in real life.
Some say the most successful people make quick decisions, refine, and move forward in the time it takes most people to move at all.
Here’s some inspiration as we deliberate
The only person you really have control over is yourself.
Deborah Reber
The only impossible journey is the one you never begin.
Tony Robbins
When you make the right decision, it doesn't really matter what anyone else thinks.
Caroline Kennedy
If you choose not to decide, you still have made a choice.
Peart, Lee, Lifeson
The best thing you can do is the right thing, the next best thing is the wrong thing,
and the worst thing you can do is nothing.
Theodore Roosevelt
Peacefulness follows any decision, even the wrong one.
Rita Mae Brown
Almost any decision is better than no decision at all.
Brian Tracy
Once you make a decision, the universe conspires to make it happen.
Ralph Waldo Emerson
Let's decide!
__________________________________________________________________
Kneale Mann | Leadership and Culture strategist, writer, speaker, executive coach engaging leaders, collaborative teams, and strong business results.
venturebeat
October 5, 2012
Let's Decide Later
A choice can require additional data or more time. Members of the team need further deliberation to make an informed call. The customer has to check budget allocations. You're unsure it’s aligned with the overall strategy. Waiting can be justified but excuses can also be the reason we wait. Some decisions require time, others aren't made because we're in the way.
We look for leadership to be decisive and crisp. It’s about helping people get better, keeping everyone on track, and getting stuff done. But it isn't always smooth in real life. How often have you finally pull the pin on something to discover it wasn't a big deal after all or you feel a sense of relief you made a choice?
Here’s some inspiration as we deliberate
The only person you really have control over is yourself.
Deborah Reber
It is in your moments of decision that your destiny is shaped.
Tony Robbins
When you make the right decision, it doesn't really matter what anyone else thinks.
Caroline Kennedy
If you choose not to decide, you still have made a choice.
Peart, Lee, Lifeson
In any moment of decision, the best thing you can do is the right thing,
the next best thing is the wrong thing, and the worst thing you can do is nothing.
Theodore Roosevelt
Peacefulness follows any decision, even the wrong one.
Rita Mae Brown
Decisiveness is a characteristic of high-performing men and women.
Almost any decision is better than no decision at all.
Brian Tracy
Once you make a decision, the universe conspires to make it happen.
Ralph Waldo Emerson
Let's make some decisions!
Kneale Mann
suziecheel
May 10, 2011
Business Strategy | We Can't Do That
Conform (verb / kənˈfôrm)
Comply with rules, standards, or laws. Behave according to socially acceptable conventions or standards. Be similar in form or type. Agree.
You don’t have to go too far before you hear some mutation of the phrase “we can't do that here”. At first, it almost seems believable but with some thought it's more of an auto-response. It becomes part of the fabric of the organization. No new ideas is often next in line.
One phrase I hear almost daily is; “we don’t need marketing, we need sales" and it reminds me of what a colleague once said to me. He often boasted that "employees are overhead, customers are profit". Yes, dinosaurs walk among us.
Underspend To Success
Sales training is not a simple process and it's not free. The process to master the art of sales usually takes a few years and a lot of expense. If short-cuts are made, a company can be decimated. There are few quicker steps to failure than an inexperienced sales team on the street with a product or service that isn't ready for customers who have never heard of it.
So before you feel compelled to say “we can’t do that”, one suggestion is to put the company on the hoist to expose waste before you make cuts on essential items such as people and letting customers know you exist. Companies often bemoan decreasing results but think they can cut themselves into the black. Or worse, do nothing.
What are your thoughts?
Kneale Mann
Comply with rules, standards, or laws. Behave according to socially acceptable conventions or standards. Be similar in form or type. Agree.
One phrase I hear almost daily is; “we don’t need marketing, we need sales" and it reminds me of what a colleague once said to me. He often boasted that "employees are overhead, customers are profit". Yes, dinosaurs walk among us.
Underspend To Success
Sales training is not a simple process and it's not free. The process to master the art of sales usually takes a few years and a lot of expense. If short-cuts are made, a company can be decimated. There are few quicker steps to failure than an inexperienced sales team on the street with a product or service that isn't ready for customers who have never heard of it.
So before you feel compelled to say “we can’t do that”, one suggestion is to put the company on the hoist to expose waste before you make cuts on essential items such as people and letting customers know you exist. Companies often bemoan decreasing results but think they can cut themselves into the black. Or worse, do nothing.
What are your thoughts?
Kneale Mann
April 27, 2011
Business with Cans and a String
It Starts with an Idea
There is endless chatter about gizmos and gadgets, channels and websites, mobile and digital. Many are consumed with the self-publishing world and the ability to lead our own tribe and be linchpins. Seth Godin has always been ahead of his time in his ability to cut through the layers of clutter to see the essence of life, business and marketing. Technology may accelerate our ideas but it does not create them.
In 1439, Johannes Gutenberg introduced the printing press. He did not invent writers. In 2006, three guys named Biz, Evan and Jack introduced a new microblogging website based on text messaging called Twitter.
They did not invent text messaging.
Thinkin' About Thinkin' About It
Right now, you have an idea for something that has been rolling around in your head for a while. It may be money, time, confidence or the endorsement of others that may be constraining you but for some reason you have not acted on this idea.
Make a list of the roadblocks. Make it as long as you need. Then look at each of the issues separately and add the word “how”. So for instance, if one of yours is ‘time’ then turn it around to say: “How can I find more time to develop this?” Open your mind to possibilities and look at your vast network. There will be someone who can help you.
Budget Zero
In 2004, I had just overseen my first of two new radio station launches. I was working on the extensive multi-platform cross media marketing plan when my cell rang. It was my General Manager who informed me that head office was cutting our budget. I inquired by how much and he said – all of it. The budget went from several hundred thousand dollars to zero. Zero!
I didn't own the radio station and it wasn't my money so there wasn’t much I could do but take a breath and think about how we were going to accomplish this necessary task.
Now What
The next morning, I gathered my team and we hashed out ideas. Sure it was tough at first, there was some anger but I kept reminding them of three things – it is what it is, we’re a smart bunch and we will find a solution. Out of that meeting came five ideas that we rolled out over the next twelve months. Each of which required some help from our kind sponsors and buy-in from the entire staff. It made us stronger.
We were no longer resting on corporate money or fancy artwork. We were relying on each other. And a conversation I've had to recall quite a bit lately was with one of my announcers. He said: "We will make this happen if they take away our transmitter and we have to broadcast with two cans and a string".
We all have to clear those excuses. What's stopping you?
Kneale Mann
image credits: stcule | wikipedia
In 1439, Johannes Gutenberg introduced the printing press. He did not invent writers. In 2006, three guys named Biz, Evan and Jack introduced a new microblogging website based on text messaging called Twitter.
They did not invent text messaging.
Thinkin' About Thinkin' About It
Right now, you have an idea for something that has been rolling around in your head for a while. It may be money, time, confidence or the endorsement of others that may be constraining you but for some reason you have not acted on this idea.
Make a list of the roadblocks. Make it as long as you need. Then look at each of the issues separately and add the word “how”. So for instance, if one of yours is ‘time’ then turn it around to say: “How can I find more time to develop this?” Open your mind to possibilities and look at your vast network. There will be someone who can help you.
Budget Zero
In 2004, I had just overseen my first of two new radio station launches. I was working on the extensive multi-platform cross media marketing plan when my cell rang. It was my General Manager who informed me that head office was cutting our budget. I inquired by how much and he said – all of it. The budget went from several hundred thousand dollars to zero. Zero!I didn't own the radio station and it wasn't my money so there wasn’t much I could do but take a breath and think about how we were going to accomplish this necessary task.
Now What
The next morning, I gathered my team and we hashed out ideas. Sure it was tough at first, there was some anger but I kept reminding them of three things – it is what it is, we’re a smart bunch and we will find a solution. Out of that meeting came five ideas that we rolled out over the next twelve months. Each of which required some help from our kind sponsors and buy-in from the entire staff. It made us stronger.
We were no longer resting on corporate money or fancy artwork. We were relying on each other. And a conversation I've had to recall quite a bit lately was with one of my announcers. He said: "We will make this happen if they take away our transmitter and we have to broadcast with two cans and a string".
We all have to clear those excuses. What's stopping you?
Kneale Mann
image credits: stcule | wikipedia
November 26, 2010
Do You Have a Jenny?
Service vs. Servitude
Jenny’s town has a population of about 2500. It’s half an hour from the city. She helps support her family with her job at the full service hardware store chain.
The company sends out direct mail pieces about four times each year and I saw something that caught my eye. I often caution clients on the effectiveness of direct mail.
I'm not against it per se but when a new client is already using direct mail or an existing client is thinking about it, I think it’s imperative that I outline realistic results.
The thin line between a great deal and junk mail
A successful direct mail campaign may bring you 5-10% return. It remains a hugely popular (and potentially expensive) medium but we have to remember realistic results.
As with many companies, this direct mail piece was part of an overall cross media campaign that included television, radio and online components. I had not seen or heard any of those before seeing their 20 page flyer featuring dozens of sale items.
Part of the gig
I skim through all direct mail that comes to my house because there are potential prospects and possible ideas for clients. But I rarely buy anything because direct mail is a passive medium. It attempts to create need where there isn’t any there, or as in my case, there is a serendipity between the recipient and an item featured in the piece.
I was interested to see if they had the item I was looking for on sale. And perhaps for the first time in recent memory, they did. I had an hour window in my schedule the next day so I dropped by the store between meetings. I found the item I wanted and with flyer in one hand and the item in the other I took it to the cash.
Then I met Jenny
She looked at me and as if we had known each other our entire lives said “Sorry dude, that sale starts tomorrow.” I had clearly not read the fine print so I turned around to return the item to the shelf. Jenny stopped me and said “Hang on, come back here.” Both quips may sound flippant but it was all in the way she carried herself and her friendly tone that made it alright.
As I walked up to the cash I then noticed the banner at the bottom that read - 'Sale this Friday only'. I handed it to Jenny. She said “hang on, that’s wrong, the sale is on this weekend and all next week.” She then asked to take my copy and replaced it with hers as she wanted to tell her manager about the error. She could have simply told me the sale wasn’t on yet and went on with her day. No, Jenny took ownership and pride in her store and her customer.
One more try
I returned the next day to a packed store. Customers were holding onto the flyer as they weaved through the crowd to find their deals. I walked up and found the item again and walked up to the cash. As luck would have it, I got Jenny again.
I thanked her for her help the day before and she said “Do you know how many people I meet on daily basis?” then she paused and said “Oh you’re the guy who brought in the wrong flyer! I told my manager and he called head office.”
You can't fake this stuff
During my two minutes at the cash, three employees asked Jenny for the location of an item and she helped an elderly woman put her purchase in her cart. This was just as much Jenny’s store as anyone else’s and she navigated it with poise and passion. She genuinely liked working there and she got herself another return customer.
Take a long hard look at your marketing budget and decipher what activities help grow your business. Then take another look around to see if Jenny has your back. Your people are your biggest marketing asset ...or deficit.
Will your company will pass the test?
knealemann | email
Join me for Movember.
image credits: corbis | getty
Jenny’s town has a population of about 2500. It’s half an hour from the city. She helps support her family with her job at the full service hardware store chain. The company sends out direct mail pieces about four times each year and I saw something that caught my eye. I often caution clients on the effectiveness of direct mail.
I'm not against it per se but when a new client is already using direct mail or an existing client is thinking about it, I think it’s imperative that I outline realistic results.
The thin line between a great deal and junk mail
A successful direct mail campaign may bring you 5-10% return. It remains a hugely popular (and potentially expensive) medium but we have to remember realistic results.
As with many companies, this direct mail piece was part of an overall cross media campaign that included television, radio and online components. I had not seen or heard any of those before seeing their 20 page flyer featuring dozens of sale items.
Part of the gig
I skim through all direct mail that comes to my house because there are potential prospects and possible ideas for clients. But I rarely buy anything because direct mail is a passive medium. It attempts to create need where there isn’t any there, or as in my case, there is a serendipity between the recipient and an item featured in the piece.
I was interested to see if they had the item I was looking for on sale. And perhaps for the first time in recent memory, they did. I had an hour window in my schedule the next day so I dropped by the store between meetings. I found the item I wanted and with flyer in one hand and the item in the other I took it to the cash.
Then I met JennyShe looked at me and as if we had known each other our entire lives said “Sorry dude, that sale starts tomorrow.” I had clearly not read the fine print so I turned around to return the item to the shelf. Jenny stopped me and said “Hang on, come back here.” Both quips may sound flippant but it was all in the way she carried herself and her friendly tone that made it alright.
As I walked up to the cash I then noticed the banner at the bottom that read - 'Sale this Friday only'. I handed it to Jenny. She said “hang on, that’s wrong, the sale is on this weekend and all next week.” She then asked to take my copy and replaced it with hers as she wanted to tell her manager about the error. She could have simply told me the sale wasn’t on yet and went on with her day. No, Jenny took ownership and pride in her store and her customer.
One more try
I returned the next day to a packed store. Customers were holding onto the flyer as they weaved through the crowd to find their deals. I walked up and found the item again and walked up to the cash. As luck would have it, I got Jenny again.
I thanked her for her help the day before and she said “Do you know how many people I meet on daily basis?” then she paused and said “Oh you’re the guy who brought in the wrong flyer! I told my manager and he called head office.”
You can't fake this stuff
During my two minutes at the cash, three employees asked Jenny for the location of an item and she helped an elderly woman put her purchase in her cart. This was just as much Jenny’s store as anyone else’s and she navigated it with poise and passion. She genuinely liked working there and she got herself another return customer.
Take a long hard look at your marketing budget and decipher what activities help grow your business. Then take another look around to see if Jenny has your back. Your people are your biggest marketing asset ...or deficit.
Will your company will pass the test?
knealemann | email
Join me for Movember.
image credits: corbis | getty
September 16, 2010
One Simple Question
Without it, business grinds to a halt.
It's the one question we often fail to ask right away. Perhaps because it isn't always easy to ask. Guilty!
Those who do it consistently get more business.
People who do it every single time, weed out the real customers from the tire kickers.
Ask, ask and ask again.
You could offer the best service or product since the dawn of time and without this imperative question, you won't sell a thing.
If the prospect doesn't want to answer, they are fishing and we are the bait. If we don't ask, we have no one to else to blame.
If you are in business discussions, this would not be your first question but one you need to ask before the work begins - which includes giving away too much.
Let them know you are serious and you are willing to discuss this opportunity when they are as well. And free is not serious.
If you want to meet potential customers first, ensure you ask the question before you book the second meeting.
What is that question?
knealemann
Let's create experiences not campaigns.
image credit: channel4
It's the one question we often fail to ask right away. Perhaps because it isn't always easy to ask. Guilty!Those who do it consistently get more business.
People who do it every single time, weed out the real customers from the tire kickers.
Ask, ask and ask again.
You could offer the best service or product since the dawn of time and without this imperative question, you won't sell a thing.
If the prospect doesn't want to answer, they are fishing and we are the bait. If we don't ask, we have no one to else to blame.
If you are in business discussions, this would not be your first question but one you need to ask before the work begins - which includes giving away too much.
Let them know you are serious and you are willing to discuss this opportunity when they are as well. And free is not serious.
If you want to meet potential customers first, ensure you ask the question before you book the second meeting.
What is that question?
knealemann
Let's create experiences not campaigns.
image credit: channel4
August 12, 2010
Stop Calling It Marketing
A couple of days ago I posed the question – who needs marketing? If you own a business, you have a lot of expenses involved and you can’t always afford to do it all.
Marketing often suffers because priorities are given to other expenses deemed more necessary.
How Will They Find You?
I received an email yesterday from an colleague who asked if I had any data on the success rate of a campaign that was executed exclusively online verses one that had a traditional media component as well.
Anytime you can access a wide range of options you stand a better chance of success. But if you point your camera at the wrong audience, the amount of time, effort and money you allocate to a initiative is mute.
No time. Tight Budget.
The first line of defense is often "we don't have much money". It's usually followed closely with, "I'm too busy". So everyone is broke and has no time. Cool, now what?
Billions are wasted every year on misguided crap on the wrong medium. Advertising is only a portion of marketing. I was watching TV last night and every single spot was terrible. Well, maybe that one spot was okay, nah, it sucked too.
Focus on The Idea, Not The Dollar.
The explosion of social media and the fact that only a small fraction of companies have yet to embrace its true potential make it a perfect time to get in.
Dive in the deep end and have a look around. Experiment, have fun, ask a lot of questions and shelve your preconceived notions. Make the time.
Just for a moment, stop looking at your budget and time constraints. Think long and hard on how you interact with people in and out of your organization. Ask what they want, not what you think.
And let's stop calling it marketing and call it life.
Think it'll work?
knealemann
strategy. marketing. media.
image credit: tripcart
