How Small Businesses Drive The American Economy
Just as enough tiny droplets of water slowly fill a bucket, the growth of small businesses fills the U.S. economy. Big corporations might get a lot of attention when it comes to creating jobs, but small businesses employ more people and are more resilient when times get tough. Before coming up with something innovative that propelled them into growth, all big businesses once started out small. Not only are small businesses driving the U.S. economy, but they also keep the American dream alive.
Click Forbes Logo to read the article
Here’s how leaders reduce their anxiety over public speaking
Public speaking isn’t an easy thing for every leader, but you have to conquer the fear factor if you’re planning to represent a business. By focusing on your passion for going into business, sharing authentically, and continuing to practice being in front of a room full of people every chance you get, you’ll be a pro at it in time.
5. TREAT IT LIKE A ONE-ON-ONE CONVERSATION.
I remember in school and all the way through college freezing up and feeling like I would never be good at public speaking. As I got older and gained confidence and authority, it became easier. The key for me is to stay transparent and treat every speaking engagement as a conversation. Try not to think about who is watching, how many people are watching, or how many will watch it in the future. – Martin Rowinski, Boardsi
Click the FastCompany logo to read the article
Here’s how to maintain your ‘peak performance mode’ all week
Everyone has dips in their energy and productivity. However, when you’re trying to lead a business, it’s tough to lose valuable work time to a slump in motivation.
To help you stay in optimal performance mode, a panel of Fast Company Executive Board members would like to share how they manage to keep themselves at their peak, regardless of what’s happening throughout the week.
13. WARM-UP FOR THE DAY.
Click the FastCompany logo to read the article
You Can Think Yourself Into the Person You Want to Be
Use the power of thought for maximum success.
Not everyone is lucky enough to have a mentor — someone to turn to for help, direction, motivation and the next big steps in your life. I know because I was one of those unlucky people, but sometimes you have to make your own luck. Even if you find yourself without a mentor, you can still establish that same relationship with someone that might not be as real through the inspiration they left behind.
What if you could turn to a roundtable of counselors that included powerful minds like Napoleon Hill, Augustine “Og” Mandino, Dale Carnegie, Norman Vincent Peale and Orison Swett Marden? Imagine being able to call on any of history’s greatest success stories as mentors whenever you need help. Well, you can! They wrote everything down in their books with the very intent of having others find the answers they need.
Among my roundtable of mentors, the one who most influenced my life was James Allen. By picking up his book, I can call him any time and get the answers, life lessons and character-building I need. He may not be alive to know it, but James Allen’s mentorship taught me to understand the relationship between my thoughts and circumstances, which allowed me to become the leader I am today.
Click the Entrepreneur logo to read the article
13 ways introverted leaders can raise their voice in the spotlight
If you’re an introverted employee who is uncomfortable about speaking in large group settings—internally or externally—you probably prefer to keep your head down and let your work speak for itself. This method has helped you to succeed in your industry and now you’re at the top of your game.
4. START IN SMALL SESSIONS OR GROUPS.
Introverted team members often have great ideas and thoughts, but may keep them to themselves. To encourage them to share, make the meetings small in a one-on-one session or just a few people. When their ideas are shared and valuable, provide positive feedback to encourage them to continue speaking up over time. – Martin Rowinski, Boardsi
How to create a business mission that will drive you to success
When done properly, mission statements can do more than just tell people why your business exists. As any business encounters new phases of growth and the challenges that come with it, a clearly-defined mission can guide decision-making and establish an organizational culture that inspires and motivates employees. By sharing it and improving it over time, a mission can drive company success. Here’s how to get started:
Your mission needs to be concise, easy, and quick to pitch, so this is no time for an essay. Sum up your goals and the way you intend to pursue them in a few focused sentences. Cut out any extraneous words. Instead of saying you “provide the best customer service possible,” get rid of the possible, because we all know you can only do as much as possible. Think of it as an elevator pitch. You should be able to explain your mission statement quickly, so prioritize the information you need to convey to best represent your company.
Click the FastCompany logo to read the article
