Saturday, February 28, 2009

The Pilfering of America By Large Corporations and Politicians

I don't know about you but I am fed up with the mismanagement and financial irresponsibility by our government and the large corporations in our country. The recent incident with Northern Trust and the serious error in judgment they made by sending a bunch of employees to a PGA Golf Tournament and springing for lavish rooms and high-end entertainment is unacceptable. All this after receiving $1.5 billion in federal bailout money in Oct. 08. Kudos to the politicians that called them on this!

Since then, Morgan Stanley and Wachovia have removed their affiliations with similar events. I wonder if they would have done this without Northern Trust being caught with their hand in the cookie jar? I seriously doubt it!

Here's a trivia question for you:

Besides our government, what has a whole bunch of intelligent people with huge egos, low or no moral or ethical standards, and a serious void in leadership?

Answer: Corporate America

So with that said, what can we do about it. My recommendation is for each of us to evaluate where we are spending our money and choose with intention to longer line the pockets of these thugs. They are nothing more than common criminals in high dollar suits. Spend your hard earned money with the "mom & pop" businesses in your community. Our country was built on these businesses and the owners really appreciate your business and won't take you for granted, or at least most of them won't. The ones that will are the exception and they are either former corporate big wigs or politicians or in training for one of those roles.

Let's take our country back from the thieves and idiots that are running it!!!

In all fairness, I must state that there are some great large corporations out there that are doing it right and unfortunately, they are becoming fewer by the day.

Just believe...

Wednesday, February 25, 2009

Use Your Shield... Executive Leadership Coaching Program

I recently attended an awesome seminar held by my coach James Malinchak. He was talking about how you must be strong and not let the limitations of others and their negative comments impact your belief. He used the analogy of Superman and Wonder Woman and how they are able to deflect bullets that are fired at them.

When he was talking about this, I began thinking of how we use a shield in S.W.A.T. to give that added element of protection when entering potentially hostile environments. Picture a S.W.A.T. shield, they have a small window for the operator to look through.

Then it hit me.... YES! A S.W.A.T. shield and a team behind us is exactly what we all need! The shield can protect us from all of the negativity people want to sling our way and it's got the small window so that we can maintain the focus on our target. The team is made up of our coaches, mentors, and peers that support us, give us the added support that we all benefit from.

Do you have a coach? A mentor? A team that supports you?

Halstead, Inc. has just launched a high-end exclusive Platinum Coaching Program that will do just that for its members. Give us a call, we'd love to have you on the team!

Just believe...

Tuesday, February 24, 2009

Small Business Success / Entrepreneurial Success

Are you a small business owner? Do you know someone who is? Have you ever heard of a business? Seriously, owning a business of your own is often called "The American Dream" and many people chase this dream every year. The unfortunate reality of this is that if they do manage to make it through their first year, many find what they thought would be a dream, turns out to be a nightmare. They end up working more than they did in the job they left and don't have the lifestyle they wanted.

The good news is... This can be done better with the proper planning, training, and development. Business owners must make the shift from an employee mindset to an owner mindset. They must be visionaries and provide direction for the organization. Many business owners are so caught up working "in" their business and have no time to work "on" their business. Successful entrepreneurs know that it's working "on" your business that will create the success you desire.

Halstead, Inc. has an exclusive platinum coaching program for entrepreneurs that gives you these keys to success. We help entrepreneurs develop a strategic plan for their business, and improve in the areas of leadership, sales, customer loyalty, time management, and business process improvement.

The lifestyle and success that you desire is possible with the right plan. Are you ready to get started?

Saturday, February 14, 2009

Be Nice! Seriously, It's a No Brainer... Be Nice!

Customer service and the declining quality or even existence of it is a hot topic today. Here's the deal... Customer service is the price of admission. With so many choices available to the consumer, you have to deliver an acceptable level to even be a contender in your market.

The new bar or target that will set you apart and create a competitive advantage for you is customer loyalty. What's the difference you ask? Simply put, customer service measures attitude and customer loyalty is all about behavior. Good customer service is expected. When a customer gives you money in exchange for a product or service, they expect it to work and fulfill whatever need or want they had. So when that happens it's nothing special.

What does seem to be "special" or a rare and elusive creature is the person who serves you with a smile and actually acts like he/she is enjoying being of "service" to you. Seriously, I am sick and damn tired of people who act like I am bothering them when I go to buy something from the organization that they work for. Is it really that hard to smile and say thank you? Be nice people... Seriously, it's a no brainer... Be nice.

So, to review... Step one - BE NICE! The next step, the strategy of customer loyalty is to create a connection with the customer. How do you do that? Talk with them, engage them in conversation, make them feel appreciated for buying from you, act like you care about them as people. Developing loyal customers is about making an emotional connection with them. When you do that the next time they are in a position to need the goods or services that you provide, the likelihood that they will buy from you is drastically increased.

Simple really... BE NICE!

Just believe...

Saturday, February 7, 2009

S.W.A.T. and Business

As a professional speaker, I share many of the experiences that I had in law enforcement and what I've learned about leadership to help others become better leaders and achieve more.

I recently had someone ask me what S.W.A.T. and business have in common and how the lessons and principles of running a S.W.A.T. Team can help in business. The best way I can answer that is to describe what I feel are some of the essential characteristics of a great S.W.A.T. Team.

Here they are (in no particular order):

Skilled, talented, and proficient team members
Competent leadership
Effective communication
Trust
Clearly defined goals and objectives
Training and development
Flexibility
Clearly communicated expectations
Accountability
Collaboration
Belief in the team and in the process
Great attitude
Winning mindset
Focus
Discipline
Right people in the right positions
Focused on strengths vs. weaknesses

Any of these sound like they are necessary in business? ABSOFREAKINLUTELY!!!!!

Find out more about my presentations at http://www.bryanthalstead.com

Just believe...