In some businesses, like tech startups selling a digital product, or companies with a low Cost of Goods Sold, it may make sense to offer a periodic discount like a "Buy One, Get One Free" or a "25% off on Saturday" type coupon. Discounting allows people who are current customers to get a little something extra, and potential new customers to visit, sign up, or … [Read more...]
What You Dont Know Can Hurt You
Many times when working with organizations on strategies to increase gender diversity in the leadership ranks the leaders will say " lets just get all the women together and ask them what they want". While this is noble and certainly talking with the women in the organization to understand how they experience the culture is critical it is not "the answer" . One of the most … [Read more...]
The Ugly Truth
In the business world, and more so in politics, ugly is the only word I can use to describe the nasty things people so badly want you to hear about their opponent. I call it the “ugly truth” because it is no more related to facts than the monsters under the bed. It does not seem to matter anymore whether these nasty things are based on fact. With the advent of social … [Read more...]
Using the L Word in Business
I use it every day. The more I find myself engaged in relationships that cross both personal and professional boundaries, the less I try to resist. I can also say that the advent of social networking has made building true friendships easier at work where once a line was drawn. And dropping a "love ya," or a "sending you love" comment seems to soften those lines even more. … [Read more...]
You can’t do it alone
Last Thursday, I jumped in the car and took a road trip to Atlanta with three of my favorite, and most inspirational, female entrepreneurs to attend a seminar on mindset. While the seminar was amazing, it was the three-hour car ride that still resonates with me. We each took turns talking about "stuff" we are facing. It helps so much to have a strong support system, … [Read more...]
Running your business with soul
I recently met a life coach that I had admired for many years. She wanted to talk about ways we might be able to work together. I was honored and excited about the possibilities. She is one of those people I could just listen to for hours. So wise, authentic and passionate. She said one thing that has really stuck with me and is making me rethink how I run my … [Read more...]
The Business Case for Building Flexible Work Cultures- Series Part II
In the Part I of this series we talked about the opportunity to support our need for flexible work cultures with a solid business case. We outlined the fact that the majority of our employees require flexibility at some point in their careers. Research increasingly points to flexibility as one of the most important career considerations of staff, emerging leaders and even our … [Read more...]
Four questions about core values and your business
Value is defined as something intrinsically valuable or desirable (human rather than material). The word can also be used to rate usefulness, importance or general worth. Values in business often relate to the business strategy of a large company and usually describe its commitment to shareholders, customers and employees. For example, Zappos lists their core values on … [Read more...]
The Business Case for Building a Flexible Work Culture- Series Part I
Why do organizations offer flexibility? Business - Business- Business. Successful accomplishment of business strategy is the primary reason for building a flexible work culture. The majority of our employees require flexibility at some point in their careers. Research increasingly points to flexibility as one of the most important career considerations of staff, emerging … [Read more...]
Can You Be Too Independent?
I have received comments over the years from family and friends who say to me that I’m independent to a fault. Is there such a thing as being too independent? After a 20 year career in corporate America, I left about six years ago to start my coaching business and I’ve never looked back. Sure, there have been challenges; plenty of challenges. I would be dishonest if I … [Read more...]