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Are you stuck trying to grow a high-performance team for your business so you can focus on your business owner responsibilities? Welcome to the show that helps small business owners hire, grow, and develop a radically-engaged team that will run the business for you, reducing your stress, boosting your profits, and letting you fully enjoy being the business owner. You’ll discover techniques to attract and hire top talent, ways to transform your team into a powerhouse of engagement, and shift from being the hands-on operator to a strategic leader focused on new growth opportunities. With over 18 years of experience, host Rich Allen has guided countless business owners in building strong, profitable teams that drive success and fulfillment. To learn how to take your team from Average to Exceptional, listen to fan-favorite episode # 229. You need to master these 7 Keys to achieve the transformation you’ve been seeking. A podcast that helps business owners master business management, hiring employees, and employee management by refining their hiring process, enhancing leadership skills, and developing high-performance teams, all while addressing employee needs, business growth, organization, strategy, and the stress that comes with building a successful business.
Episodes
Thursday Jan 31, 2019
Thursday Jan 31, 2019
5 Keys to Working Your Genius
I want to share a great lesson I got from one of my mentors, Taki Moore. He hit me in the nose with two realities that I think you may relate to you as well. He told me, #1 – You are Wearing Too Many Hats, and #2 – You Spend Time Doing Stuff You SUCK At! Ouch, that hurts!
But then he shared with me some wisdom that I thought you could use as well…
Here’s Your Net Worth Tip of the Day
The Secret to “Scaling up” is to Give Yourself a One-Hat Job!
Here are 5 Keys to “Working Your Genius” – that is doing what you are BEST at, and having a small team (your pit crew) to do the rest:
1 – Find Your Freakness – What are your natural strengths and weaknesses?
2 – Eliminate Your Weakness – Surround yourself with those whose strengths are your weakness.
3 – Play to Your Strengths – Stop comparing yourself to others and focus on your unique giftedness.
4 – Change the World – Use your pit crew to design your unique systems and processes.
5 – Build a Theatre – Let your pit crew build the engine room and you focus your time and effort to be “On Stage”.
I love his quote: “The world needs you to do BIG things, and you can’t do BIG things if you’re busy doing lesser mortal crap!”
Was this message meant just for me, or could it possibly be meant for you too?
It’s time to stop working on “lesser mortal crap” and start doing BIG things!
To get more tips on how to improve your leadership skills, your team engagement and your business results, go to my website, www.tourdeprofit.com and you’ll find lots of free stuff there. Now, go get ‘em this week. And remember, whatever you do, RIDE HARD!
Wednesday Jan 30, 2019
Wednesday Jan 30, 2019
Set the Bar High
My wife is excellent at relationships. She seems to be the go-to person when someone is in a difficult relationship or needs someone to help them process their feelings. I often hear her say “don’t settle” to our young adult kids and I’m sure those she talks with hear it time and time again. I think her advice is solid.
So why is it that when we get into business and we have folks on our team, we are so willing to “settle” for average performance? With the difficulty in hiring these days I’ve heard business owners suggest that they’d rather have someone who was average than have no one! But that’s a big mistake!
Here’s Your Net Worth Tip of the Day
Millennials want Business Owners to hold people to HIGHER Standards!
I recently read an article that outlined the main reasons millennials don’t stay in most business. And one of the big 3 reasons was that today’s business owners have LOW standards and often willingly accept average performance – and they don’t like it!
Here’s their specific quote: “It’s downright debilitating to a high achiever. I’m working my heart out and every time I look up Donna-Do-Nothing is contemplating how long is too long to take for lunch. I start wondering why leadership tolerates this. Is that the standard here? No thanks. Fact: Poor performers have a chilling effect on everyone.”
Stop tolerating average! Stop settling. It’s time to set your bar HIGH – for the sake of your business and to demonstrate to the millennial crowd that you’re not OK to just be average.
If you step up, those on your team who want to be there will applaud you!
To get more tips on how to improve your leadership skills, your team engagement and your business results, go to my website, www.tourdeprofit.com and you’ll find lots of free stuff there. Now, go get ‘em this week. And remember, whatever you do, RIDE HARD!
Tuesday Jan 29, 2019
Tuesday Jan 29, 2019
The Challenger Sale
Whether we want to admit it or not, we are ALL in sales! Some are very comfortable with the idea of being in sales while others wish they NEVER had to “sell”. But since it is a critical part of each of our roles, then why not be GREAT at it, rather than just try to get by with whatever skills we have (or don’t have).
I’m a big fan of always learning when it comes to the game of selling. And recently I re-read one of my favorite books on the art of selling – The Challenger Sale, by Matthew Dixon. In his book, he outlines the 5 categories of B2B sales reps: The Hard Worker, The Problem Solver, The Relationship Builder, The Lone Wolf and The Challenger.
Here’s Your Net Worth Tip of the Day
Greater than 50% of all Star Performers use The Challenger style of selling!
Clearly, if you want to be on top of the game in selling a complex product or service, you need to become familiar with The Challenger approach to selling. Challengers become competent in 3 major activities: Corporate Teaching, Tailoring and Taking Control.
Other research findings show that only 7% of top performers use the Relationship Building approach!
First and foremost, READ THE BOOK! This is a must-read if you are selling a complex B2B product or service.
Secondly, become familiar with the core elements of Corporate Teaching, Tailoring and Taking Control.
Thirdly, don’t be satisfied with your current level of competency. ALWAYS be learning and challenging your own knowledge, skills and abilities!
To get more tips on how to improve your leadership skills, your team engagement and your business results, go to my website, www.tourdeprofit.com and you’ll find lots of free stuff there. Now, go get ‘em this week. And remember, whatever you do, RIDE HARD!
Monday Jan 28, 2019
Monday Jan 28, 2019
Priority Determines Capacity
What would you do if you knew just how much time you had left in your life? Would you change the things you focus on if you knew there was a specific and defined amount of time you had left to get done what you felt was important?
It is a reality that none of us know how much time we have left being able to do what we’re doing today. We don’t know what tomorrow will bring. So why do we PROCRASTINATE on the things that matter most and spend our time on activities that really don’t make a lasting difference?
Here’s Your Net Worth Tip of the Day
Determine the BIG ROCKS in your life and put them in your schedule FIRST!
Each of us has different priorities, different goals and different agendas. The question is are you making them a PRIORITY and would that be evident by looking at your CALENDAR?
Your calendar needs to reflect what matters most to you. The things that are your biggest priorities should be SCHEDULED IN on a regular basis, not just something you will get to if you have time left. The small rocks, the pebbles and the sand will fill up your jar of time and you will not have room for the BIG ROCKS unless you make them a PRIORITY!
Dedicate the time to identify your TOP 4 or 5 Priorities – Your BIG ROCKS. Then take your daily and weekly calendar and BLOCK TIME on your calendar for each of them. Do this BEFORE you put in the ongoing administrative things like email, voicemail, social media, etc.
Ask yourself each day – Did I spend time on my PRIORITIES? If so, your CAPACITY to accomplish more will grow!
To get more tips on how to improve your leadership skills, your team engagement and your business results, go to my website, www.tourdeprofit.com and you’ll find lots of free stuff there. Now, go get ‘em this week. And remember, whatever you do, RIDE HARD!
Friday Jan 25, 2019
Friday Jan 25, 2019
The Art of Digging Deep
What do you think about when I mention the word “selling”? Do you immediately envision a used car salesman, or a pushy phone caller? Or do you think of someone professionally helping you solve your most difficult problem?
How you think about selling and your beliefs about sales have a big impact on whether or not you will be good at the art of selling.
And one thing is certain – you can’t be very helpful in solving someone’s biggest problem is you haven’t asked enough questions to know what their REAL problem is!
Here’s Your Net Worth Tip of the Day
To be great at “selling” you need to master the art of “Digging Deep”.
Most sales people are too quick to dive into their sales pitch without ever really understanding the problem or issue their prospect needs to solve. And how can you know what their problem or issue is without ASKING QUESTIONS?
If you want to see “digging deep” in action, watch the newly released movie “MINE”. It’s a story about a US soldier stuck with one foot on a land mine for over 50 hours. But during his ordeal, a local Bedouin approaches him and in one scene asks him the same question 5 or 6 times – “WHY…”
The next time you have an initial meeting with a prospective customer, act like the Bedouin in the movie MINE – ask the same question at least 4 or 5 times – “WHY…”
Don’t move on to your “pitch” until your prospect has uncovered at least 4 or 5 layers of reasons “why”. At that point, you may know their REAL issue or problem – only then you will be in a position to help them with your product or service.
If you don’t have 4 or 5 “why” questions ready to ask, you’re not ready to master the art of selling!
To get more tips on how to improve your leadership skills, your team engagement and your business results, go to my website, www.tourdeprofit.com and you’ll find lots of free stuff there. Now, go get ‘em this week. And remember, whatever you do, RIDE HARD!
Thursday Jan 24, 2019
Thursday Jan 24, 2019
The Most Powerful Question
Often times we find ourselves in situations where we just don’t know what we should do. It may appear that there are a few options we could take – some perhaps easier than others. But the right choice is difficult to see from where we stand.
I have found that there is one question that we can ask that will clear away any confusion or fog. I consider it to be the most powerful question that we could ever ask. Here it is: What would my successor or replacement do?
This is the question, that when answered honestly, will give you the greatest clarity on your next step, your next action, your next focus. And the best part is that a version of this question works in most every part of your business or your life!
Here’s Your Net Worth Tip of the Day
If you’re a Business Owner and your business is struggling, just ask yourself : If I were to sell my business, what would the NEW BUYER do to turn the business around?
If you’re an employee but just not making the kind of career progress you’d like, ask yourself: If I were to quit or be fired, what would MY REPLACEMENT do to be successful?
If you’re in a relationship that isn’t going well, ask yourself: If I were to leave, what would HER NEXT LOVE do to make the relationship great?
Take some time to think about what you are most frustrated with – in your business, in your career or in your life, and then ask yourself this ONE POWERFUL question.
If you have an advisor, partner or personal friend, ask the question of them! They will often see clearly what you cannot see at all!
To get more tips on how to improve your leadership skills, your team engagement and your business results, go to my website, www.tourdeprofit.com and you’ll find lots of free stuff there. Now, go get ‘em this week. And remember, whatever you do, RIDE HARD!
Wednesday Jan 23, 2019
Wednesday Jan 23, 2019
Knowledge vs. Wisdom
Let me ask you: What is the difference between Knowledge and Wisdom? Aren’t they pretty much the same thing? Actually, no – they are VERY different! Here’s the equation I use: Knowledge + Experience = Wisdom
If you need help in any part of your life, wouldn’t you rather get it from someone with Wisdom, not someone who simply has Knowledge? For your bad back, for your tooth ache, for your marriage or for your SEO, your hiring needs, or your tax returns?
We ALL want to work with someone with WISDOM, not someone who just has Knowledge! So, how do we BECOME someone who has WISDOM, not just Knowledge?
Here’s Your Net Worth Tip of the Day
TAKE ACTION! The only way you can gain Wisdom is through practice, experimentation and hands-on learning. It’s why most people with Wisdom are “Older and Wiser”! But age alone does not gain you Wisdom. Many “experienced” people don’t have Wisdom because they don’t Practice, Experiment and Learn.
TAKE ACTION! Begin putting some of your Knowledge into Action. Stop just “knowing” stuff and start “doing” stuff! Stop just “talking” about how much you know and start “experimenting” with what you know. Stop “gathering facts” and start “demonstrating” your expertise.
My challenge to you is to become a person with WISDOM, not just a person of KNOWLEDGE. Others will respect you and seek you out when you do!
To get more tips on how to improve your leadership skills, your team engagement and your business results, go to my website, www.tourdeprofit.com and you’ll find lots of free stuff there. Now, go get ‘em this week. And remember, whatever you do, RIDE HARD!
Tuesday Jan 22, 2019
Tuesday Jan 22, 2019
Slow Down to Speed Up!
Think about the last time you encountered a roadblock, setback, problem, issue or frustration. It might have been with a customer or with a team member or perhaps even some technology. If you’re like most people I know, you probably jumped right on the issue, wrestled it to the ground and found a solution or fix. It’s a normal reaction for high-performing individuals who consider themselves to be go-getters!
But it’s not always the best approach if you want to produce game-changing results. A “quick fix” might stop the bleeding, but it rarely provides the long-term, best-fit solution.
Here’s Your Net Worth Tip of the Day
Build the discipline to SLOW DOWN in order to SPEED UP! By that I mean take longer to get started so that you can go faster in execution. Rather than diving head-first into solving a big challenge without a plan, it is important to take time to do 3 things:
#1 – Think about your Desired Outcome,
#2 – Decide how to Best Approach the situation, and
#3 – Seek Advice from someone with experience or knowledge that would help.
The next time you run into a difficult situation – in your business or in a significant relationship, or with your children, I want you to apply the “Slow Down to Speed Up” approach.
Don’t react or respond right away. Step away from the keyboard. Put down the phone. Don’t open your mouth. Take time to apply the 3-step process by asking yourself: What is my Desired Outcome? What is the BEST Approach in this situation? Who can I talk to who would have dealt with a similar situation before?
Do this and your business, your life and your relationships will be enriched!
To get more tips on how to improve your leadership skills, your team engagement and your business results, go to my website, www.tourdeprofit.com and you’ll find lots of free stuff there. Now, go get ‘em this week. And remember, whatever you do, RIDE HARD!
Monday Jan 21, 2019
Monday Jan 21, 2019
The Bottleneck is ALWAYS at the Top!
Have you ever seen a bottle where the bottleneck is anywhere but the top? Probably not! That’s because the most restricted part of any bottle is the bottleneck. And the SAME is true in business! The limit on any business is ALWAYS at the TOP of the business – you, the business owner!
So if you want your business to grow bigger, you’ve got to first grow yourself. If you want your business to be better, you’ve got to be better yourself.
Here’s Your Net Worth Tip of the Day
I’ve got a Success Self-Assessment that measures where you are on 16 characteristics that define GREATNESS as a business leader. It covers areas such as self-confidence, positivity, buoyancy, inspiring others, thirst for knowledge, demanding high standards, setting aggressive goals, developing your team, leading by example, accountability, out-hustling the average, having a clear dream and making a difference in the world.
My question for you is – if you were to rate yourself on a scale of 1-10 in each of these areas, would you be a 10 (the best there is) or closer to a 1 (you suck at this)?
If you’re serious about taking your business to the next level, then you need to be passionate about taking YOURSELF to the next level FIRST! You’ve got to be ON-FIRE when it comes to the attributes that are behind the ultimate success formula:
BE x DO = HAVE
You’ve got to BE the kind of person people are inspired by. You’ve got to DO the things that successful leaders do. And you’ve got to HAVE a clear idea of your future and the significance you want to make in this world.
Without being at your best in each of these areas, you’ll never achieve the success you desire and deserve!
To get more tips on how to improve your leadership skills, your team engagement and your business results, go to my website, www.tourdeprofit.com and you’ll find lots of free stuff there. Now, go get ‘em this week. And remember, whatever you do, RIDE HARD!
Monday Jan 14, 2019
Monday Jan 14, 2019
Geometry for Business
I recently heard a church sermon on “The Good Life” that made me think. And the more I thought about it, the more I realized that the same principles apply to being successful in business. It was all about geometry – specifically 3 shapes that were important to “master” if you want to be successful and enjoy “The Good Life”.
The 3 shapes are quite simple – a point, a line and a circle. And the application of these 3 geometric shapes in your life and your business may just be the key to success you’ve been searching for!
Here’s Your Net Worth Tip of the Day
The point represents you as a business owner taking time to be alone, to think, to study, to dream and to plan. You MUST dedicate time on a regular basis for these important activities if you intend to be successful.
The line represents the time you spend listening to and learning from experts in your field. This could be at conferences, in seminars, or in workshops where you change your surroundings and learn from those who share wisdom and learnings. You MUST make this a regular part of your ongoing personal development.
The circle represents your being a part of a small group of peers who are willing and able to support you, to challenge you and to hold you accountable. In business this is often called a Mastermind Group. It may be uncomfortable to be open and honest with others, but it is critical for each of us to be in a tight-knit circle.
Are you TRULY taking time to be alone to think and plan (point)? Do you find time to get out of your every day environment to learn from others (line)? And are you invested in a small group where you’re sharing your inner-most feelings and challenges (circle)? Take some time this week to reflect on the geometry of your business.
To get more tips on how to improve your leadership skills, your team engagement and your business results, go to my website, www.tourdeprofit.com and you’ll find lots of free stuff there. Now, go get ‘em this week. And remember, whatever you do, RIDE HARD!