New Ways to Look at Business Support

Taking A Break!

Fri, 22 Jul 2022 19:34:31 GMT

Why Is It Necessary?

While many of us are good at keeping a work-life balance, many struggle taking breaks , let alone taking a holiday! Some studies state that many executives and middle management struggle to use the vacation time allotted to them because they are simply too busy . Some even choose to get paid out instead of taking a vacation or staycation. While that seems like a good solution as opposed to losing any earned time off, a better solution is to consider the benefits of taking a holiday or even just a break. Especially as a business owner.

According to Very Well Minds , the risks of not taking breaks, are:

"The body is designed to respond to short bursts of stress. When stress is prolonged and the stress response is triggered repeatedly and regularly—as can happen in a stressful job or a conflict-ridden relationship —the situation turns into one of chronic stress, and real health problems can set in."

"Vacations and even shorter breaks (like an afternoon off) where you get some physical and psychological space from the demands of life can bring many rewards. Some of the benefits you may enjoy -"

Reduced stress: Obviously, you feel less stress when you're not in a stressful environment. But breaks bring more than that. They interrupt the cycle of stress that can lead to being overwhelmed.

Rest: By breaking out of the cycle of chronic stress, you can restore yourself physically and mentally

to a healthier place.

Clearer thinking: A chronically triggered stress response can lead to decreased creativity, memory problems , and other issues. So a break in the stress cycle can lead to sharper thinking and increased creativity in all areas of your life.

Increased productivity: All of this can make you better at your job, more available in your relationships, more energetic with your family, and more able to enjoy life after you return.

Looking at the list above surely builds a case for why you should buy out the time to rejuvenate and refresh, but if your like the majority of working professionals, your just 'too busy'. So why not delegate or outsource?

If you think you would benefit from a little downtime and need some temporary supports, project coverage, or call center type supports, please reach out to Modern Link Professional Services . Our team of independent affiliates and professionals have varying degrees of experience and expertise, and are standing by to help. We invite you to book a free discovery call to see if our virtual supports can help you take a break and come back renewed!

“We travel not to escape life,

but for life not to escape us.”

Anonymous

Sources: VeryWellMinds/TheWellBeingThesis

Personality Differences - Does It Really Matter?

Fri, 03 Jun 2022 20:59:10 GMT

Powerful Tools to Help You Build and Develop an Effective Team

Whether your job or business is dealing with clients directly or not, having interactions with different personalities every day is inevitable. Learning about the various types of personalities and their preferences not only helps your business relations, but it can improve your sales process, your hiring initiatives, and overall team development or team contribution.

There are several assessment models on the market including True Colors, DISC, Personality Dimensions, The Big Five etc., but for this blog we are going to discuss the fundamentals of MBTI (Myers Briggs Type Indicator). This particular assessment model has been used by scores of Fortune 500 and Fortune 100 companies all around the world. So why do companies use this pre-hire or post hiring tool? The short answer is that you want to hire the best person for the job. You also want the employee to be in the best role for them so that they contribute the best of their talents for a mutually beneficial outcome. Win-Win !

Based on the MBTI model, there are four dichotomies or opposites and we all prefer one more innately than the other. After a series of questions in the assessment, the results display a preference which when combined generates a four letter type (i.e. - ISTJ or ENFP) Here is a synopsis of the four facets of our personalities that affect a lot of what we do everyday in our relationships, both on the job and off.

MBTI Dichotomies

Extrovert

Typically get energy from people, social, engaging

Introvert

Get their energy from inside, reflective, more quiet

Sensing

Prefer just the facts and the details of things

Intuition

Prefers the bigger picture, the overarching viewpoint

Thinking

Makes decisions logically, considering all the facts

Feeling

Makes decisions based on emotions and feelings

Judging

Organized, methodical, structured; A-Z and 1-10

Perceiving

Flexible, spontaneous, fun, A or Z and 1 or 10

If you think you would benefit from learning about these facets and how it applies to hiring your staff or learning about their roles after their hired, or how this could benefit your client relationships and sales efforts, please reach out to Modern Link Professional Services . Our team of independent affiliates and professionals have varying degrees of experience and expertise, and are standing by to help. We invite you to book a free discovery call to see if our virtual supports and assessments could help your business!

" We are all the sole proprietor of our own personality

with the option to incorporate or not."

Kimberley Curry

Sources: M BTI - Psychometrics/ 16 Personalities/Franklin Covey

Benefits of Hiring Independent Contractors

Wed, 20 Apr 2022 23:29:47 GMT

Discover the New Approach to Growing and Supporting Your Business

There are many definitions of what an independent contractor is and what they do exactly, but according to letsdeel : "An independent contractor is a person or entity performing services as a non-employee, which means they work for themselves. Contractors are usually small business owners who are self-employed, pay their own taxes and benefits, and earn a living by working for multiple clients on a short-term or per-project basis. They're often referred to as freelancers."

In todays competitive labor market, it is worth considering especially if there isn't a real need to hire someone full time, but rather just for intermittent projects or on an ad hoc basis. Of course with any business endeavors, there are pros and cons, but lets focus on the pros of this viable option for our business needs.

Benefits of Hiring Contractors

Cost per employee savings

Save money on payroll taxes, unemployment insurance, employee benefits, wcb coverage, etc.

Reduced office and supplies costs

Save on office space as they typically work offsite using their own equipment and tools.

Access to global talent unlocked

The options have opened up considerably because you are no longer limited to a geographical region.

Staffing flexibility

A great option for fluctuating demands, or if they don't perform well - its easier to walk away.

Little or no training expenses

Sourcing from a bigger pool of candidates ensures the best acquisition of talent and skills beforehand.

According to an article on Indeed , the most common contractors are Real Estate Agents, Graphic Designers, Freelance Writers, and IT Professionals. And while that may be true for the most part, in recent years there has been a surge of Virtual Assistants coming to market offering many diverse skills all under 'one roof'.

If you want to research this talent sourcing option further, please reach out to Modern Link Professional Services . Our team of independent affiliates and professionals have varying degrees of experience and expertise, and are standing by to help. We invite you to book a free discovery call to see if our virtual supports can help your business!

"Innovation distinguishes between a leader and a follower."

Steve Jobs

Sources: letsdeel/Indeed

The True Value of Mentorship!

Fri, 11 Mar 2022 01:31:18 GMT

The Power of Learning from Others

There's not too many things in life that are immeasurable or unquantifiable, but having a mentor by your side may just very well be one of them! Why? Usually mentors show up in your life when you really need the help. Whether your launching a new business or working on self development, they show up just when you need them and are happy to help and really want you to succeed. It's hard to measure this relationship because the affects are often spread over a period of time and are often intangible. But if embraced - can be life changing!

According t o Futurpreneur , here is just a handful of benefits that a mentor provides;

Helps you discover your own insights, abilities, and solutions as you start and grow your business
Supports your self-directed learning and helps you come to your own conclusions and decisions
Listens to your ideas and answers your questions truthfully
Gives emotional support while also challenging you

What is especially intriguing about this abbreviated list, is how many references it makes to "supporting your" insights, decisions, or ideas. They may know better, but they support your ambitions and help guide you to your innate potential. Imagine the joy they receive when they see you connect to your true authentic self. Imagine the patience they must have, as you navigate your way through the often muddy terrain. Futurpreneur also shared another huge benefit - "A mentor’s value stems from the fact that they’ve “been there and done that,” giving you the opportunity to learn from their mistakes and successes. That very fact alone can save a budding entrepreneur hundreds of hours, thousands of dollars, and millions of headaches!

A U.S. based organization called Score offers many free services to business start ups. Their main focus is on finding a mentor and being a mentor. Their website allows you to customize your search by location, your specific need, and other such variables, so that you get the right help at the right time.

So if your thinking that your fine and don't need any mentoring, well that is great (even though many seasoned professionals have mentors). That aside, even if you have staff that work for you, maybe take a second look at the value of mentoring for them. "A Gallup poll showed that 34% of U.S. workers are engaged and 70% of team engagement is directly related to the quality of the manager or team leader, which means that companies that create more nurturing workplace cultures have a higher success rate than those that do not." This article in Forbes went on to say that millennials actually expect this type of support in the workforce.

If you need help finding resources or mentors for your business, please reach out to Modern Link Professional Services . Our team of professionals have varying degrees of experience and expertise, and are standing by to help. We invite you to book a free discovery call to see if our virtual supports ca n support and mentor you in your journey to business success.

"The best teachers are those who tell you where to look – but don’t tell you what to see."

Alexandra K Trenfor

Sources: Futurpreneur/Score/Forbes-Gallup

Hire for Attitude - Train for Skill

Fri, 25 Feb 2022 23:36:33 GMT

A Positive Attitude is a Great Investment in Your Business.

Do you recognize this recruitment strategy to "hire for attitude and train for skill"? Well if your from Canada, you may easily recognize it to be one of WestJet' s philosophies on how they hire the best, and have phenomenal success in doing so!

You don't have to look too far if your looking for an example of a great company with a great culture who's hiring practices are worthy of emulation than our very own - WestJet! They are notorious for their fun and creative interviewing procedures, including asking prospects to come to an interview dressed up as their favorite cartoon character! As if that wasn't fun enough, evidently the questions during the interview are just as fun as the ambiance itself. Fun aside, why would a hugely successful national airline incorporate such antics in their hiring practices? Because they know that if they hire someone with a good attitude and personality, that they can train for skill later (except for pilots and mechanics of course who need to have specialized knowledge and credentials). As business owners, if you are currently hiring or will be soon, what can you take away from their successful hiring practices? What steps could you implement in order to optimize this all important facet of your business? Here are a few tips:

Get clear on what you need : discerning the specific role and the tasks you really need is critical as sometimes it might be better to outsource the help, or you might even blend a few roles together
Prepare a compelling job description : laying out what is expected with some fun and creative elements creates an image of the opportunity, and will help attract your ideal employee and repel the others
Check out your competition: looking at similar positions in your area will help you flush out any differences and compensate for any shortfalls (culture, salary, benefits, perks, etc.)
Check all advertising resources: in addition to mainstream ad platforms, there are a lot of free job boards such as in post secondary institutions, associations, local chambers, local community boards, etc.
Sorting through the resumes: as the resumes start coming in, it is good to pre-screen the ones of interest via a brief phone interview or psychometric assessment, in order to save time before you move to next steps
Prepare well for the interview: choose the best behavioral questions as they provide a deeper insight into their attitude in the workplace, and another best practice is to have a panel style interview or 2nd interview

In addition to the brief tips above, perhaps you could also research a few companies that you admire and see what their career page and job postings looks like. This will help you ascertain their HR strategies for securing good people. Many wise business owners truly know that their biggest asset is their people. So any time invested in talent acquisition, talent management, and talent retention are all very valuable endeavors.

If you need help with any hiring campaigns, please reach out to Modern Link Professional Services . Our team of professionals have varying degrees of experience and expertise, and are standing by to help. We invite you to book a free discovery call to see if our virtual supports can help you hire for attitude and train for skill!

"Great vision without great people is irrelevant."

Jim Collins

Sources: ConveyIQ/ebn/JobMonkey/Indeed

Do What You Love - Love What You Do

Tue, 15 Feb 2022 05:22:06 GMT

The Power of Passion in Your Life and Business

Is it always possible to 'do what you love and love what you do'? Perhaps to varying degrees. Changing dynamics like economics, trends, market indicators and societal shifts can so easily trick us into doing things out of necessity. Lets take a moment to allow this admonition to stir up a few ideas that are worth exploring so that we can love whatever we are doing now, and actively plan for more ideal circumstances down the road. That's a win-win!

Let's start with ' do what you love '. This statement suggests that you know what you truly love and perhaps you do. However, what if you don't really know? Some studies reveal that over half of the working population are in careers that they don't necessarily enjoy. They may have fallen into these careers by accident, by referral, by necessity, or because that is just what they've always done. What if you could choose? Would your career be different than what you are doing now? Would you have started a different business or developed a part of your business that you find yourself consistently putting off? Taking the time to explore your personal interests will help you sort through the vast array of options out there, and reveal your genuine passion.

According to CareerInsite , taking time to plan your career isn't only something you do once you have finished your education or attended an employment course, but rather a tool to help you holistically assess life, work and the big decisions that can impact you for years to come. Completing a comprehensive assessmen t to help you determine your interests, values, traits, and current skill sets can provide you with a composite self-portrait that gives you a deeper understanding of yourself. Armed with this information, you will either validate what you're doing, or reveal an opportunity explore other avenues that are more in alignment with your passions and interests. According to Indeed , it's also helpful to consider the salary potential, working conditions in your chosen vocation, opportunities for growth, and outside influences that may affect your occupational decisions.

Actioning your new found knowledge and understanding of yourself by actively pursuing new opportunities that accentuate your innate strengths and contributions, makes it easy for you to really " love what you do ". Do you see yourself in a place of contentment, advancement, and living within your real potential? According to Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs , this is called 'self actualization' and is the pinnacle of realizing and living your best life. It goes without saying that if you truly love what you do, you will be happier, healthier, and will create a positive environment conducive of progress and productivity. This optimum state will powerfully and positively affect your clients, coworkers, and your bottom line.

Modern Link Professional Services can help augment your current business model or help explore and expand your business portfolio into other areas of interest. Our team of professionals have varying degrees of experience and expertise, and are standing by to help move your business forward. We invite you to book a free discovery call to see if our virtual support services can help you - do what you love and love what you do!

"You've got to keep your eye on the prize and do what you love to do."

Taylor Lautner

Sources: ALIS/Indeed/ VeryWellMind

Staying the Course - Navigating Changing Tides

Fri, 28 Jan 2022 01:47:26 GMT

Achieving Business Success in Our Changing Times

Once upon a time way back in science class, there was that one class that explained why we have tides, the role the moon plays, and the gravitational forces that no one sees - but we all feel. Changing tides can be a beautiful spectacle to watch resulting in

2 high tides and 2 low tides everyday. Evidently the Bay of Fundy in Nova Scotia has the highest rise in sea level in a 12 hour period than anywhere else. This interesting location as well as the science behind the tides are well depicted in this video on changing tides . So why the science review and how does this apply to business life?

As we all know, analogies, metaphors, and illustrations are more easily remembered than just theories or mere words. So when we literally think of changing tides, what comes to mind? We may think of those living and working in coastal communities and how they have to adapt to the changing landscapes and associated logistics on a daily basis. No doubt some prefer high tide and some prefer low tide, depending on ever changing variables and how it affects them directly.

Applying this to business operations, can prompt us to reflect on how we adjust and pivot to changing circumstances or natural events outside of our control. As business owners, we need to master the skills needed in high tides and low tides, and be resilient with either paradigm. Even being observant to any 'gravitational attraction' is key to spotting opportunities to grow and expand our current business model. Staying the course during changing tides not only teaches us resilience and fortitude, but can position us to be a role model for other budding entrepreneurs too. We are either learning or earning 'they say'. So with this tide analogy in mind, we do well to ask ourselves a few intriguing questions, metaphorically speaking of course;

1. Are we acutely aware of the 'high tides' and 'low tides' in our industry and adapt accordingly?

2. Do we make accommodations and allowances for the opposite gravitational affects?

3. Do we embrace the natural elements in our industry, and the elements that are outside of our control too?

4. Do we enjoy the variety of changing landscapes, and see opportunities to leverage or monetize when possible?

5. Do we have a contingency plan in the event of rising flood waters that may threaten our security and stability?

No doubt some of these questions have revealed a need to make some changes or to pivot accordingly. It's during these times that we need to reach out and get help from a business associate, the local Chamber of Commerce, or a contract service provider like Modern Link Professional Services . Furthermore, n avigating change in the fast paced business world can be daunting, and doing it alone - even worse. According to an article in Forbes about managing change, the key to successful outcomes is often our perception of change itself. As a matter of fact, they say that "success requires failure". Let that sink in.

Modern Link Professional Services is here to help you while you navigate the changing tides in your business. Our team of professionals have varying degrees of experience and expertise, and are standing by to help move your business forward.

We invite you to book a free discovery call to see if our virtual support services can help turn the tides in your favor so that you can stay the course when things change.

" I can't change the direction of the wind,

but I can adjust my sails

to always reach my destination."

Jimmy Dean

Sources: Youtube/ Forbes/Harvard Business Review

The Month of January - A Time of Inspiration

Sun, 16 Jan 2022 19:06:12 GMT

Inspire Your Success in 2022! - The Value of Goal Setting

Few things are more inspiring than the start of a brand new year! Where else can you look backward and forward, comparing old and new, good and bad, success and failure for the sole purpose of your betterment? While the last few years have added a few surprises for all of us, one thing is for certain - setting goals and intentions help to keep your momentum going forward.

The developmental and accumulative affect of reviewing last years goals while simultaneously building current goals can encourage us to reach up and reach out, and to swiftly pivot to any changes that need to be made. One brilliant influencer encourages that we visualize that it's the end of the year - December 2022. This r everse engineering strategy puts hindsight in front of you, so that you can imagine your achievements and challenges, what went well and what didn't before it actually happens. The simple act of visualizing your year can help you focus on successful outcomes and avoid some disappointments.

In previous blogs, we shared goal writing strategies for business application including the SWOT analysis , the PEST model , and SMART goals . so l et's now review goal writing strategies for personal application. No doubt the number one goal most individuals make as a new years resolution is their physical health. And although that is critically important, did you know that according to the W.H.O. the definition of "optimum health and well being" is not just the absence of disease or infirmity, but other elements too? This holistic concept has been expanded on by other experts in the field, but they unanimously agree that the following life dimensions capture the full essence of our being, which deserve some structure and our consideration:

Social: The importance of having a support system comprised of friends, family, neighbors, community, and/or even health care providers is critically important due to the bad affects of isolation, and the good effects that social interaction provides.

Physical: This vast area of health may be different for everyone, but generally staying within your BMI, eating a balanced and nutritious diet, staying hydrated, and having some type of physical activity helps young and old alike.

Intellectual: While this area predominantly refers to the neurological benefits from learning, studying, and keeping your cognitive functions engaged, it can also apply to anything that contributes to your overall mental health. Included in this dimension would be your career aspirations, ability to earn a living, and to develop ones potential to the full.

Emotional : M any may think that this part is not that important, or more feminine in nature, but having healthy emotions, healthy reactions, and meaningful relationships are an integral part of our overall health. These supports come in many forms.

Spiritual: Of course the W.H.O. doesn't recommend any particular denomination but does recognize the importance of having a belief system that provides hope in distressing times, and helps those so inclined to acknowledge something bigger than themselves. It can provide a bigger picture - literally.

It is our intent that this personal goal writing strategy is helpful to you, and ultimately - to your business too. When you bring your best self to work, everyone benefits. Perhaps you could also benefit by reaching out to Modern Link Professional Services and see how we can help your business operations expand, augment, and thrive in the year ahead. Our team of professionals have varying degrees of experience and expertise, and are standing by to help move your business forward. We invite you to book a free discovery call to see if our virtual support services can help turn your personal and business goals into reality!

" Your present circumstances don’t determine where you can go. They merely

determine where you start."

Nido Qubein

Sources: Investopedia/CorporateFinanceInstitute/ Hubspot

Year End Reflections - The Benefits of Looking Back

Sat, 18 Dec 2021 23:18:23 GMT

How will you benefit from lessons learned as you move into 2022?

A memorable speaker once said that although many thought leaders strongly encourage moving forward and focusing on momentum, there are several benefits to be found in looking back. He then went on to use the analogy of driving a car, illustrating how often we look in the rearview mirror, in comparison to how much time we spend looking out the windshield. Obviously we focus more on where we are going, but both tasks are important.

When driving, we only glance in the rearview mirror briefly to ensure we are safe from any danger that is not directly in our line of vision. Of course what we see determines what we do next, and can affect the decisions we make in the moment. However, if we spent too much time looking back, we would inevitably crash, but there are also risks if we don't take a moment to glance in the rearview mirror from time to time. So as we wind down from 2021, how can we look back in a positive and productive way, while also focusing on the year ahead? An article on the Forbes platform suggests asking these penetrating questions to help get you started:

What worked well that I am grateful for?
What was challenging or disappointing?
What were my most meaningful moments?
Where did I fail? What did I learn?
What does success look like for me next year?

According to Harvard Business Review , the practice of reflection (although very common) is not always embraced and is even overlooked by some leaders. An excerpt from this article on reflection states: "At its simplest, reflection is about careful thought...the most useful reflection involves the conscious consideration and analysis of beliefs and actions for the purpose of learning . Reflection gives the brain an opportunity to pause amidst the chaos, untangle and sort through observations and experiences...and create meaning. This meaning becomes learning, which can then inform future mindsets and actions. For leaders, this “meaning making” is crucial to their ongoing growth and development." Other words of wisdom included the advice to start reflecting for 10 minutes to begin with, reaching out to get help, and even finding a "thought partner" to keep you accountable. One such partner could be the brilliant Gabby Bernstein and her podcast on manifesting your desires into reality in 2022!

Perhaps Modern Link could also be one of your partners or service providers. Our team of professionals have varying degrees of experience and expertise and are standing by to help move your business forward into the new year! We invite you to book a free discovery cal l to see if our virtual support services can help with your year end reflections and your success in 2022.

"The way we experience the world around us

is a direct reflection of the world within us"

Gabrielle Bernstein

Sources: HarvardBusinessReview/ForbesContributor/GabbyBernstein

The Gift of Giving

Fri, 10 Dec 2021 02:12:54 GMT

How Can We Help Others?

This time of year tends to bring out the best in everyone, with people being more conscientious of the needs of others. Generosity is seen through acts of kindness, donations, volunteerism, and organizational philanthropy.

More than ever, individuals, families, and some businesses find themselves needing support. Some people struggle to articulate their needs, so we may have to discern how we can help. It would be easy to assume or easier to just donate monetary support, however, learning what is actually needed may help us to customize our gift to match their true need. As giving relates to organizational philanthropy, how can we show the spirit of giving to our customers, suppliers, local organizations and charities? Below are a few ideas on how we can lend a helping hand to those who need it:

Check your local charities & community organizations
Research volunteering opportunities in your area
Monetary contributions, time and energy, sharing resources
Small gifts of appreciation for your staff, clients, vendors
Encourage others to match your contributions

Do you remember the inspiring film 'Pay it Forward' where the random acts of kindness were set in perpetual motion? This was described well in Wikipedia where it said: "Pay it forward is an expression for describing the beneficiary of a good deed repaying the kindness to others instead of to the original benefactor." Not only did it go on to become a global movement managed through the Pay It Forward Foundation , it was eventually hallmarked and became "International Pay it Forward Day." A truly altruistic initiative that continues to this day.

Those who receive gifts do so joyfully, however, it is the giver that receives the greater reward. Perhaps you could encourage your staff to give of their time or start a new initiative, which yields positive outcomes and also the quieter rewards of helping where the need is greatest. Generosity comes in many forms, and gratitude can always be expressed throughout the year by giving generously.

If there is anything we can help you with as we conclude this year and approach the next, please reach out to our team and see if we can help lighten your load. Our team of professionals with varying degrees of experience and expertise are standing by and welcome you to book a free discovery call to see if our virtual support services can help you move your business forward into 2022!

" There is more happiness in giving

then there is in receiving. "

Acts 20:35

Sources: Wikipedia/PayItForwardFoundation/Berkeley

Team Building - Don't Have To Do It All Alone

Fri, 26 Nov 2021 00:31:17 GMT

Understanding the Dynamics of Building Your Team

According to Wikipedia , team building is defined as; "...a collective term for various types of activities used to enhance social relations and define roles within teams, often involving collaborative tasks."

There are three key elements in this definition that is worthy to explore. First of all, it says that it enhances social relations. In a perfect world, it would be great if an immediate effect was enhancement, but sometimes it can take a while for teams to be truly productive. According to psychologist B ruce Tuckman , he said that teams go through 5 stages of development ; forming, storming, norming, performing, and adjourning. Essentially this captures the time period from when the group first meets until the project is completed. Some highlights include:

Forming : Introductions, excitement among team members, enthusiastic to start something new

Storming : The reality & weight of the tasks hits everyone, some personalities may clash, potential for problems

Norming : People notice & appreciate others strengths, contributions are high, and cohesiveness is starting

Performing : Members are confident and motivated, often work unsupervised, and preparing to complete project

Adjourning : The team disbands (often called the mourning stage) because members start feeling a loss

The second element in the definition is; defining roles within teams. Not only is it important to disperse the responsibilities fairly, but also wisely. According to StrengthsFinder, we all have 5 main signature themes and if we work within these innate perimeters, we will likely flourish and our contributions will be of excelling value. According to CliftonStrengths , an assessment of team members in advance can help position them to perform optimally with successful outcomes. It might be worth the effort in the beginning to determine these attributes.

The last element; collaborative tasks, really highlights the value of teams - not doing it on your own . True, it may seem easier to just do it yourself rather than assess team members and delegate accordingly, but the benefits of collaboration are innumerable. These include brainstorming ideas together, hearing other points of view, expanding our perceptions, appreciating other gifts and talents, learning to be observant, patient and

accepting. The end result is usually far superior because of the collaborative effect.

So if your team is ready to hit the ground running on your next big project, then hopefully some of the resources above can help. However, if you need help developing team supports, perhaps you could reach out to our team of professionals with varying degrees of experience and expertise. Why do it alone, when you can get help moving your business forward. We welcome you to book a free discovery call to see if our virtual support services can either help optimize your current team members, or be the team that you just might need!

"If you want to go fast, go alone.

If you want to go far, go together."

African Proverb

Sources: Wikipedia/Toggl/CliftonStrengths

Inspire Your Success - The Power of Visualization

Tue, 09 Nov 2021 23:03:39 GMT

Making Your Vision Your Reality

Do you remember a time when writing your goals down was enough to achieve them? All you had to do was write down what you wanted, put them in order of priority, and just check in monthly to see how you were doing. And while that seemed to be sufficient, more structure and accountability were needed, and thus " Smart Goals " were coined. This mnemonic acronym encouraged us to build structure and give credence to our goals, and thereby held us accountable for the outcomes. The theory was that if all our goals were s pecific, m easurable, a chievable, r ealistic, and t imed, then our chances of success would greatly multiply.

Although not new, the art of visualization emerged to be the biggest factor in realized outcomes or lack thereof. Various references to athletes using visualization techniques and imagining winning the race were not just pop culture or the latest fad but were backed up by scientific proof that the practice actually affected the body in ways that seemed to defy logic. It appeared that the body responded the same way when they were visualizing running the race as it would if they were actually running the race. These findings validated the power of visualization and the power of our thoughts.

Have we ever tried this practice for our business? Have we ever taken the goals off the paper and out of the business plan, and visualized what we really want? There are many examples of those who have done exactly that and within a period of time, things started to align for them. What if you never visualized or meditated before, how would you get started, and what might you need to know? According to the EOC Institute , there are specific areas in the brain that when activated can produce an altered state of awareness. In this optimum state of mind, your visualizations start rewiring your subconscious mind, much like installing a new software program.

While there is a plethora of resources and advice on how to visualize the desired outcome, one thing is consistent - be consistent. This is a practice you should implement daily so that the feelings associated with the outcome are predominant. Then a little-known mechanism called your reticular activating system becomes alerted to opportunities all around you. An organization called Better Up has great advice on what, where, why, when, and how you should visualize. They also emphasize the benefits of having a vision board and little reminders around you so that these ideals are top of mind. According to their research, here are some techniques to get you started:

Write goals down in detail, Imagine how you'll feel, Take action everyday, Expand your knowledge, Rehearse the outcome

Talking your goals over with someone gives you a significant advantage. If you need help turning your goals into reality, we welcome you to book a free discovery call and see if our virtual support servic e can help. Our experienced team and professional affiliates can be a positive influence as you visualize

your way to your desired outcome!

" If you can imagine it and you visualize it you can create it. "

Anonymous

Sources: Wikipedia/EOC Institute/Science Direct/Better Up

Never Give Up! The Staying Power We Need

Fri, 22 Oct 2021 22:14:40 GMT

Success Is Always Possible! Attitude, Mindset, Persistence

Success is always possible! There are so many well-known stories of those who have traversed difficult times and seemingly impossible situations; eventually coming out victorious. What is most notable is that the stories' heroes were rejected several times and could have easily retreated into apathy and defeat. There is a lot to be said then about the value and power of persistence when dealing with challenging circumstances. To stay the course, one needs to cultivate a positive "can do" attitude and maintain a mindset and belief that if you just keep going forward - you can achieve anything you set your mind to.

One such example is that of the infamous Chicken Soup for the Soul books. When the pleasant and most delightful Jack Canfield presented his writing, he was rejected by 144 publishers before one finally agreed to market his book. The Chicken Soup for the Soul collection later went on to become a multi-million dollar franchise! Jack Canfield's take on persistence when dealing with rejection highlights the importance of the right mindset when contending with adversity. He created an intriguing acronym, which can inspire you as a business owner to keep pressing on as you try new things, build and grow your business, or find the right people to help you. The acronym is SWSWSW which stands for "some will - some won't - someone's waiting." What a great reminder! Not everyone will buy into what you are trying to do, but some will. More importantly, someone is waiting - so we need to persevere. Here are a few more examples of SWSWSW in action:

Star Wars:

George Lucas was rejected by two movie studios when trying to promote Star Wars. Had he given up, we wouldn't have Star Wars today, and he wouldn't have sold it to Disney for a whopping 4 billion dollars!

Walt Disney:

Walt was fired from the Kansas City Star as a Cartoonist because "he lacked imagination and had no good ideas." Imagine if he allowed the opinion of a few to smoulder his true potential?

Apple:

Steve Jobs was fired by his own board of directors, but later Apple became one of the world's largest companies.

Starbucks:

Howard Schultz approached 242 investors and was rejected by 217 of them. What if he had given up?

Hopefully, these iconic examples inspire you to keep going and not give up during challenging times. True, it's not always easy, but one thing that can help is the way we view "obstacles". A book entitled " The Obstacle is the Way " by Ryan Holliday sheds light on the advantages of obstacles. Essentially, we either earn or we learn.

If you need help working through some challenges or need to brainstorm a 'Plan B', we welcome you to book a free discovery call to learn about our virtual support services and see how WE can help YOU to forge ahead toward your success!

"It always seems impossible until it's done"

Nelson Mandela

Sources: Jack Canfield YT Video/Amazon-Obstacles is the Way/The Creative Rachael

Pumpkin Spice This! - Value Added Features

Wed, 13 Oct 2021 23:48:08 GMT

The Value of Adding That Little Extra Spice to Your Products & Services

You can smell it in the air...Not only have we entered a new season but we have also officially stepped into "pumpkin-inspired everything season!" Why there was even a sign outside an auto repair shop the other day offering "pumpkin-spiced windshield washer fluid" for sale. You have to admire the humour!

Of course, when you first hear "pumpkin spice" you visualize a warm latte with a sprinkle of autumn on top. But that is just the beginning, as the baked goods, chutneys, and toppings are also laced with this warming seasonal flair. To keep the momentum going; remember; delicious "egg nog season" is just around the corner!

Although we can acquire these spices and adornments any time of the year, they are heavily promoted in the autumn, while creamy spiced egg nog has been classified exclusively as a Christmas holiday beverage. Applying these add-ons, flavour boosts, and extras to your seasonal beverages and treats; makes one think of how you might be able to add that special little extra to your companies products and services. Perhaps there is a certain time of year or annual occasion in your industry where you could create some excitement and anticipation by developing and implementing some value add-ons that make your customers feel special and appreciated like they too had a little "pumpkin spice" after doing business with you.

If you are inspired to try something new (that doesn't pass the cost onto our customers, nor cost you too much either), then this added touch or special effort can be one of those " moments of truth " that are often long remembered past the moment of actual interaction. Here are a few ideas about how to apply this spicy concept to your deserving business.

Selling Products

Could we try a new return policy or bulk incentive?

Could we add a mini-trial product to the main product ordered?

Could we change the packaging, add a logo, or give some swag items away?

Selling Services

Could we add on a service follow-up or feature that doesn't cost too much?

Could we incentivize customers to return to an upgraded level of service?

Could we make our process easier for the customer based on what they want?

Although some of the above suggestions take time to brainstorm, effort implement, and perhaps some additional cost, you can be assured that these little add-ons can come back to reward us in a big way. If you need help spicing things up, why not book a free discovery call and learn about our virtual support services .

"Adding value without subtracting anything,

divided by good intentions equals a residual customer for life!”

- Kimberley Curry

Sources: Investopedia/Wikipedia

Changing Colours - Rebrand & Relaunch?

Sat, 25 Sep 2021 22:55:29 GMT

Navigating a Change of Seasons in Your Business

Ahh, the splendor of autumn. In some parts of the world, we are blessed with this glorious change of season that marks the closing of summer and slowly introduces winter. In addition to the scenic beauty, the harvest bounty is in full swing. Orchards and marketplaces are overflowing with diversity and abundance.

What business season are you entering into? If literally, then you recognize the need to adapt and prepare for the upcoming season. If metaphorically, you may have identified a need to adjust your products or services to effectively align with the changes around you. One thing is assured; change is a constant. More often than not, change is powerfully positive and can result in fresh ideas, new ways of doing things, and may lead your company to re-brand or even relaunch as something completely new. As your business transitions through inevitable changes just like the seasons, getting outside help or objective and sage advice can be extremely helpful and invaluable.

Zappos provides a great example of how a company changed a traditional business model for retailers and exchanged their marketing dollars into initiatives, focused on enhancing their customers' experience. This was done in response to identified needs that required the company to change and adapt to a customer-focused way of doing things. What about your business? Are you adapting to the social-economic landscapes around you? Perhaps you are considering rebranding, relaunching, or even trying something entirely new ? Here are a handful of questions that may inspire some fresh new perspectives, especially if you feel stuck in tired old paradigms:

Is there a product that needs to be enhanced or that needs to be replaced?
Is there a service that could be added to generate more revenue?
Is it time to form a partnership or an alliance with an affiliate in order to expand market share?
Would the company benefit from rebranding or relaunching with a whole new look or new message?
Is now a good time to adapt and pivot to changing circumstances?

While some may claim that you shouldn't fix what isn't broken, others could argue that the status quo is the enemy of success, growth and longevity. Well-worn comfort zones are wrapped in biases spanning many years, adversely affect scores of businesses. While the status-quo may yield familiarity and mediocrity, it most certainly doesn't contribute to growth and innovation, which are key drivers in todays' business world.

If you need help rebranding, relaunching, or revitalizing an existing business, perhaps our virtual support services or virtual affiliates could be just what you are looking for!

"I can't change the direction of the wind, but I can adjust my sails to always reach my destination.”

Jimmy Dean

Sources: IWD Agency/GeneralTechBusiness/Hubspot

A Warm Cuppa Creativity?

Thu, 16 Sep 2021 21:32:57 GMT

The Power Of Creativity in Your Business

Once upon a time not that long ago, there was a group of us in the corporate head office of a large well known international organization. The senior management team pulled a few of us into a boardroom, brought in some coffee and donuts, and then wheeled in a whiteboard to start a meeting.

Perplexed as to what they were doing and why they had chosen us, it soon became clear that they were holding a brainstorming session to help the company improve their operations in all departments. During this session, no idea was considered too small, deemed silly, or outlandish. Every suggestion was welcomed and there were no filters or restrictions allowed. It was just pure creative freedom that turned out to be a lot of fun!

The meeting was such a memorable experience for a number of reasons. First, it was great to be included in this type of brainstorming session, and it showed that the company management understood that good or even great ideas can come from literally anywhere. In addition, the unrestrained free flow of thought gave the group liberty from judgement and criticism. It was fun to hear everyone's ideas and the whiteboard filled up quickly! It was not only an experience that showed the value of brainstorming, teamwork, and collaboration, but it also showed the intrinsic value and potential ROI of creativity in action.

What place does creativity have in your business? How might you use this powerful soft skill to generate new and fresh ideas? Would you host a similar type of brainstorming session? There is much more to creativity than artistic value. In fact, LinkedI n named creative thinking the most in-demand skill nowadays. Other researchers also placed it in the top 3 skills required in running a business (together with critical thinking and problem-solving). Creative thinkers are actually the visionaries that drive a companies' growth and innovation.

According to the World Economic Forum , this skill is increasingly becoming a necessity, not a nicety. So given the rising importance of it, let's be creative and make an acronym that is easy to remember:

C: compile ALL ideas

R: recharge your batteries

E: engage in brainstorming

A: allow free flow of ideas

T: treat every idea with potential

I: imagine ALL possibilities

V: virtually anywhere can be a source of inspiration

E: engage the right people to help you

If you need help getting the creative juices flowing, brainstorming ideas, or expanding your horizons, perhaps our extensive list of virtual support services or virtual affiliates could be just what you are looking for!

"Creativity is intelligence having fun!"

Albert Einstein

Sources: LinkedIn/World Economic Forum

Keep On The Lookout For Opportunities

Thu, 26 Aug 2021 19:46:15 GMT

Exploring Opportunities to Grow, Pivot, and Succeed.

According to the Collins Dictionary, the phrase "keep on the lookout" is defined as; "If you are keeping a lookout for something, or are on the lookout for it, you are alert and careful about it, either because you do not want to miss it or because it will be unpleasant or harmful and you need to avoid it." Naturally, an expression like this is two-fold. First, being on the lookout for good opportunities that you don't want to miss, but also cautionary in that you'd want to avoid anything that could be harmful. Although both viewpoints are relevant and critical to being successful in business, let's focus on the positive aspect of keeping on the "lookout".

O.P.P.S.

Evidently, you can create your own acronym as long as it makes sense - so here goes; OPPS. Just a little inspiration that may yield some big results, but only if you're on the lookout for golden "opportunities."

O: Outside

We are often so busy going about our day-to-day activities, routines, and protocols, that we don't look outside of these paradigms to see what we might be missing. What is our competition doing, what are other companies doing, what could we do to monetize an idea, or capitalize on a local event or happening?

P: Possibilities

We've heard it said that; you don't know unless you ask. So instead of assuming that you can't do something, have you thought of other possibilities ? Great examples of this are Walt Disney and Jack Canfield who were both turned down by several lenders and publishers until ONE of them said Yes! Are there any other options you haven't considered yet? Anyone else you could ask? Anyone who knows of anyone you could ask?

P: Potential

Sometimes we have our blinders on and don't see the potential to expand a product or service, territory or region, a policy or philosophy. Stepping back can help, eliciting help from others can help, but also taking stock of our current assets, intellectual property, and any skill sets we already have at our disposal. This will boost our confidence when venturing into the unknown and developing any existing potential .

S: Serendipity

According to Lexico, the definition of serendipity is "The occurrence and development of events by chance in a happy or beneficial way." There are many explanations for these types of occurrences, but suffice it is to say that where focus goes, energy flows. So if you're putting out good energy, then good things might just come back around. So keep an eye out for serendipitous events because they can strike when you least expect it.

If you need help exploring new opportunities, or refining the ones you know could yield more results, perhaps our extensive list of virtual support services could help. We are just a phone call away!

"Nothing is more expensive than

a missed opportunity"

H. Jackson Brown, Jr .

Sources: Shopify/Forbes

Protection From The Elements

Wed, 18 Aug 2021 20:12:53 GMT

Utilizing the P.E.S.T. Model to Protect Your Business

A well-known framework for analyzing a business is called the SWOT analysis (strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats). In addition to this gold standard of practice, the PEST model is also highly valued for assessing risk and external elements that can have a significant impact on our business. The PEST acronym stands for political, economic, social and technological. Let's see how we can use this model to assess any risks now or in the future.

PEST Model

Political

This critical component focuses on areas such as any new or existing legislation, policies that may affect trade in a particular region, tax implications, employment standards, local or regional events, or any international relations that could also have an influence on our business.

Economic

This component measures the overall vitality of the economy. More specifically though, it helps us to assess the current lending rates, exchange rates, inflation, supply and demand issues, the local GDP, and perhaps relevant activity on the stock markets from a macroeconomic perspective.

Social

This component focuses on any influences based on the psychographics and demographics of our ideal customer. Geographic considerations also play a part in the way of cultural norms where our business operates, the age groups we cater to, and the lifestyle and cultural nuances that define the trading area.

Technological

This component focuses on any technologies that govern the sector we represent. Noteworthy is if there are any notable trends or changes in tech usage, any public or private technological research going on, or government interventions like bans, blocks, or censorship.

So while there is a lot to consider here, it's extremely prudent to review these components and any current or potential threats to our business. If you need help doing such an analysis or have plans to enhance your infrastructure and mitigate any risks, please reach out to our team of virtual affiliates for a helping hand!

"A ship in harbor is safe — but that is not what ships are built for.” John A. Shedd.

Sources: Pest Analysis, Investopedia, Mindtools

www.modernlink.ca, August 2021

What Can We Learn From Gardening?

Sun, 25 Jul 2021 20:58:50 GMT

How Business Development and Gardening are Related.

As it relates to business? Turns out - quite a lot.

First of all, the picture above represents the end results of hard work (if not back-breaking work), sweating under inclement weather conditions, big expenses, and maintenance throughout the growing season. So what does it take to have a flourishing garden? Lets break it down together

and draw the similarities to business development.

*The Basic Steps to a Beautiful Garden*

Plan it Out: begin with the end in mind

What do you Want to Achieve? fruit for food/flowers for esthetics - needs & wants

Establish a Budget: calculate the costs - limit unexpected expenses

Annuals/Perennials or Both? products/services or both?

Starting a business is much like starting a garden. You really do need to begin with the end in mind. What do you visualize , what are your aspirations, what is your budget, what should you include, and why are you doing it in the first place? These core questions really help to get you "grounded".

For those who have been in business for a while, your questions might be different. Questions like; did the plan we had, in the beginning, come to fruition? If not, did we change and pivot the best way we knew how? Did we realize our aspirations, stick to our budget, and diversify along the way? How did we handle the weeds? Did we use organic products or chemical aids to help it grow? Did we read the instructions when applying these products? Did we consider the direction of the sun and position the plants in direct proportion to their individual heat tolerance?

Turns out that gardening is actually a great analogy for business development. Starting with the hard work of rototilling the ground, planting the seeds, watering and weeding along the way, and the best part of all - harvest time...the reward for all your hard work! Until next season of course.

If you need any help "gardening", please reach out to Modern Link Professional Services and see if our team of Virtual Assistants and Affiliates can help you plant a flourishing and rewarding garden!

"A well tended garden is better than

a neglected wood lot”

Dixie Lee Ray

A Tall Cold Glass of Patience.

Mon, 12 Jul 2021 22:35:21 GMT

Give Yourself and Your Business Time to Grow Forward.

Would it seem reasonable to join a gym for a few weeks and expect immediate results, or start a diet and expect to lose a lot of weight immediately? Of course not. And yet sometimes when we try something new in our business like a cutting edge marketing strategy or joining a new business network, we expect immediate results. We may even quickly surmise that it was a waste of time or money before we even give it a chance to yield results.

So might you need a 'tall cold glass of patience' in regards to your efforts and the rewards they should generate? What might that look like in practical terms and how could we gauge if the risks are really worth the rewards?

* Are the Risks Worth the Rewards? *

Do you need to innovate? could lead to new product development

Are you keeping up with the competition? keeps you in the game

What will it cost to try something new? what could it cost if you don't?

What other options are there? laying all the cards on the table

It has been said that some of the greatest successes have emerged from many a failure. There are innumerable real-life examples of those who took risks despite the odds and emerged successful on the other side. Whether it was Walt Disney, Johnathan Livingston Seagull, or Jack Canfield trying to find a publisher for 'Chicken Soup for the Soul', the common thread of persistence and patience, garnered rewarding outcomes - eventually.

As you contemplate your next steps, perhaps you could reach out for help. The Modern Link Professional Service s team of virtual assistants can help you brainstorm ideas, create a plan of action, and get the supports you need to traverse the road ahead. Although "taking risks" can be difficult and even a bit scary, the positive growth, motivation, creativity, and success that you could glean would make your efforts more than worthwhile. W hether it's you or your team forging ahead into the unknown, it's good to remember that all things are possible when a healthy measure of patience and persistence is applied to your endeavors.

“Patience, persistence and perspiration make

an unbeatable combination for success"

Napoleon Hill

Sources: HuffPost/GoodData

Thinking Outside of The Box

Thu, 24 Jun 2021 21:27:36 GMT

Bring Your Fresh, Bright, New Ideas to Life!

While it is true that the status quo and sticking with the ways you have always done things feels safer, is in your comfort zone, and just plain easier - doesn't mean that it's always the best way.

We know that the expression "thinking outside of the box" has been around for many years, but let's break it down. There is a box that has four sides, a lid, and is square. Typically our ideas, thoughts, and processes fit nicely "inside the box" because that is our tradition. But to challenge the status quo or to generate new ideas really does require us to think "outside" of the box, outside of the confines, outside of the traditional four walls, and to take the lid off and allow some fresh air. Let's look at how we can really apply this to growing and optimizing our business, and the benefits we would gain.

* Benefits of Thinking Outside of the Box *

Greater Perspective: expands your horizon and viewpoint

Higher Quality Work: improves your employees' motivation

Creative Problem Solving : allows for more fresh ideas

Helps you Stand Out: differentiates you from your competitors

Being More Adaptable: more easily navigate the changing business landscape

Why not enhance what you do now, or give it a try if this is new to your business? Here are a few ideas to get the juices flowing, to ramp up some ideas, and to put this theory into action:

Have a virtual or in-person meeting for just this sole purpose
Set up a whiteboard and brainstorm ideas from everyone about everything
Form breakout groups or virtual sessions with cross-section departments
Research what your competitors are doing and how you can up your game
Hire a virtual assistant or business affiliate to help you generate and implement ideas

Now more than ever, we need to stand out , and when it comes to investing time and money into growth strategies; what have you got to lose - and what have you got to gain?

Sources: Entrepreneur.com/Quora/Inc.

“ I am prepared to try anything once. ”

Richard Branson

Is Being An Entrepreneur An Option?

Wed, 02 Jun 2021 19:32:21 GMT

Have You Been Dreaming of Starting Your Own Business?

There has been a significant and steady trend towards self-employment in this new pandemic era we find ourselves in. Many companies are encouraging employees to work from home whenever possible, and the shift to many business activities being done online, on Zoom, or on a platform, has created limitless opportunities for new business start-ups literally everywhere.

So, while many still have their jobs and are commuting to their brick-and-mortar establishments, could one consider being an entrepreneur and self-employed instead? What are the benefits, the risks, the rewards? The questions are endless but let's just look at the benefits for now.

Below are a few excerpts from an article in EntrepreneurshipFacts that highlight the benefits of such an undertaking. Like most things in life, there are pros and cons, but given that the world is shifting to being more online, staying more at home, and working remotely, surely this is worth

your consideration.

*10 Benefits of Being an Entrepreneur*

You’re your own boss. Your income potential is unlimited. You choose where and when to work.

You make money by doing something you love. You get to make an impact on people's lives.

You get to be a leader. You get to meet like-minded people. You are constantly growing yourself.

You live life on your own terms. You are fulfilled.

And while there are also challenges like decision making, rulemaking, navigating the unknown, being the visionary, dealing with risk, and dealing with finances, could it be that the benefits outweigh the challenges?

If entrepreneurship is something you might consider, and you want to create something new or refine your current business model to be more in line with what you really want to do, or to create more impact, then our team of virtual assistants can help! Our services are designed to help businesses grow, optimize, pivot, and succeed in today's economy, so why not reach out for a free Discovery Call to see how we could help you do exactly that?

“ Build your own dreams, or someone else will hire you

to build theirs. ” Farrah Gray

Sources: Entrepreneurshipfacts/Inc.com/Entrepreneur.com

What Is Corporate Culture?

Fri, 14 May 2021 20:18:42 GMT

What Goes Into Cultivating a Strong Corporate Culture?

According to the Harvard Business Review , culture is defined as:

“…the tacit or unspoken social order of an organization: It shapes attitudes and behaviors in wide-ranging and durable ways. Cultural norms define what is encouraged, discouraged, accepted, or rejected within a group. When properly aligned with personal values, drives, and needs, culture

can unleash tremendous amounts of energy toward a shared purpose and foster an organization’s capacity to thrive.”

There are a lot of adjectives in the above description, but the word that anchors it all down is – aligned. It is critically important that your people are “aligned” or are congruent with your culture, mission, and vision for your organization.

Researchers at Spencer Stuart have interdependently studied and refined a list of eight cultures over the past two decades and they are caring, purpose, learning, enjoyment, results, authority, safety and order. Naturally, each of these "cultures" has its strengths and weaknesses, but which one predominantly defines your organization? Which one best fits your industry? What is your competition doing or known for? What do customers say when they leave your establishment, or your staff say about working for you? What do your satisfaction surveys reveal or not reveal? All these tell-tale signs - tell a tale.

These are important questions to ask. In fact, "corporate culture” is what makes companies like Google and Disney stand out. They are world-renowned for their HR policies, their customer service, and their unique working environment. Given the importance of having a well-defined culture, do you need help creating one that is in harmony with your vision, or need help stepping back and re-creating a culture that went off track? There is no sense in having a 5-star product with 2-star customer service, or excellent customer service with a substandard product and staff who are not invested or in alignment with your goals.

If you need help with this – why not tap into our services and virtual assistants who can help create a blueprint that will support your vision? Reach out for a free consultation and let’s brainstorm together! In the interim, why not read more about how “culture” affects your ROI and bottom line:

Sources: HBR/Snacknationk

" If you are lucky enough to be someone’s employer, then you have a

moral obligation to make sure people do look forward

to coming to work in the morning." John Mackey

www.modernlink.ca

What Type of Leader Are You?

Tue, 04 May 2021 22:04:30 GMT

What is it that makes you a great leader?

Sam Walton was quoted as saying "Outstanding leaders go out of their way to boost the self-esteem of their personnel. If people believe in themselves, it’s amazing what they can accomplish.”

But what exactly defines a good leader, what is transformational leadership that we often hear about, and why does our leadership style matter? Transformational leaders (as opposed to transactional leaders) encourage those in an organization to identify what is not working and find ways to improve the status quo. They also approach operations with a fresh set of eyes to see the potential that exists, that was perhaps dormant. Then they take an aerial view as opposed to a lateral view allowing for optimization of company resources, team members, and skillsets.

These types of leaders are often called quiet leaders because they lead by example. Because of their innate ability to use rapport and empathy, others buy in more readily and want to improve internal processes, create a more dynamic workplace, and eventually improve the ROI. In summary, transactional leadership is a “telling” style, whereas transformational is a “selling” style.

Many thought leaders agree that human capital is the most important capital of any organization, therefore it is critical that leaders allow their employees autonomy and authority to carry out their work. Too many rules stifle creativity, whereas freedom of expression encourages it. Given that the fundamental aspects of transformational leadership involve inspiring others, mobilizing teams, and improving overall morale, could you enhance or reconsider your leadership style?

Tapping into a resource like Modern Link Professional Services and their virtual affiliates is a great decision. Accessing the collective experience, education, and wisdom of many can put your company miles ahead and make you stand out from the rest! Why not take the quiz below to see how you rate yourself and your leadership style? Then armed with that validation or perhaps some new insights, you can either refine or redesign your leadership style and your organization.

Our professional services are designed specifically to help you grow, pivot. and succeed.

Please reach out to learn more! Take the Quiz!

A Leader is one who knows the way, goes the way,

and shows the way" John C. Maxwell

Sources: STU Online/MyAmerican Nurse/IndustryWeek

Are Customers Always Right?

Fri, 09 Apr 2021 01:43:42 GMT

Well that depends...

One time when attending a conference, the Keynote Speaker said to the audience: “NO the customer isn’t always right!” People gasped and looked around the room as if he just said something illegal. He went on to say that frankly some customers are very demanding, quite unreasonable, and downright impossible to please. However, “ they are right ” because they think they are. Therein lies the truth. If there's a problem, then their expectations were not met, and we need to find out why!

Getting clear on who your main customers are demographically, will help you understand what their needs are and support your marketing efforts. Oftentimes the best way to create quality customer service is to imagine what you would want as a customer yourself. There may be times when you need to address a grievance, this can provide a learning opportunity that serves a two-fold purpose. In this circumstance, you can see how your customers ' expectation and your offering did not synchronize. Additionally, you get a glimpse into your customers perspective – which can broaden your own. While most feedback is well expressed, some would be considered just bantering, so as one brilliant thought leader says; “take what serves you and throw the rest away.”

Did you know that?

76% of consumers look at ‘customer service’ as a test of their value to a brand

97% of consumers say online reviews influence their buying decision…next to personal reviews

The average consumer interacts with customer service 65 times a year…

but the majority of millennials prefer to be able to resolve issues on their own

Consumers spend 66% more on brands they are loyal to

Given that the majority of customers rely on online reviews, perhaps the resource below will help you capture the positive comments and mitigate any negative ones. Our team of virtual assistants can help you develop a customer service culture and tools that can track, review, and help you pivot to meet your customers needs. In the interim, take a look at how Chatmeters' review management tool and dashboard can help. Improving how customers perceive and do business with you, and most importantly return to your business is surely worth any time invested. One study revealed that “83% of customers say loyalty programs make them more likely to keep doing business with you.” Have you considered a loyalty program or other incentives? Our team can help!

Chatmeter Review Management Dashboard

Article Sources: Chatmeter/BizReport

"It takes months to find a customer - seconds to lose one”

Vince Lombardi

Capturing Your Audiences Attention

Fri, 09 Apr 2021 01:12:47 GMT

Standing out from the crowd in your business.

Some think that if they had no competition – it would be better - easier - simpler. While others know the real truth about competition - it keeps you sharp, wards off complacency, stimulates creativity and gets you to think outside of the box.

So how do you capture the attention of your audience in a world that is dominated by others offering similar products or services? Perhaps you have a protected territory or niche, but if you are out there alone and need to differentiate yourself, how do you do that in the best possible way? Getting help from a marketing expert is probably the best option, but if you are on a tight budget or want to do it yourself, then consider the following suggestions:

1. Get clear on WHO your “target audience” is

(age/gender/socio-economic/niche)

2. Determine WHAT you want to say to them

(your specialty/your offer/why you/why now)

3. WHERE can your audience be found?

(online-social media/word of mouth/community)

4. Know your WHY

(people often buy why you do what you do, not just what)

5. WHEN is the best time to approach them?

(seasonal/special event/episodic/residual follow up)

The last step is HOW best to market to them (whether new or residual customers). It's really the implementation stage once the rest has been decided. When looking at your marketing options, look at what your competition is doing as that can shed some light and give you ideas, Get help to design an ad whether for online or printed. Decisions like colors, pictures, videos, even your verbiage are KEY to getting noticed or getting overlooked. Be timely, consistent, and clever with your efforts, then track your response and adjust to the results - in order to gain more interest and engagement .

There is a resource below to get the creative juices flowing, or if our team of virtual assistants and affiliates can be of help while you implement these great ideas - please reach out and let our full circle team support give you time to optimize, grow, pivot and succeed!

Small Business Marketing Strategy

Article Source: blog.hubspot.com

A daisy in a garden fits in; a rose in a desert stands out”

Matshona Dhliwayo

How Important is Marketing?

Wed, 17 Mar 2021 02:51:55 GMT

Well, that depends on whether you want to stand out or not. We have met many business owners who rely solely on word of mouth or on the odd connection they meet at an odd event.

And quite truthfully, that may even suffice - if you don’t want to grow or scale your business that is. However, if you want to expand your market share, take your place at the table, or diversify your offerings, then you will need to “market” your business. The days of “build it and they will come” are gone for the most part. We have become globalized to such an extent, that your potential clients will often find you online before they ever find your brick-and-mortar establishment. Furthermore, they will have likely read company reviews on your business prior to visiting you in person or calling your business directly.

Perhaps you could ask cousin Kelsey or nephew Ethan to help you create a webpage, post a Facebook ad here and there, and get some cheap business cards printed up. But how are you going to differentiate yourself from your competitors? If you are not thinking about them – be sure they are thinking about you. You cannot afford to get left behind or lost in the shuffle. So where do you even begin?

True, marketing is such a vast and dynamic landscape, however, by establishing a strong foundation from which to build your business, you will create a brand that differentiates you from your competition. By taking the time to develop that vision, your values, and your “why”, you will find that you then have the ability and inspiration to create an effective mission and vision statement - which will provide direction for your entire company culture. These thematic elements will affect everything from the colors you choose to the logo you design, from the taglines you write to the business print media and ad campaigns you craft. And all this while you cultivate strong networks and business relationships on your path to inevitable success.

While this long list of considerations can seem overwhelming, there is help! Modern Link Professional Services and our team of virtual assistants are experienced and prepared to help you through these growing pains. The time and effort upfront now will deliver a ROI in the very near future. Worth a conversation?

Should You Do it ALL Yourself?

Wed, 17 Mar 2021 01:42:01 GMT

“Do it Yourself” projects are the big rage at stores like Home Depot and many home renovation companies especially this time of year. But does that same “do it yourself philosophy” apply to business initiatives too? That depends.

Tinkering around in your backyard building a deck or painting a fence is a lot more laidback and carries less responsibilities, than deciding where to best spend your time and energy in your business.

For example, if you are a chiropractor or accountant by trade, should you be spending your time learning marketing on social media, website development and SEO’s, CRM databases, or various apps for your business? Perhaps yes, but what the important question is – should you? If you bill out at say $100 per hour, you need to factor in what it would cost to learn everything you need to know, retain it, keep up on any changes, and then regularly implement that task into your daily and weekly schedule. Quite simply – is it worth it?

Would it be wiser to hire a professional virtual assistant who can do what needs to be done in half the time? Of course, business decisions like this factor in more than just the cost. For example, perhaps client confidentiality, control, your regular input, or other factors are more important, but what could you outsource and what should you do yourself? There are a lot of self-help supports out there like the “Dummies Guide To” and “Wiki-How” which are “free” - but do come at a cost. The real cost is insidious and often hidden until you look back at the time spent, but essentially it's “your time” to learn everything and then to implement it all into your business – regularly.

Perhaps having a frank discussion with an advisor or a virtual assistant business can help you make these types of decisions. They can help do the math on where your time and energy is best spent and what you could possibly outsource. Perhaps Modern Link Professional Services could help you with this preliminary research and decision-making process. As you navigate through the plethora of options and time factors involved, we have one goal in mind - yours. Our mandate is driven by what is in the best interest of your business, your time, and essentially in the end - your bottom line.

Time Management

Fri, 29 Jan 2021 01:20:17 GMT

"Either you run the day or the day runs you." - Jim Rohn

The one resource that we can’t personally add to, but we can control how we spend it.

While there is an abundance of time management advice out there, perhaps there is a tip or two below that you never thought of

or appreciate being reminded about…

#1 Do you have a time management system in place so that you are proactive and not reactive? (MS Outlook/Online/Hard Copy)

*if you don’t - the day will control you

#2 Put the rocks in the jar first-then the sand will fit. Schedule even regular priorities first.

*if you don’t - other things will sneak in

#3 Build in a buffer so that you don’t overpromise and underdeliver.

*things usually take longer than we think

Resource: https://www.mindtools.com/pages/main/newMN_HTE.htm

Success Tips on the Go

Fri, 29 Jan 2021 01:00:06 GMT

"A success mentality teaches not to waste energy on things that you can't change." - Dean Graziosi

A brilliant motivational and influential thought leader of our time encourages three fundamental yet critically important elements to success. He states that without one of these elements, there will be ineffectiveness, delays and frustrations. So why not avoid all of that and take a look and listen to his brilliant advice?

#1 Mindset: whether you’re a sole proprietor or have a small business, having a positive and prosperous construct affects everything you do

*if you don’t think it’s important—check line 150.

#2 Marketing: to stand out from the plethora of platitudes out there, you need to have a plan, a strategy, and get help to implement it regularly

*if you don’t - you’ll quickly get left behind.

#3 Momentum: consistent efforts generate consistent results, so regular initiatives and pivoting to any changes keep the momentum going

*if you don’t have this talent—we can help!

Resource: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-dean-graziosi-show/id1085301578

Marketing On a Budget

Thu, 28 Jan 2021 17:48:38 GMT

"Without strategy content is just stuff and the world has enough stuff." @Arjunbas

The days of “build and they will come” has slowly become a cliché because while the premise is true in some industries, for the vast majority, a consistent and effective marketing plan is needed, even critical in order to survive in this global competitive marketplace. But what if we need to, but cant afford much?

#1 Get help! Talking to others about what they do can generate ideas and help you get
started or improve what isn't getting results. * if you don’t - your competition will.

#2 Find all available free resources like some social media platforms, local papers, online municipal sites, chambers, networks, govt.

*if you don’t - you may spend needlessly and miss out on some potential audiences.

#3 If your going to make the effort in finding where to market your business, might as well make sure its as effective as possible

*if you don’t have this talent—outsource it!

Resource: https://www.entrepreneur.com/article/247299