Keep Calm and Let Them Work

DOUBT PRODUCES LESS RESULTS...

Micromanagement is more of a sign of insecurity than the need to usurp control.  It's a sickness for anyone to feel the need to watch the minutia of what people are doing to complete their assigned task.  Qualified individuals or experts in their crafts do not require such tight supervision.  In fact, it is an insult.  Scratch that.  It is even an insult to someone who is learning on the job or in a junior position.  

However the pressure of looking over someone's shoulder or the demands of requesting a status every waking minute will eventually cause stellar performers to leave and good workers to resent the workplace and become complacent with doing the bare minimum. 

But here's how to delegate, keep calm, and let others give their best for your benefit:

1.  Once the work has been assigned, ask for a timely status on the progress.  Do not constantly send emails and request an update.  It is annoying and shows your lack of trust in either the competence or ability to meet communicated deadlines.  Agree to a time of the day (only if absolutely necessary) or week the update should be sent and send a friendly reminder only after it is not received.

2.  Build your employees up with others.  Talk about their strengths and expertise in specific areas to other managers and even their peers.  Let them know the confidence you have in them to produce great work in front of others at meetings - some of which they are attending.  This sends a subliminal message that they're on the hook because high standards have been set.

3.  Find other projects to keep yourself busy.  If you don't have enough work, emails to sift through, or calls to return, create a side project to show your worth that does not require delegating tasks to others.  This serves three purposes: a) provides a new focus area to keep your mind off the "workerbees", b) empowers you to prove value and increase self-esteem in the work world, and c) creates a safe distance for those who report to you to actually begin to like you and want to provide consistent status.

Cure the illness.  Just keep calm and let them work.

For more advice on managing in the ranks of entrepreneurship and corporate life, pick up my book Get A Clue - 10 Steps to an Executive IQ or watch the videos on my YouTube channel.

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Posted in: 10 Steps to an Executive IQ,corporate communication,corporate etiquette,Get A Clue,leadership,Leadership Skills,manager,program management,project management,Temeko Richardson

Not Everyone Will be Invited and That's Okay

INVITE-ONLY...

There are celebrity bashes, red carpet galas, Super Bowl parties, and special conferences and all have invitation lists which determine who gets in and who will be turned away before they get to the door.  The same should hold true for any meeting that an organizer has convened with a purpose.  There will be some people who will be invited and others who will not.  But it is not okay for someone who was invited to ask someone else to join without request to the organizer.  (Yes explain why that person should be invited and let the organizer decide the importance of that person's presence during the meeting.)

Experience has taught me that meetings are only effective if there are less than 7 people present.  Any more than that and the discussions go off-topic with increased likelihood of time-consuming recaps to get people up to speed. Eliminate the problem upfront by ensuring the right people are together at the right time to accomplish a goal.

And if what you need is an audience, pull yourself together.  Meetings should only be held to inform of a decision or action, coordinate a plan and assign tasks, or resolve an issue.  The more meetings you spare people from, the more they will like you and be a captive audience for you in the future. 

 If anyone's feelings are hurt because they were not invited, it's them not you.  After all, purpose goes a longer way than feeling important.

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Posted in: biting your tongue,corporate communication,corporate etiquette,Exec Get a Clue,Get A Clue,meeting invitations,meetings,Temeko Richardson

Email Distribution Gone Bad

EMAIL DISTRO...

There's always that one person who can't get enough of copying (cc'ing) the universe on what he/she feels is important.  The email is sent and anyone who knows the answer feels obligated to respond and cc the universe again.  But it never stops there because someone else on the email distribution list is asked a question or instructed to perform some task.  That person must respond or look lazy or incompetent. Just how do you end the cycle of an email distribution gone bad?

1)  Remove individuals from the email who will have little to no impact.  Erase people from the distribution list who can not take action, make a decision, or will not be affected by the looming action or decision.  This eliminates cluttered inboxes and decreases the likelihood of the email being overlooked or outright ignored because it is from the normal sender.  This also makes you look like the hero because you are perceived as valuing others' time.

2)  Invite relevant parties to a meeting to discuss the topic.  Alert everyone on the distribution list that there will be a formal discussion and an invite will be sent to a streamlined group of participants.

3)  Call the sender and ask politely for him to put an end to the email thread.  Yes, old fashion communication, pick up the phone and talk to the person who might be starting confusion with all the emails. 

And if all else fails, set a filter for the email topic and have it go to a folder called RIDICULOUS and read it at your leisure when you want a good laugh.

For more clues on how to deal with tough individuals in both corporate America and while owning a business, be sure to pick up a copy of my book, Get A Clue -10 Steps to an Executive IQ or check out the videos on my YouTube Channel.

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Posted in: communication,corporate communication,corporate etiquette,email distribution list,email etiquette,Get A Clue,Temeko Richardson

Best Read Friday - Why Big Data is Important?

THE WORLD OF DATA...

The Wednesday Video Series on this blog features a Part 1 and Part 2 series on Big Data and a high level view of its importance.  From understanding consumer spending patterns to healthcare symptom diagnosis and city overcrowding, Big Data has become a valuable asset to more than just the IT industry.

Here is another insightful article by Gordon Crovitz on how grand Big Data is shaping to be.

Be sure to check the posts and videos by Temeko Richardson for more detailed information about doing business, technology, leadership, entrepreneurship, and smart professionalism tips.
Blog:  blog.therlcgroup.com
YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/user/TemekoRichardson
Twitter: @temekoruns

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Posted in: analytical views,analytics,Big Data,business intelligence,data mining,Get A Clue,intelligence,technology,Temeko Richardson

Passive Income Opportunities While Working the Job

LET THE MONEY OVERFLOW...

There are all kinds of advertisements across the Internet about work-at-home opportunities that pay thousands of dollars monthly to homemakers, students, and retirees.  Some of these, of course, are scams because anything too good to be true is exactly that - too good to be true.  Doing the research to determine which ones are real takes some time to make sure you are not involved in some Ponzi scheme.  But where can you realistically put time and energy to create your own wealth of passive income with real tangible opportunities?

1)  Technology apps.  Mobile and tablet devices are the way to go and have surpassed the desktop computer on so many levels.  Netbooks started selling quickly for the lower-end market as laptops became too pricey for the purpose of only surfing the Internet.  This means that access to do business, make reservations, play games, watch sports, handle finances, catch up on favorite television shows, or book salon or gym services is open-sesame.  Priced anywhere from $1.99 to $9.99, there are apps that work on an iPad, iPod, iPhone, Chromebook, Galaxy, Surface and tons of other devices of which people are willing to pay.  Just think 10,000 purchases of $1.99 app is almost $20,000 in chump change.

2)  Real Estate.  Let's face it.  The real estate market has not bounced back and we can stop reading all these promising outlooks on how great the economy is doing with 1st time homebuyers, existing mortgages, and refinances.  Look for the deals that are on the market, in foreclosure, pending auction or bank sale, or owner-financed.  If the location is marketable and can sustain true rental income that pays the mortgage, taxes, and maintenance, this is passive income that should not require a lot of effort (barring repairs are done upfront and the weather is optimal for the housing area) and can be passed down to the next generation.

3)  High Return Businesses.  Find a business that has low start-up costs and high return on the investment. If it is a product-based business, determine what it costs to make (manufacturing), ship the product (shipping and handling), and how much customers are willing to pay for it (selling price).  Selling price - (manufacturing costs + shipping and handling costs) should generate a profit that will allow casual sales to generate the income you need to live comfortably if the main paycheck ceases to exist.  If it is a service-based business, determine the expenses (travel, expenses, products, rents, staff), labor (what is paid to the people providing the service including you), and the charge to the clients.  Client charge - (labor * service(s) provided + prorated expenses) determines how residual the income will be.

Passive income is not hard to make if there is just as much focus to get it as there is a perceived steady paycheck.   Make the move to have steady overflow and be the millionaire next door with multiple streams of income.  Why not!

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Posted in: and smallbusiness,Get A Clue,passive income,real passive income,residual income,work-life balance

Three Things Leaders Never Say

DON"T SAY IT...

There are leaders, managers, and supervisors and there is a difference between all three.  Leaders position and encourage others to do well.  Managers oversee administrative tasks and status of projects.  Supervisors normally micromanage and check every deadline and whereabouts of the employees.  Leaders are visionary and are not normally as detailed-oriented or overly anal as supervisors.  

But there can be success as a manager who thinks like a leader if 3 things are not said to the masses.

1)  It's always been this way.  But that does not make it right or even fair.  If people are complaining about an antiquated rule that was put in place because someone took advantage of prior managers, be empowered to change it.  Leaders listen and identify with people by putting themselves in their shoes.  A little shake-up to the status quo increases the trust of the leader.

2)  That's not what is really happening.  Managers who take the hands-off approach normally have no clue what is going on with their subordinates.  They believe they have "made it" because they have been assigned the bigger cubicle or office.  Perception is reality and if more than one person in the office is complaining about it, it is a problem that needs to be addressed.  Leaders don't take aggregated complaints lightly.  They handle them.

3)  It will work itself out.  Wrong again.  No it won't.  If the language barrier, work ethic, interpersonal, communication, finance, morale issue was not taken care of when it was small or affected less people, letting it continue will morph into bigger problems like missed deadlines, decreased customer satisfaction or support, jeopardized bottom line and employee turnover.  Leaders face the problem and come up with a plan to fix it.

Trusted leaders have dedicated teams because they accept when it is time to change and do what is necessary to make a positive impact for the group.  Leaders know exactly what to say.

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Posted in: 3 Things Leaders Never Say,employment,employment stress,Get A Clue,Leaders,leadership,Leadership Skills,management consulting,program management,Temeko Richardson

Best Read Friday - How To Walk Away from A Job

WALKING OUT CORRECTLY...

Has the work environment stopped being fun? Has the work stopped being interesting?  Do you no longer enjoy waking up and stepping foot in the office on any day? Have you lost all respect for co-workers and management? Do you have more enemies than allies? Are others less qualified than you getting more accolades or perks than you after you have worked hard to prove yourself?  Are you tired of consistently seeing others being hired at levels they don't deserve based on nepotism? Are you getting nothing out of the job other than a paycheck? If you answered yes to more than 3 of these questions, it might be time to leave.

The first step in leaving a job is recognizing that it is not working for you - professionally, emotionally, physically or financially.  It is time to come to realization that some actions need to be taken to move out of the misery or humdrum of boredom.

This article helps you come to that realization of understanding not only WHEN but HOW to walk away.

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Posted in: employment,employment stress,Get A Clue,leaving a job,permanent employees,resignation,resigning properly,Temeko Richardson

Best Read Friday - The Most Expensive Super Bowl Turns into A Bargain

FINANCIAL WATERFALL?...

There is big money in major events being scheduled in a top metropolitan city or its surrounding area.  Because of the demand, the prices can go up to 500% of the normal price especially for a sporting event that attracts thousands of tourists.  However, the Super Bowl that is labeled as the most expensive ever is now offering some unforeseen bargains.

Pricey hotels and restaurants in New York City and the cities surrounding MetLife stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey are dropping prices.  Fares published over a month ago are now slashed to as low as $100/night in New Jersey and back to the norm of $200-$250/night in New York City.  

Whether the reason be the cold weather or the lack of interest in being overcrowded in a perceived public transportation nightmare, bargains can be found even for tickets.  

Check out this article on why the Super Bowl economic expectations for the dual-state tourism might have run its course.

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Posted in: bottom line,financing,Get A Clue,revenue,Richard Sherman,Seattle Seahawks,Super Bowl,Temeko Richardson,tourism

Best Read Friday - What Not to Say

DON'T SAY IT...

There is either a sense of excitement or anger that fuels a quick response to questions without proper reflection.  It is in this moment where candor, arrogance, humor and sometimes disobedience can be interpreted in answers.  Of course, it is always best practice to be humble and say close to nothing at these times.  But if you're caught off guard, it's best to quickly remember these rules on WHAT NOT TO SAY found in this article.

For more professional tact and insight, be sure to check out Chapters 2 - 5 of the book, Get A Clue - 10 Steps to an Executive IQ.  

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Posted in: Business Etiquette,Exit Interviews,Get A Clue,Internet etiquette,interviews,Nine Things Never to Say To Your Boss,Richard Sherman,Temeko Richardson,what you should not say to your boss

Not In My Job Description

OPPORTUNITY AWAITS...

Once upon a time people were happy to be gainfully employed.   The gratefulness must have dissipated in anticipation of a flourishing economy or an up-and-coming arrogant workforce.  Too often, the complaint “it’s not in my job description” surfaces because people are asked to do more than what was originally expected.  But whose loss is it if more is not done?

Honestly it is the employee who loses more because more experience is not gained that could possibly set them up for a promotion, raise, or a new job outside of the current company.  It may open new opportunities for different job titles and responsibilities that can be more interesting or inspire to create a business or modify time commitments to obtain an enjoyable hobby.  Additionally new responsibilities normally require meeting new people who may be in more power to create even greater opportunities.

Only the mediocre remain with mundane tasks and are complacent with no change.  Know who you are and what you expect out of life.  But what is put in will result in what is returned.   A little effort goes a long way and can upgrade not just self-esteem but a lifestyle and livelihood.  In the words of Nike, JUST DO IT!

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Posted in: career change,career makeover,Employees,employment,Get A Clue,job description,Just Do it,New Career,New Job,Nike,permanent employees,Temeko Richardson,Why Not you?

The Exit Strategy that Allows Reentry

THE RIGHT WAY...

In an August (Knowing How Long is Too Long) blog post, I wrote about knowing the right time to exit a situation to move forward with a new opportunity or start your own business.  Assuming the time has come and you have been rewarded with the opportunity of a lifetime or at least, the immediate happiness, there is a way to leave and keep your reputation intact.  Of course, it keeps the doors open in case you ever want to return. Not that you ever would!

Create an exit work plan.  Develop a list of tasks that includes the name of a person to whom will hand off the completed work or documentation.  Neither divulge what is on the list nor the progress to anyone other than the one who is responsible for approving time worked or signing checks and the person who will be the lucky recipient of the work.

Heads down and positive attitude up.  This is the time to complete all of your work and not linger in conversations that can be misconstrued as being negative.  Just keep busy and do whatever it takes to complete your scheduled work plan and even add a couple of extra bonus items if you can.  Remain positive and reveal no dislikes.

Move out in silence. Excitement can take over and cause you to want to spill the beans about your new venture.  Hold it in!  There is no need to share this information with people you will be leaving.  There will be just as many people happy for you as there are jealous of you for being able to leave.  And truth be told, the latter act like the former.  Sounds bad? Think of it this way.  You don’t want to take the risk they know someone of power where you are going and you are wrongly prejudged before you arrive. Learn to nicely avoid questions.

Protect your reputation. There is a tendency for incompetent people in charge to blame those leaving for the problems. Document everything and carbon copy (cc:) the right individuals to demonstrate you were part of the solution and not the problem in any task that you were assigned.  Keep all of your emails (learn to archive the .pst files in Outlook and save them to a personal external hard drive) in case you have to use them for petty tactics like non-payment, termination clauses, contract rebuttals, and warranties.

Clean out before getting out.  It should never get this far but I do realize people “move in” to where they are working rather than treat it like a temporary stepping stone.  Remove any software installed on the company-issued laptop, clear out the browser history, cookies, and passwords from all the Internet browsers you typically use, copy all your work/documentation to a personal USB external drive (in case someone claims they never received it or saw it), remove any files downloaded from the Internet in the Download folders and in any “MY” subfolders (e.g. pictures, documents, videos, etc.), and empty the Recycle bin.  Remove all personal belongings from the office/desk/cubicle and neatly file all company documentation for the next person.

It’s hard to leave sometimes but you will be glad you did.  Where there is direction, there is protection.  And it works even better when you leave hard work and no hard feelings.  Congrats on saying goodbye to the old and hello to the new!

For more tips, be sure to follow:
Blog:  blog.therlcgroup.com
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/execgetaclue

Feel free to pick up a copy of the book, Get A Clue - 10 Steps to an Executive IQ

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Posted in: career change,career makeover,consulting,Exit Interviews,exit strategy,Get A Clue,management consulting,New Career,Temeko Richardson

A Business Spending Makeover

SLASH SPEND FOR PROFIT WIN...

Between the holiday seasons, the end of year closing and getting ready for next year’s new business, every business owner must take the time out for a financial makeover.  This should not be too intrusive but effective, nonetheless, in revamping the spending patterns to increase the bottom line that can be used to reinvest in the business.  Here are a few tips to reduce those expenses and maybe give bigger bonuses at the end of the year.

• Hire People from the Cloud.  There is no need to keep people on the payroll indefinitely if there is not constant work.  Cloudsourcing is better for hiring qualified remote professionals that are only needed for specific short-term assignments like graphic design, writing, and event planning/scheduling.  And there are plenty of alternatives to global outsourcing for the cheapest labor since plenty of quality resources are available on sites like ODesk and Freelancer.
• Move the technology to the cloud. Unless the work and productivity require installed software, look to cloud solutions that cost less and require no manual interventions and desktop support for employees.  The monthly or annual subscriptions may cost more in the long term but it frees up time and money over time.  For small businesses, hire an intern to review all the applications that exist for the mobile market and there might be one that has minimal to no cost.  For large corporations, hire a technology implementation consulting firm to identify what enterprise solutions can be streamlined to run leaner.
• Leverage Social Media for Marketing.  Television and radio spend can blow a marketing budget especially since a consumer requires hearing a message 7 – 10 times before purchasing a product or service.  Use Facebook, Twitter, Vine, Pinterest, StumbleUpon, and Instagram to stay relevant and promote new products.  Of course, there is the price to pay for sponsored Tweets and Facebook ads but that reaches more people in specific demographics and can be reposted enough times to generate sales that would pay for the promotional spots.
• Eliminate dead beats.  True, tis the season to be jolly and giving but not silly.  Complete a clear evaluation of anyone charging to overhead.  Are they holding their weight? Can their tasks be combined with another person’s?  Are they best suited in another role that can be charged back to a client?  And to make this less personal and more about business, a third-party can review and make unbiased decisions that you might have been afraid to make.
• Video/Tele-conference.  At the end of the year, the best way to curb expenses is reducing travel.  By this time of the year all the relationships should be sturdy enough to be absent in person for a couple of weeks a month.  Skype, join.me, WebEx, and even my least favorite (Lync) all have conference capabilities to allow any meeting to go on as scheduled with each participant sharing their desktops and mobile devices where necessary.

Makeovers are intended to enhance the beauty and there is nothing more beautiful than looking better financially when the spotlight is on the spending.  Use these tips quarterly to save big and possibly influence your outlook on changing your personal finances around for the better. 

For more business planning, be sure to follow this blog at blog.therlcgroup.com and pick up a copy of the book, Get A Clue - 10 Steps to an Executive IQ.

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Posted in: business continuity,business expert,business plan,business planning,business spending,eLance,Entrepreneurship,financing,Get A Clue,join.me,oDesk,skype,slashing spending,Temeko Richardson

Contracts in Corporate Settings Beat Roster Cuts

Here Now Gone In an Hour...

One thing we learned from Thursday to Sunday before the Labor Day weekend is that there are a lot of non-guarantees for a spot on the 53-player roster of NFL teams.  This is not really different from corporate contracts which have a clause for immediate dismissal or non-renewal of contingent workers - with one exception.

WARNING.

In corporate settings, professional managers know the employment space in the same industry and line of profession is small.  There are huge chances you may see the person you are letting go or who has let you go again.  Normally a two week to sometimes two months notice, if they really like you, is provided so you can plan both financially and professionally for the next move.

NFL players have it much worse if they are on guaranteed contracts like rookies and especially undrafted ones.  Even league veterans can sign and be released during the preseason and placed on the wire and hope to be cleared on waiver before another team either signs them on their active roster or 8-member practice squad.  Perfect examples of the latter are 9-year veteran Braylon Edwards and former rookie standout Denver Bronco QB Tim Tebow who were recently released from the New York Jets and the New England Patriots, respectively.   No notice - just goodbye.

In the world of average working Americans, this does not happen on a regular basis unless you are in a right-to-work state.  There are no temporary stop gaps like a practice squad that pays $6000/week for the season and post-season.  There are temp agencies but that may not even come close to what you were previously making in a contract or salary. 

Of course, work as hard as you did to get where you are now.  Make sure there are no regrets when you reflect over your assignments and ability to learn the plays. But in the corporate world, make sure your contracts are iron-clad with a clause for notice of termination or non-renewal.  This prevents being on a pendulum swing on what your future will be constantly over a set period of time -  a nervous defensive position for 700 NFL players on last Saturday evening unless they prepared for life after the limelight. 

For more posts like this, subscribe to the blog and follow on Twitter @temekoruns

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Posted in: Braylon Edwards,contract,contract work,employment,Get A Clue,New England patriots,New York Jets,NFL,NFL Practice Squad,NFL Roster cuts,roster cuts,subcontracting,Temeko Richardson,Tim Tebow

Career Makeovers Happen for Game Changers

PLAY THE GAME...

Too often students pursue majors in fields of interest that provide economic and networking benefits ultimately giving them the staying power in the industry to climb the corporate ladder.  Similarly employees continue in a role because of intangibles like promotions, salary, bonuses, and vacation. But how do you modify the mundane of employment to increase the respect and value to make a career change?  Become an office game changer.

1). Volunteer for unrelated assignments. The key to being noticed goes beyond the norm of excelling in the current role.  That is to be expected. Find tasks that have nothing to do with your job in another department, deliverables as part of a volunteer program or nonprofit organization. Showcase these newly acquired talents that can most likely be used for a desired career.
2). Find a mentor in the desired field.  Mentors are the quintessential components of success for anyone who wants grow professionally.  Mentors are supportive, loyal, and interested in their "mentees".  Choose a mentor who has a network of comrades with available resources that can offer opportunities for experience.
3). Use time wisely to be productive. Game changers maximize each moment by becoming efficient with time spent interacting with various people.  Determine who can help you, who you can help, and who will distract you. Balance time between the former two and all but eliminate any focus on the latter.
 
Being an employee or working in corporate America does not have to be a dead end.  If you work hard and research the opportunities available that can get you to your dream job, the path is yours to travel as long as you are willing to take the chance and put in the effort for the ultimate win - the career change.

For more business information, be sure to follow on Twitter (@temekoruns) or purchase the book, Get A Clue 10 Steps to an Executive IQ.

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Posted in: career change,career makeover,Employees,Get A Clue,New Career,New Employment,New Job,permanent employees,Temeko Richardson

Video Series - Running Business On a Diet

Measure the Fat in Business...

It's just as important to have a lean business as it is a lean body.  Trimming fat helps sustain longevity and keeps creativity flowing. 

This may mean a change to who is employed based on productivity and the mission of the company.  It can also mean finding alternative ways to achieve the same goals without overspending.

Check out this video for tips on how to start running a lean business.  http://youtu.be/FUy22crG78w

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Posted in: business expert,business planning,consulting,contract work,employment,Entrepreneurship,Get A Clue,productivity,program management,project management,Temeko Richardson

Dealing With Difficult Clients

THE HEADACHE OF DIFFICULT CLIENTS

Whether you are a lawyer, hair stylist, insurance broker, physician, dentist, independent consultant, or established entrepreneur owning a company with multiple employees, there is always that difficult client who either makes the blood pressure boil or influences the need for a breath of fresh air or a drink.  I am not talking about the client who rightfully expects a product or service they paid for or was unfairly treated or was charged an exorbitant fee. I am referring to clients who never are happy no matter what you do.  

So how do you deal with these individuals?
1). Do not feed into their misery. Stay positive and offer recommendations with valid reasoning to counter their complaints.
2). Be patient and allow them to vent. Sometimes, not all the time, they will lower their voice and stop talking. At that point, you can interject with the voice of reason of which they may listen.
3). Don't even try to out-talk or talk over them.  Chances are, they have mastered intimidating others by not allowing people to speak.  If you can't get the opportunity to speak, let them finish. They need an audience and a response for their ego.
4). Placate them by apologizing that you can't accommodate them. Use this after you have exhausted all the other methods. They will either give in and calm down or ask to leave the business relationship. This is your chance to close open-ended invoices and politely engage in conversation to vacate contractual obligations.

When its all said and done, still give quality products and service and never miss deadlines. Do not give difficult clients any ammunition because in most cases, they will be your BEST references.

For more tips like these and overall business strategy, be sure to pick up a copy of the book at Amazon.com (http://amzn.to/10Somc1).  Also follow on Twitter @temekoruns and check out informative videos on the YouTube channel - http://bit.ly/Vtzm2s

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Posted in: Exec Get a Clue,Get A Clue,Impressing People,productivity,program management,project management,small business expert,Temeko Richardson,The RLC Group

Keeping The Rotten Apple

ONE ROTTEN APPLE SPOILS THE BUNCH...

It takes dedication and discernment after a lot of mistakes to hire the right people and build a team that can focus on accomplishing the goals of your mission statement.  There will be different personalities and work styles. However there has to be one common trait in all the people - the desire to build others up in order to meet a common goal.  If one person lacks this trait ("the rotten apple") the advantage of keeping him must outweigh the tolls on the rest of the employees.   

Here are some scenarios of how the "rotten apple" can have a negative impact:
1). Misinterpretation of requirements and instructions that need to be communicated to others. While maybe not intentional (and I stress MAYBE), this person will cause others to fail and assert himself as the person who can come to the rescue.
2) constantly finding fault in other people's work who are more experienced. It's not constructive criticism; its the way to prove self-worth and value to anyone who believes he is doing this in the best interest of the company.
3). Taking advantage of a less experienced individual or introvert and convincing them of self-truths like no one understands the business more than he does.
 
Only you can determine if it is worth it to keep this individual around by supporting the bad behavior.  Clearly not addressing poor behavior is a silent agreement but is it worth the cost? The cost of losing qualified people, loss of business, unwillingness of vendors to want to work with you, or you, eventually losing your company and salary. No matter how cheap the "rotten apple" is, the cost of fixing the problem he made might be too detrimental to the success of your business.

For more tips like these, be sure to pick up a copy of the book, Get A Clue - 10 Steps to an Executive IQ on Amazon.com (http://amzn.to/10Somc1) and make sure to follow me @temekoruns on Twitter.

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Posted in: business expert,Employees,Entrepreneurship,Exec Get a Clue,Get A Clue,Get A Clue,Hiring,small business expert,teamwork,Temeko Richardson

Best Read Friday - 5 Ways Businesses Can Optimize Social Media

An Internet Society...

Social media is a big driver in helping consumers understand and desire the brand a company offers.  Timing is everything and content is king.  Do not waste time updating information that does not make your brand stand out from the rest.  Check out this article by Kevin Allen on 5 ways to optimize the social media drivers for your business initiatives.  http://bit.ly/11blckO

For more social media strategies, read Friday's article recommendation on how to transform your business with social media.  http://bit.ly/10MkFWt

And stay tuned for Monday's post where I write from experience on the best strategies to gain audiences in social media for business executive.

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Posted in: business expert,Get A Clue,Kevin Allen,small business expert,social media,Social Media and Business,Temeko Richardson,The RLC Group

Best Read Friday - Business Lessons to Learn from Reality Television

 

The Smoking Mirrors in Reality TV.  

You may not be a fan of reality television nor can fathom watching the unreality in the television shows like the "Housewives" conglomerates because of the smoking mirrors that are positioned as real to viewers that believe it.  However there are lessons that can be applied to the business world from this television era.

Read this article to find out what exactly can be applied to business for long term sustainability and maximized revenue potential.

For more tips, download the e-book Get A Clue from Amazon ( amzn.to/Ybf7Ca) or Barnes and Noble (bit.ly/YbfjkD).

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Posted in: Exec Get a Clue,Get A Clue,Kim Kardashian,program,Reality Television,Social Media and Business,Temeko Richardson

Post NFL Draft: Started From the Bottom, Now You're Here

THE NFL DRAFT.     

Last weekend the NFL Draft has given monetary promises and endorsement hopes to many players from the college ranks.  For many of these young athletes, this is the most money any of them have ever seen.  In fact, it is probably more than family generations have earned. This post is for the new professional athlete who was either drafted or undrafted over the past weekend - the one who will now see their dreams come to fruition in the top professional league in football.  From the bottom as a scrambling college athlete, you have arrived but there is business you must take care of to stay here.
1). The Hangers Ons. There are friends and family from little league to college who believe they should benefit and reap the rewards.  New level, new devil.  I am not saying get all new friends or replace family but definitely evaluate those who could be risks to your success both on and off the field.  Illegal gun carrying, non-medicinal marijuana-using, womanizing associates should definitely be eliminated before training camp starts. Well if you have no one to hang out with after this elimination, it is a great time for self-reflection and intense strength and speed training.
2). The Percentage Takers. Between the agent,the business manager, the publicist, and the investment brokers, the percentages will add up. Some of these individuals will claim to protect your interest and make investments on your behalf that may or may not be beneficial. Protect your assets and invest properly with a reputable financial planner. Hire lawyers that don't know these people to watch what they are doing. 
3). Toys of Joy.  I would never tell you to not ride in style nor live in custom-built homes in plush neighborhoods.  If you are making the league minimum, obtaining a Bugatti is not the best choice. Make sure your spending and monthly expenses do not exceed 30-35 percent of guaranteed salary. In other words, don't spend beyond your wage. If you get endorsements, bank that for hard times or retirement because one career-ending injury is all it takes and you will wish that money was available.
4). Lover Hover.  My office landlord told me once "If you have the money, you'll attract like honey".  Well I will not say what you will attract but definitely protect your ass-ets. Set a new example for athletes - husband first and then fatherhood. Baby momma drama is REAL, especially if they still want you and can't have you. Ask your elder pro-athlete brethren about that.  Lovers will hover and you will have plenty of choices.  Discernment! 

I can go through all the adages - more money, more problems...to whom much is given, much is required.  But none matter most than using commonsense.  While I want you to stay in the league at least 10 years but realistically speaking, that won't happen for everyone.  So prepare to succeed and get your business in order for longevity.  After all, it's harder to return to the bottom and get back here. 

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Posted in: Exec Get a Clue,Get A Clue,NFL,NFL Draft,professional athletes,sports business,Temeko Richardson