Before Referring Business, Think Again

Make Referrals That Work...

Nowadays it is rare to hire vendors or contractors who have the expertise they claim to have.  The old boy network has grown so much that there is hardly any real knowledge because it is overshadowed by who people know to get the foot in the door.  On the opposite side, there are plenty of "solopreneurs" who claim to be experts in many fields that don't require any certification or proof by example.  This is why it is important as a business professional to be cautious about referring others that have not had proven results for your company. Good referrals keep your reputation intact while bad ones can dampen solid relationships.

Before you refer someone else's services/products, do the following:

1). Get a clear understanding of the desired results.
Vague results leave too much room for interpretation. It increases opportunities for people to be taken advantage of if they don't really know what they want.  This normally means there will be additional costs to outline what the expected results should be before even knowing if it can be achieved.
2). Recognize that hard work does not mean the right fit.
There are plenty of individuals who work hard but that does not mean they have what it takes for a particular position.  If the need requires aggression and the person is a passive task-taker, it is not a good fit.
3). Ask if some free or discounted services/products will be provided as a guarantee of work.
If what is asked for is not delivered, at least there will not be a full price paid by one of your colleagues. This eases the burden off of you if what was asked was either not delivered or poorly executed.

The people with whom you are associated is a reflection of you.  Do not risk longstanding relationships for uncertain potential.  In business and in life, relationships are priceless so protect them.

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Posted in: business expert,business planning,business referral,referral,referring others,Temeko Richardson,The RLC Group

Best Read Friday - Time Is Money So Delegate Wisely

Time is Money...

The old cliche that time is money stands out for any entrepreneur or gainfully employed person who plans to moonlight to change careers. It resonates more with vendors who charge for services rendered like athletic training, spa treatments, plumbing, electrical, and HVAC needs.  The longer they are on the job, the more money made.  Therefore, the more they are away from the job or commuting, the less money they make.

Correct.  No one does it better than you. However you are the only one who can save you.

This article identifies when to acknowledge that time is not on your side and help is needed.  It outlines when to outsource to free up time to handle other responsibilities and enjoy life's most precious moments.

For more information like this, check out the YouTube channel and the video excerpt on Subcontracting and Delegating without Losing Control.

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Posted in: business expert,business planning,career change,Delegate,Entrepreneurship,Temeko Richardson,The RLC Group,Time,Time management,time.com

The Weight of Leaving the Comfort Zone

IN CHARGE SOMETIMES..

The most successful entrepreneur or athlete is not always in the driver's seat or director's chair on long-term contracts.  Whether you are in a profession because it pays the bills or it is the dream career that you love, it is hard to leave the familiarity when it must come to an end.  Sometimes it is abrupt as in the case of injury or inability to move as quickly as in the prime for athletes.  Other times, there is a known expiration date on a contract that will not be extended due to budgetary reasons, change of direction, or lack of interest.  Regardless of the circumstance, it is hard to move on from a place of familiarity.

Here are some tips on easing the burden of leaving the comfort zone.

1. Accept the reality that it is over and expect to walk away having given your best performance.  Even if an offer to extend the contract is provided, at least you can walk away with pride and dignity in all of the great work ethic.
2. Preparation is key but sometimes unexpected things occur.  Plan at least 6 months out to ensure monthly obligations can be met - both business and personal.  No matter how great you are, there is someone competing at a discount.  Therefore, do not count on another contract being picked up right away.  Curb the spending until you sign on the dotted line.  
3. Evaluate options carefully without being too self-entitled.  Sometimes the arrogance can get in the way of great opportunities and successful negotiations.  Be humble and appreciative that you may get another opportunity.  The humility will always win in the end.
4. Be positive and silently release any negative feelings about no longer having the contractual obligation.  Now I don't mean leave monies owed on the table.  However do not harbor ill feelings that will only make you appear like damaged goods for the next contract.

There is a difference between the long-term franchise, contributor, and role player.  The former normally controls when he leaves the contractual agreement.  The latter two can be up for grabs based on the market, ownership, and the management.  Be prepared and know that you will always be where you are supposed to be.  That should be the only comfort zone!

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Posted in: athlete injury,athlete retirement,Business Etiquette,business expert,career change,Entrepreneurship,Get A Clue,Growth Opportunity,negotiation skills,New Job,Temeko Richardson,The RLC Group

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

Best Read Friday - Scare Customers Into Buying What You Have

FRIGHTENED TO PURCHASE...

Most executives believe marketing is about building a brand and making people believe in the greatness of what is being offered because of the perks or advantages over competitors' products and services.  This article goes in reverse and points out how scare tactics can force potential buyers into purchasing what you offer.  

Read carefully to see how the marketing is deployed to keep customers believing "what if " they don't buy it.  http://bit.ly/17jwRoU

For more tips, 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: Get A Clue,marketing,Social Media and Business,Temeko Richardson,The RLC Group

Best Read Friday - Are Apple Products Less Productive for Entrepreneurs?

THAT'S NOT SCREAMING FOR APPLE!!!

The ease of use and intuitiveness of actually typing on a real keyboard to prevent mistakes and allow fast communication will always make me a believer of the PC over than Apple devices any day.  

Here is another person's view on how switching to Apple has made him less productive.  Check out the article and be sure to comment on whether you agree.
http://bit.ly/19CYEQq

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Posted in: Apple,Get A Clue,iOs devices,technology,Temeko Richardson,The RLC Group

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

The Economy of Capitalizing on Athletes' Mistakes

THE GIVEBACK...UNNECESSARY ATHLETE COSTS    

Emotions run heavy during sports as it should.  Old habits are also hard to break especially when coming into new money with familiar friends. However professional athletes and coaches alike must remember that behavior deemed unacceptable by their respective employer - the league - can be costly.  It may be as drastic as losing endorsements.  This is just an unnecessary revenue generator for all parties but the professional athlete.

Check out this video to learn how the 'giveback' based on mistakes works towards the business goals of everyone but the professional athlete. 
http://youtu.be/QfU_jy9D95k

Follow frequent updates, follow on twitter at http://twitter.com/temekoruns

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Posted in: athlete retirement,burned out,business expert,Exec Get a Clue,Get A Clue,Making Mistakes,NFL,NFL Draft,NHL,Playoffs,Run Life's Course,Temeko Richardson,The RLC Group