Building Your Business… is Just Like Building a House

By Karina Samperi

How many of you would attempt to build a house without laying the foundations first? Yet how many actually follow this principle when building a business?
Let’s compare the two concepts. To build a house there is a system that people (i.e. builders) use. This ensures that the structure, when completed, will be a house that stands upright and is designed to last hundreds of years. The system goes something like this:
1. Draw up a plan
2. Map out the measurements and dig holes into the ground
3. Lay foundations using steel, concrete and wood
4. Construct walls that connect to the foundations and tighten with screws, nails, nuts and bolts
5. Build the roof (using steel, iron, timber) that connects to the walls, that connect to the foundations. Tighten the roof to the walls with screws, nails, nuts and bolts to ensure the roof doesn’t collapse, leak or fly away.
If the foundations of the house are not strong, the walls will start to crack and move, then the roof may start leaking and collapse. We hear plenty of stories about new houses that are unliveable - either you strengthen the foundations for the home to remain standing, or knock it down and start again.
The same principle applies to building a business. However, some business owners build the walls and the roof, and forget about the foundations – they then wonder why everything is about to collapse!
To build a business, you need to build solid foundations that give your business the structure from which to grow. That sounds all very well you say, but what are the foundations you need to grow your business?

Make it Independent
You can’t build a business if it depends on you. A house doesn’t depend on you to hold the walls up - the structure holds it up. There was a process used to build the house, and therefore it is Process Dependent. If your business depends on you to hold the walls up for the business to survive, then it is People Dependent. If a business is people dependent, it doesn’t have the structure in place for which to grow, slowly cracks and leaks will start to appear, and eventually it will collapse.
Business development and proper planning are crucial. A business needs to be developed so that it works as an independent, integrated system with a purpose, a process and people.
To build a Process Dependent business versus a People Dependent business you need to:

1. Draw up a plan with a clear picture of what you expect from the business
If you don’t know what it looks like, how will you know when you get there? Identify your vision and purpose, and develop both short and long terms goals. How many staff will you need? What staff training is required? What technology do you require? Will your business need to relocate? How much will it cost? Do you have enough capital? 

2. Design and document business systems and operating procedures that anyone can follow 
Realise the importance of operating procedures and processes within all facets of business. Everyone knows how time consuming it is if each time you write a letter, you need to start from scratch - it is just like re-inventing the wheel. Ensure that you plan for growth from the start; build systems that do more than cope by documenting what your systems are, in a written form. If it is not written down, it doesn’t exist. Design, develop and implement systems and procedures that can be replicated many times over, by anybody. This enables you to free up resources and make operations run more smoothly, and ultimately enhances the professional image of your business.

3. Measure your results frequently!
You must be able to monitor, on a regular basis, how your business is performing. With the technology available today, there is no excuse for not having an efficient way of being able to analyse your business performance, and receive reports that outline the financial position. This is also a way to measure the progress towards reaching your goals, so that necessary changes can be made in order to keep you on the right track.

4. Ensure you and your staff have clarity about what they do, and why they do it.
By having Job Descriptions, and a company Policy and Procedures Manual, staff are able to clearly understand the business operations and the reasons behind each policy. The existence of these documents enables consistent delivery of your products and services to customers.

5. Identify areas in which you need help, and seek outside assistance. 
If you don’t have the internal skills, identify and contract experts to do the job – they can do it faster and more cost effectively than you doing it from scratch. We like to think we can do everything, but the reality is quite different. An expert can help you uncover what is not immediately obvious, motivate you to focus on the key issues and more importantly, provide support and understanding in this change process. 

Remember, just like our houses, we all want our businesses to stand the test of time. The development of foundation systems is the key to creating a business that thrives. 
For those of you who have started building, but feel that you need to re-lay those foundations, or for those of you who are looking at starting afresh, now is the time to think about getting those foundations right! 

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Cara Kreatif Cari Lowongan Kerja

Sulitnya mencari pekerjaan menuntut anda untuk lebih kreatif dalam mencari informasi lowongan kerja. Jika anda ingin cepat mendapatkan pekerjaan, ternyata jangan hanya membaca lowongan kerja yang diiklankan. Lalu bagaimana caranya mencari lowongan kerja yang tidak diiklankan? Gampang kok, baca dong informasi berikut ini :

Rajin-rajinlah membaca berita bisnis di surat kabar lokal atau bisa juga kalau anda sekalian membaca surat kabar khusus bisnis. Dengan demikian anda akan memperoleh informasi suatu perusahaan yang ingin melakukan ekpansi atau mengembangkan bisnisnya. Pengembangan bisnis atau ekspansi biasanya membuka peluang bagi karyawan baru. Kemudian anda bisa mencari tahu alamat lengkap perusahaan itu dengan menanyakan pada surat kabar yang bersangkutan. Dan jangan tunggu lama-lama lagi segera kirim deh lamaran ke perusahaan tersebut.

Tanyakan kepada siapa saja yang anda kenal, terutama teman-teman anda yang sudah bekerja. Tanyakan tentang kemungkinan lowongan pekerjaan di tempat mereka bekerja. Umumnya mereka sudah mengetahui informasi lowongan pekerjaan di kantornya sebelum informasi itu diiklankan. Tetapi jangan terpaku bertanya kepada mereka yang bestatus staff saja. Kadang satpam dan cleaning service juga sudah tahu 'bocoran' ini lebih dulu.

Buka buku atau direktori yang memuat daftar perusahaan. Kemudian carilah perusahaan yang kira-kira bergerak di bidang yang sesuai dengan keahlian anda. Lalu telponlah perusahaan tersebut dan tanyakan kemungkinan adanya lowongan pekerjaan. Atau bisa juga kalau anda 'sok pede' dengan menanyakan, "Saya dengar di perusahaan ini sedang membutuhkan karyawan baru ya..?"

Bacalah jurnal perdagangan dan industri. Dengan cara ini anda akan lebih mengethui aktivitas dan tujuan suatu perusahaan yang berpengaruh pada masalah tenaga kerja. Memang cara ini membutuhkan banyak waktu dan usaha tapi informasi yang anda peroleh cukup bermanfaat bagi anda yang sedang hunting lowongan kerja

Pasang telinga dan mata anda lebar-lebar atas segala yang berbau informasi 'lowongan kerja'. Misalnya dengan memperhatikan dan mengamati perusahaan mana saja yang akan mempesiunkan karyawannya. Biasanya dengan adanya event pensiun berarti juga membuka peluang bagi pendatang baru untuk menggantikan karyawan yang sudah waktunya pensiun

Nah, kalau anda sudah mencoba cara-cara diatas paling tidak ada satu atau dua informasi lowongan kerja yang anda dapatkan. Tetapi kalau belum, harap sabar. Yang penting sudah berusaha

Sumber : Harian Ekonomi NERACA

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Maximise your motivation

Maximise your motivation

 

What’s stopping you from reaching your goals?
Have you ever wanted to accomplish something, only to find that your motivation just wasn’t there? If so, you’re not alone. All of us encounter times when we seem to be driving with our brakes on and our willpower needs some energising. Do any of these sound familiar?

“I want to work on my cashbook / business plan/ marketing plan / vision for my business for the year ahead, but I’m just not motivated to do it.”

“I enjoy having my own business and being my own boss, but when I think about all the work involved, I feel overwhelmed and confused.”

“I really need to work late or in the weekend to meet deadlines, but lately I’m not motivated to because I want to spend more time with my family and friends.”

“I was thrilled to be promoted, but I’m not sure I’m the right person for the job. Maybe I should resign.”

These are the laments of women in business who have admirable goals and who truly want to succeed. Yet, somewhere along the way, their motivation has given out.

Motivation is more than wanting or desiring a goal. Motivation is the extra push that transforms desire into the will to act. The problem is that motivation blocks get in the way of accomplishment. Motivation blocks come from four sources;

- forgetting to keep the big picture in mind

- lack of know-how

- conflicting priorities

- low self-esteem and limiting beliefs

Each motivation block carries its own emotions. Let’s examine these motivation blocks, their associated emotions and some methods for breaking through each one.

Forgetting to keep the big picture in mind

Sometimes we get so mired in the details of a project that we forget why we initiated the project in the first place. The common feeling here is ‘stuck’ – not ready to quit, yet not ready to go forward. In this instance, we need to step back from the work – take a break and think about what is really important.

When you feel daunted by the details, take some time to visualise the big picture. Think about why you started your business initially and the rewards you derive from being your own boss. If you are a manager, remind yourself and others about your organisation’s purpose and vision.

Lack of know how

Often, when we take on a new task or project, we lack the necessary skills and knowledge to accomplish it. We clearly have the outcome in mind, but we don’t know the steps involved in getting from Start to Finish. The accompanying emotions are usually inadequacy and confusion or the sense that we are beaten before we’ve even begun. What to do? This is the time to get training and guidance from someone who has been there or who has the skills and knowledge. Admit you don’t know what to do or how to do it, and decide to learn.

Form a team to accomplish a project. Choose team members who possess the skills you lack. Teach others what you know, and learn from them, too Emphasise teamwork and cooperation and turn an onerous job into fun. Surround yourself with enthusiastic, motivated people and you’ll feel motivated too.

Don’t get overwhelmed. Get over the idea that you have to have all the answers. Find someone who knows the ropes and ask questions. Most people are only to happy to help out with advice or point you in the right direction. Build and maintain an informal board of advisors. You need people whom you can turn to in different areas to help you in solving problems and difficulties. Get good advice as often as you can. Don’t quit too soon. Be persistent in what you are doing.

Remember that learning entails making some mistakes and possibly perceiving yourself as awkward or inept in the beginning. Give yourself time to achieve competence in new skills. Once you have know-how your motivation will be super-charged!

Conflicting priorities

In our quest for self-improvement and achievement, we take on so many roles and responsibilities. Besides being business people, we are also daughters, mothers, neighbours, friends and citizens. To be healthy, well-rounded individuals, we must fulfil not only our professional needs, but also our needs for personal development, spiritual growth and health. When conflicts occur in our activities and responsibilities, motivation goes downhill. You may feel pressure and frustration, maybe even resentment or guilt. Those emotions signal the need to take stock of priorities and do some careful planning and decision making.

In First Things First, co-author Stephen Covey addresses the problem of too many responsibilities and too little time and energy to fulfil them. Covey advises that you first take some quiet time to identify your life purpose (ie your mission statement) and clarify what you really want to accomplish with your time on earth. Then make a list of the roles you’ve undertaken. Examples could be Parent, Business Owner, and Spouse. Add to the list your areas of responsibility for personal well-being (Covey calls this Sharpening the Saw); Physical, Spiritual, Social and Mental. Then develop a mission statement describing how you want to fulfil each category and why you want to do it.

The ‘why’ will reveal your values – and values are inherently motivating.

Once a week, take some quiet time to plan the basic, next-step activities that will contribute to the fulfilment of each role or responsibility.

Schedule these activities into smaller tasks that you can accomplish incrementally. Eliminate or delegate activities and responsibilities that do not support your priorities. The process is about finding balance.

Let go of mental limitations such as the idea that you must solve other people’s problems for them, or that you can be all things to all people. Learn that you do not have to be perfect. You do not necessarily have to meet the expectations of others, unless it is to your advantage to do so. Don’t be afraid to say no or to put some low-priority projects on hold. Make your availability clear to others by telling them what you will do and what you will not do. Enlist the support and understanding of your friends and family, and reciprocate by championing their missions, values and priorities as well. Motivation is a natural byproduct of the peace that comes from honouring your integrity.

Low self-esteem and limiting beliefs

We significantly diminish our motivation when we think we are somehow unworthy or ‘not good enough’. We miss out on success when limiting beliefs get in the way and cause us to view ourselves negatively. Examples of beliefs are;

- I really don’t have what it takes

- I’m not smart enough (not attractive enough, not experienced enough, etc)

- No one will ever want to buy my product  or service (or work for me, or like me, etc)

- I failed before, so I will probably fail again.

- I’m too shy (or too old, or too young, or too short etc)

- I mustn’t speak up (or call attention to myself, or impose on others to help me, or show confusion, etc)

- I have to be prefect, so I must avoid situations with the risks of mistakes or failure

Limiting beliefs are usually the products of past failure, loss, frustration or emotional trauma. Many of them may be the result of humiliating, embarrassing or guilt-producing events in childhood. These events become injunctions from the past, dictating to us that we cannot have what we want and deserve.

Some limiting beliefs operate outside of conscious awareness. We don’t even know that a small internal voice expresses these beliefs. We simply feel a nagging fear or dread, or a sense of emptiness, instead of the limiting belief. Even when we realise, intellectually, that the belief is illogical, at the gut level, we may still operate as though it is true.

Here are some ways to smash through those limiting beliefs and boost your self-esteem;

Write your limiting belief in a sentence and then write a counter statement that expresses what you’d rather think about yourself. Make the counter statement into a positive affirmation. Put the positive affirmation on a note card and carry it with you or hang it on your bathroom mirror. Memorise the positive affirmation and say it several times a day, until it seems familiar and true.

Make a list of your positive qualities and strengths. Review the list every day. Visualise yourself engaging in activities that attest to these assets. This picture is the image of your ideal self. Focus on this mental image often, especially when you feel fearful.

Accept as a fact of life that you have inherent worth and value as a human being. Resolve to live your ideals, eliminate bad habits one by one, and expand your capabilities and leanings.

Take care of yourself because you are worth the effort.Get proper rest, nutrition and exercise. Take care of your health. Cultivate supportive, loving relationships. Assert yourself to get what you want and need from others. Occasionally, indulge and pamper yourself.

Refuse to mentally berate yourself.

Instead, make your self-talk kind, loving, tolerant and forgiving. Make up your mind to be your best friend.

Self-worth is learned and you can learn to accept and like yourself. Your motivation will increase when you truly believe that you are entitled to your goals and dreams, and that you do have what it takes to get them.

So… to sum upWhen your motivation ebbs, take a reading on your emotions. Your feelings may indicate the problem that blocks your motivation. Another way to find out is to say to yourself, “This is what I want. Now what is stopping me from getting it?” Pinpoint your motivation blocks. Then, keep the outcome in mind, be willing to learn, plan your work around your values and priorities, and believe in yourself. Follow these guidelines and maximise your motivation!

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How to Hypnotize Your Supervisor

Has a new employee ever passed you up for a promotion? How can it be, you ask yourself, that the new upstart was promoted when everyone else in the company tells you that you deserved the promotion? The new employee did not have your track record for success, did not have the necessary credentials, and wasn't even close to matching your company loyalty?

Frustrated with the lack of answers, you attempt to obtain answers from management, which only causes additional frustration because they cannot explain it logically. Perturbed and discouraged you resort back to your old patterns of long work hours and hard work, in the hopes that one day all your hard work will be noticed, while you watch the new employee move up the company ladder with ease.

What do these "fast-tracking" employees have that gets them promotions, allows them to negotiate obstacles with ease, and charms the boss into giving them whatever they want? Do these employees hypnotize their supervisors by waving a watch in front of his or her eyes? Well, in a way...yes! A few employees have learned the subtle communication methods that cause their supervisors to be suggestible and receptive to direction-without waving a watch in front of their eyes.

The subtle communication skills that fast-tracking employees create do not affect their supervisors on the conscious level as much as they affect their supervisors on the unconscious level. Need proof that fast-tracking employees can influence their supervisors on the unconscious level? If the opportunity arises, simply ask a supervisor who has just given an employee a promotion, a raise, or special role within the company their rationale for their decision. If the supervisor can give you three good reasons for his decision, he probably has not been influenced at the unconscious level. However, if he cannot give you bona fide reasons for his decision or gets mad at you for questioning his judgment-it is likely that the employee unconsciously influenced him.

Want to learn what these fast-tracking employees know about unconscious communication? Then check into Neuro Linguistic Programming (NLP), developed by John Grinder and Richard Bandler. They combined different theories of language and neurology to form methods that have the potential to influence people at the unconscious level. I have summarized a few of the many techniques that NLP has developed.

1.) Rapport: Building rapport with your supervisor is more than talking about the same movie you saw over the weekend. Rapport building includes matching all your supervisor's body posture, energy levels, humor, styles, and gestures. It can also include matching breathing, voice tone, and language patterns. At the advanced levels it also includes matching values, beliefs, and objectives. Matching is not mimicking your supervisor's behavior, matching involves adopting similar patterns into your own style so that they appear natural versus mimicked.

One of NLP's theories is that the mind and body are all part of the same system; therefore, if you match your supervisor's verbal and non-verbal communication patterns, you are matching his or her thinking patterns-the highest form of rapport that you can establish.

Rapport is extremely important in business because business decisions are rarely reached on the value of technical merit, instead business decisions are developed in terms of relationships that have rapport.

2.) Pace: After you have matched enough of your supervisor's verbal and nonverbal communication, it's time to engage in pacing. Pacing is the process in which the nature of the communication changes from listening, to agreeing, to leading. Make sure that you have established your rapport before you attempt to lead a conversation.

3.) Outcome: After you have established your rapport and paced your supervisor to the point that you are leading the conversation, it is time to sell your manager on your compelling outcome. I am using the word "outcome" and purposely avoiding words such as "idea," "request," or "suggestion." It is important that you sell the outcome of what you want before you request what you want.

If you want to sell someone a $40,000 luxury car, you don't sell him the car you sell him on the benefits he will gain by owning the car. This sales technique will also work for you with your supervisor. Talk about the compelling outcomes before you talk with the supervisor about what you are requesting. A compelling outcome must be presented with energy, enthusiasm, and passion. Also, a compelling outcome is a win/win outcome for you, the supervisor, and the company.

4.) Anchor: Anchoring involves placing a positive feeling into your supervisor's memory about you. We all have people in our workplaces that cause us to cringe each time we see them or come into contact with them in meetings. People who cause us to wince have created a negative emotion anchored in our unconscious memory. As a fast-tracking employee, you cannot afford to create a negative emotion in your supervisor's memory. Therefore, if you do not obtain what you want from your supervisor-make sure you leave the meeting with a positive emotion anchored into your supervisor's unconscious memory.

The above four methods should help you to hypnotize your supervisor without using a watch on a string.

Happy Working,

Gary Vikesland, MA LP CEAP
Employer-Employee.com

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