How to – Manage the Boss Once upon a time (also known as the “old days”), most companies operated from the top down. The boss told you what to do, and you did it. Today, employees don’t often wait for the boss to make the decision. With the pressures and constraints the boss is working with in our current economy, employees need to work together with their boss, not simply for their boss.

What that requires from employees is a skill set that allows them to manage their boss effectively. Communication is an essential part of managing another person. It also entails understanding the world in which they operate, their needs as an individual, their strengths and weaknesses, and the pressures and constraints they deal with on the job.

How can you develop this essential skill set?

• Spend some time observing the boss. What do they do well? What areas are they weak in?
Then: Anticipate the weak areas so that they do not cause you a problem. If they are terrible at meeting deadlines, start asking for what you need earlier than when you actually need it.

• Talk with your boss about goals. Learn about their priorities. Ask them to identify the critical issues in the department.
Then: Ask how you can help the team with those things.

• If your boss (or you) telecommutes or spends a fair amount of time out of the office, you have less time for your relationship and more time for work. Your boss may have a lot of priorities and you are only a small piece of them. Make sure you have a regular time to connect.
Then: Always have an agenda for your regular time together so you are getting information you need to have, not just receiving information.

• Figure out your boss’ style, pace, energy and likes. Are they a morning person? Do they like reports, emails, voice mails or meetings? Are they fast paced or slow and methodical?
Then: Match their energy. Every time you do, you are creating rapport.  2:45 PM •  0 Comments •

How to - Leverage Online Networks for Marketing 95% of my business is obtained through word of mouth. It is one of the most effective sources for business referrals for consumers and businesses. The new virtual networks may not reach the massive numbers that advertising or national publicity do, but they can be very effective tools in reaching prospective customers; and you can establish perceived competence and reinforce your brand.

Use social networks to market your company and you. Try these strategies:

Establish Expertise. If part of your marketing strategy is becoming known as an expert in your field, social networks provide a more accessible outlet than the usual media. You can speak up in a discussion forum or blog and reach hundreds or thousands of people. Say something useful, original, or profound and you may get and linked up, reaching even more people.

Do Some Market Research. Participate on online communities and discussion groups to learn about prospective client interests and reactions. You’ll find a candor rarely found in focus groups and surveys.

Build and Reinforce Your Brand. Every signature in your e-mail, on the Web, and in your online profile is a chance to reinforce your brand.

Ignite Word-of-Mouth Buzz. Do you have a new product or service? Word-of-mouth on the part of satisfied customers is a great way to establish your competence. Social networks are a good place for "buzz" and if a prominent blogger in your field likes what you sell, say or do, you can create a powerful advocate.

Associate Yourself With a Not-for-Profit Cause. People are often more willing to gather around a cause than a company. This allows you to connect with people beyond the traditional avenues.  8:18 AM •  0 Comments •