What Are You Learning?

It has been said that learners are growers.  Those that are constantly evolving in their learning are those that are successful.  Those that have excelled in areas typically don’t stumble into those successes.

I have been reading and learning trying to add new tools constantly by reading at least 12 books a year.  One a month.  I do this by reading ten pages a day.  Small steps over time to accomplish a larger task.  I also invest in myself for trainings as well.  I then take time to apply what I am learning.

Just because we are learning new items, does not mean that we have it automatically engrained.  We actually lose about 50% of what we learn in the next 24 hours.  If we don’t apply the newly gained knowledge then we will forget it and that is actually just a waste of time.  

We need to apply what we learned so that our mind and body start to really save this information for future use.  Whether it is a book, training, trick, etc we need to apply what we are learning if we want to record it for future application. 

It’s like learning to waterski.  It took me about three years to learn how to waterski and gallons of water up my nose.  I thought I was going through an interrogation at some points.  I kept trying to learn how to get up on two pieces of wood and a rope that was tied to a boat.  

After I learned how to waterski on two ski’s I learned how to ski on one.  Balance was not something I had a lot of when I was younger so this took some time.  There were a great deal of highlight reel wipeouts.  I’m sure if digital cameras and social media were around back then, I would have been one of those celebrities of fails.

I finally got good enough now that I can start from deep water on one slalom ski and cut across the wake at speeds of 50 mph without wiping out.  I also don’t have to attempt every day to do this.  I actually only do this once or twice a year now, but because I learned and applied, I am able to show up now and do it without too many attempts.  I can enjoy all of the work that went into learning and go out and have fun.  

By applying what we learn we are able to achieve higher levels.  We need to keep learning and keep growing if we want to get to a better place.  We have to keep up with this process to accomplish more.  It’s okay to want more and to work towards it.

To do this, we need to apply a date to when we want to accomplish by.  Having that target out there will keep us focused on moving forward because it is real.

What is something that you have been putting off learning, or applying that you have been nervous to?  It’s okay to try and and have set backs.  If we don’t try that is actually failure.  As long as we try we are not failing.

Post in the comments something that you have been wanting to learn / apply that you are going to do now.    

Have a great week!

“Businesses wonder why it is still hard to be thought of as the brand of choice with customers.  How can our business make more profitable transactions and stay out of the commodity battle with low profits?  I equip your sales team to walk with the customer through the five buying decisions, and in the correct order to generate explosive revenues with greater profits!”

www.kevinsidebottom.com

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1lWIVasmkFsoYL4h0AqIZgH6LC3qaw_gI/view?usp=sharing – client profile sheet

https://www.amazon.com/Sales-Process-Uncovered-Success-Influence/dp/0578421518 - Book

https://kevinsidebottom.kartra.com/page/5AF12 - Sales Process Uncovered Online Training

https://kevinsidebottom.kartra.com/page/68N10 - Trustworthy Online Training

Goal Setting with Purpose

Wow, just like that 2021 is gone and we are in 2022.  Can you believe how fast 2021 went?  All of the events that happened in our world, the good, the bad, the ugly.  How about you, did you accomplish all your goals in 2021?

Chances are that 2021 had us stumbling a bit in our goals and we also needed to shift our goals with the everchanging environment. 

This year when we sit down in some of our quiet time to think about 2022 we need to make sure we have some firepower behind our goals.  That’s right just because we have a goal does not mean we will achieve the goals.  We need to have a “WHY” behind our goals.  The why will keep us moving forward when times get tough.

There are areas we can grow and should be focused on that for 2022.  I will be taking the next two weeks to plan out 2022 to make it a better than this past year.  The reason why, is if we are not growing, we are dying.  That is right we need to constantly be growing.  I choose growth and for that I need a plan for whatever I am shooting for.  Even if I do not hit the bullseye ever time. 

I will be sitting down to make a plan for 2022 by looking at where I want to be.  It’s like shooting a long-range shot, we need to plan before we pull the trigger to hit the target accurately.  To do this I start with the end in mind.  When I was a child, I used to do mazes all the time.  I loved them.  I learned early on that to find the path through the maze, it was easier actually start at the finish and work my way back to the start.  Try it if you don’t believe me.

I was able to attend an event at the church I attend and there was this thing called a “purpose statement” that they were talking about.  Before you leave because I talked about church, hear me out.  This purpose statement aligned with my DISC profile, my passions, and my gifts that I have.  This purpose statement is “WHY” I am here.  Why I am on this earth and why I matter.

This purpose statement is a compass when things get tough, or we get knocked off course by something like a pandemic.  This purpose statement will allow us to focus on why we are here so we can dust ourselves off and get back to putting one step forward at a time if needed.  It will keep us moving forward.  Those that do not have purpose are easily tossed back and forth like a boat by the waves.  Those that know where they are going and why, will keep moving in the direction they need to go and find that extra strength from within to keep going.

This means yes, we need to pause and really thing about our why before we just start throwing goals up on the wall.  We really need to focus in on this target if we want to hit it.  Take time to understand your purpose and you will have more energy and determination to achieve your goals.

I will have quite a few stretch goals for myself and my business to grow in 2022.  I have personal goals that I will also be putting in for this year.  All of them will align with my purpose which will give them more strength and foundation. 

I will also use the EOS system (insert link https://www.eosworldwide.com/hubfs/EOS-VTO.pdf) for planning goals.  This is a fantastic system that anyone can use for work, or personal goals.  I have adapted it to work for me in both areas of my life. 

The key is to still plan because if we don’t aim at anything, we’ll hit it every time.

We need to make plans even if we do not hit them all.  It’s okay not to hit all of our goals, but we need to try to grow and move forward, not get down on ourselves, and have that target we are trying to strive for each and every day.

Have a great day!

Sincerely,

Kevin Sidebottom

“Businesses wonder why the majority of their sales teams struggle at winning profitable business.  I teach your sales team to walk with the customer through the five buying decisions, and in the correct order to generate more sales with high margins!”

www.kevinsidebottom.com

How Entrepreneurs Can Find Opportunity During the Pandemic Recovery

I am grateful for Curtis Fisher and his support of young entrepreneurs. This week’s blog post has been written by Curtis and I hope you enjoy it as much as I have.

Small business owners everywhere have dealt with the economic impact of the pandemic. If your small business was considered “non-essential,” you may have had to close your doors for a period of months, only to return to limited operations afterwards.

Now, as the world begins to open up again and restrictions are gradually rolled back, you can slowly prepare for a return to normal. Maybe you need to revise your budget, get in touch with business and leadership consultant Kevin Sidebottom, or change your approach to marketing. No matter what you plan to do next, these tips will help you navigate this period of the pandemic.

Administrative Items

Business might not be back in full swing yet, but you can take advantage of this lull by working on administrative tasks instead. For instance, this might be a good time to go over your business plan and determine how you can tweak it for the upcoming year. You could also spend some time getting your digital files and paper documents organized.

In addition, now’s the time to register your business with the state in which you operate. Choosing to structure as a limited liability company (LLC) is optimal for many small businesses, primarily due to benefits like reduced risk to personal assets, less paperwork and greater tax advantages. You can use an affordable online formation service to get this done quickly and easily. Zenbusiness not only walks you through this process and helps you file, the site provides information on items like getting a statutory or registered agent.

Budgeting and Finances

The past year may have been rather lean for your business. Some sectors have benefitted from the pandemic while others have struggled. And if your business was categorized as non-essential, there’s a good chance that you’re wondering how to make up for lost profits.

First, it’s a good idea to create new financial projections for the coming year to see what you can expect in terms of your finances. Next, you’ll need to update your business budget by cutting expenses. What can you reasonably cut? Clean Tech Loops recommends nixing any software programs that you do not use regularly, switching to paperless files whenever possible, and considering a long-term remote work plan or renting an office space in a cheaper location.

Develop a Safety Plan

Depending on COVID case counts in your area, it might be time to bring your employees back to work in-person. It’s a good idea to consult with your employees before you make this decision. If everyone is on board to come back, Work Design recommends spacing out workstations with six feet in between them, stocking up on hand sanitizer, and having the office cleaned regularly. And if you have a retail space or waiting room where you’ll be allowing customers, make sure to put signs indicating that they are required to wear masks.

You may find that some workers aren’t ready to ditch telecommuting, especially those who live with people who are particularly vulnerable to the virus or those who simply feel much more productive while working from home. If this is the case, you’ll need to develop a plan for permanent remote work. Virtual Vocations recommends working with your employees to establish codes of conduct and decide which communication tools should become standard.

Delivery and Pickup Systems

Even though restrictions on businesses are slowly coming to an end, some of your customers or clients still might not be able to conduct transactions in person yet. Some people may still want to take care of business online or purchase items through a delivery or curbside pickup system. Make sure that you continue making efforts to accommodate this for the foreseeable future so as not to lose any customers.

New Offerings

The world is turning over a new leaf, and this could be the perfect time to introduce new offerings from your business. For instance, you could invite your customers or clients to a series of workshops that are held virtually for the time being and will shift to in-person gatherings as soon as it is safe. If you run a retail business, you could launch products that customers can easily enjoy outdoors this summer, since people will be looking forward to getting back outside.

Sales consultant and speaker Kevin Sidebottom blogs about the importance of knowing what customers crave. “What is the customer really asking us each time they interact with us whether [it’s] face to face meetings, calling customer service, on social media, etc. What is it that the customer is trying to communicate to us? We need to be intentional to reach out to them to figure out what they need. It’s that simple.”

Marketing Strategy

As people continue shopping online while others venture out, you’ll need to focus on combining both digital and offline advertising in your marketing strategy. You can rely on social media marketing, email campaigns, and search engine optimization to bring in new customers through the internet. In addition, set up fun window displays to attract more foot traffic to your store!

As restrictions are rolled back during the recovery phase of the pandemic, small business owners will have some breathing room to expand. You may want to use this time for administrative tasks, reworking your budget, or finetuning your marketing strategy so that you can speak to what your customers need right now. By looking forward with an optimistic attitude, you can prepare for profitable months ahead!

Simple Ways to Keep Learning as a Leader

Today’s blog post is written by Curtis Fisher from www.tradesbright.org.

I hope you enjoy it!

The best leaders are always learning. As Harvard Business Review explains, engaging in lifelong learning is loaded with benefits, personally and professionally. Career-wise, those who continue to learn and grow can ensure ongoing financial success as work becomes more technologically-oriented. On a more personal level, pursuits like reading are wonderful stress-busters, and problem-solving can be extremely fulfilling. Some types of learning, such as playing a musical instrument, can even help to counteract cognitive decline. And living in a manner that is open and curious can be a boon to your social and networking efforts.

Some of the greatest successes of our time — Bill Gates, Warren Buffet and Barack Obama — made lifelong learning part of their formula for success. It should also be part of yours. Here are some great resources to get you started!

Enroll in Online Programs

You don’t have to quit your day job to further your education. Look for remote learning opportunities through online courses and programs.

●        Sign up for a leadership program from Kevin Sidebottom to learn how to be a conscious and purposeful leader.

●        Earn your business degree from an online university that offers flexible courses.

●        Take a course through your local small business administration (SBA).

Listen to Podcasts and Audiobooks

Podcasts and audiobooks, like the ones listed below, are great for learning while you’re commuting to work or doing the dishes.

●        The TalentGrow Show podcast.

●        The Leadership Biz Cafe podcast with Tanveer Naseer.

●        Biographies and autobiographies about the most successful business leaders of our time.

●        Leadership books recommended by the world’s top entrepreneurs.

Read Online Articles and Guides

You can learn almost anything online. These are some great articles that every leader should read at least once:

●        How to avoid micromanaging your employees.

●        A distilled list of the top leadership traits of great leaders.

●        Understanding the difference between being a boss and being a leader.

●        Articles that have inspired other successful leaders.

Become a Teacher

One of the best ways to learn is to teach someone else! Consider mentoring someone, launching a blog, or creating your very own course.

●        Become a mentor to a first-time entrepreneur.

●        Create a blog or a website where you can share your knowledge.

●        Produce informative and engaging YouTube videos.

No matter how long you've been working in your leadership role, you can always benefit by learning something new. Even the most successful leaders can find room for improvement! Keep learning by seeking out articles, podcasts, books, courses, and coaching programs that will help you reach your full potential.

Are you looking for leadership coaching? Kevin Sidebottom can help you acquire the skills you need to thrive as a leader!

By Curtis Fisher

curtis@tradesbright.org

photo by pexels