Food For Thought

Overcoming the Fear of Change

Being open to change and learning to embrace it.
Change/Defeat the Fear

Change is inevitable, but not everyone handles it the same.

Let's look at this from a professional/business perspective.

Change is everywhere and happens frequently, whether it's systems, processes, new leaders, etc.

In one of my prior roles in corporate, I was chosen to be one of the "change leaders" for an entire system upgrade so please know, I speak (well, write) from experience.

The sooner one is willing to be more open to change, the better their overall work environment and experience will be.

Is the fear of change coming from lack of understanding or knowledge? Most likely.

For example, I can bet the implementation of a change is a result of making improvements or simply a necessity.

Changing something that is working is not a highly effective business decision.

Next time you're faced with a work-related change, try using the following approaches:

1. Acceptance is the first step in changing how change is handled.

Remember that ever so popular quote "Focus on what we can control"?

Example reaction: "Ok, this is happening. How can I make this smoother for myself (or others even)?

Let's look at the alternative of resisting it.

More likely than not, resistance will only result in unnecessary stress and/or grief and surely, we don't want that.

Remember this next time a change arises and choose to pick what, in the end positively impacts your work environment.

It's basically picking our battles.

2. Understand the benefits. This can make a world of a difference in how we face and handle it.

Proactively educate yourself about the "new change".

By no means am I implying all changes were appropriate or the best decision. That's a topic for another discussion.

3. Shift your Mindset. No, it is not going to be easy, but practice makes perfect (or at the very least, better).

Begin to think more positively not just on change, but in general.

Find something that is going to be better about the change.

Find something about the change that is going to make your job easier.

4. Be engaged by asking questions and providing feedback in a positive manner.

Asking questions is powerful.

It can increase knowledge, which alone will positively impact your prospective.

If not all, most businesses (I hope anyway) have adopted the employee feedback/suggestions philosophy as an essential contributor to the overall success of the company.

Here's to getting one step closer to opening up to change and ultimately embracing it. Who knows, maybe you'll be the next change leader.

Strategic Thinking

Learn to think in a new way on a whole new level.
Thought process/Develop thinking abilities

We've all heard the terminology "big picture thinking" and some might be tired of hearing it.

Stick with me here if that is you, as this thinking process is actually more in line with effective problem solving or a leaner process if you will.

There are many benefits to developing this new thought process.

Are you familiar with the "one touch" approach or "once and done"?

If not, this is definitely worth the read. 👍

Let's consider a situation.

You're faced with needing to make a decision...an important one, not just what's for lunch.😜

You might make a pros and cons list comparing different components such as price, value, warranty, etc.

Some may make their decision from this analysis feeling as though it was an "informed" decision.

It very well might be, or later on realize minor nuances like the impact A had to B or possibly even regret the choice made.

That's where thinking strategically comes in.

For example, start thinking "then what?"

As in, "If I choose to go with A, then what could happen?"

This will spark brainstorming different scenarios that may be possible.

This type of thinking can help to avoid a major problem down the road, save from spending more than planned, and so on.

I like to call this "looking ahead to what's next".

What about a customer service scenario to touch on the one touch approach?

Example: Customer calls or stops in for a product or service.

It's been confirmed from prior purchases that:

a. they need to know important details

b. it requires something more

c. they will have the following questions after purchase

d. anything that is expected to be needed, questioned or come up post purchase

Address it right then and there, i.e., One Touch or Once and Done

It's taking that little bit of extra time and/or effort the first time to make a larger scale impact later that benefits you, other employees, the customer, or the business.

Don't forget to also look back.

Does action C have any impact to actions B and A and what should next steps be?

It's a win-win.

In the customer scenario, they receive excellent service, maybe even time saved and the business reduces waste by saving extra time and effort eliminating the need to service that one customer for that one thing more than once.

Of course this thought process does not 100% guarantee there won't be something needed in the future.

No matter what, there's bound to be something unexpected come up.

When it does, evaluate the need to update the initial process or maybe it doesn't make sense to.

Think 2 steps ahead and behind, maybe more at times especially when problem solving.

Whether this helps to avoid the wrong decision, reduce nuances, or better prepare you for next time you'll feel equipped and able to handle your work, tackle problems, make more informed decisions, etc. more than you ever did before.

Time to go out there and think strategically.

Researched Marketing Strategies with highest ROI...

Are you missing out on this profitable marketing strategy?
ROI/Highest Return

Everyone offering a product or service needs a marketing strategy. Right?

But what is the best strategy?

Who guessed Social Media Marketing?

Or what about Content Marketing?

If you did, you’re not right or wrong…yet.

It actually depends on how you are using those strategies.

As well as how a particular business defines success and therefore there is no right or wrong.

However, if we’re talking ROI (return on investment), then those strategies are not the best (exception coming below).

As we know, followers do not equal success nor do likes and comments (unless all who engage are customers, then maybe it does).

So, when it comes to ROI, social media and/or content marketing are not actually the best, unless (this is the exception)…

You are using a marketing funnel or some other method to build your contact list.

Here’s a few statistics.

The ROI for Email Marketing is approximately $40 for every $1 spent.

Automating emails is said to generate 320% more revenue than non-automated emails.

If you’re not building an email contact list, it is definitely worth considering.

P.S. If this was helpful, be sure to follow on social for more or get connected at staciedecristoforo.com/connect-with-me.

Don't miss out on opportunities...

Do we know our full potential?
Know Yourself / Raising the Bar

Just a thought I've had about myself and sharing in case it can help others.

Whether it’s personal or work related, how can anyone truly know until action is taken?

If you've ever felt like you know in your core you can make a bigger impact, do something more meaningful or add more value...what did you do about it?

Think "growth" and take action (see 'Mindset' from Jan 22 below.)

Raising the bar for ourselves to further develop our strengths, along with focusing on improving our own areas of opportunity is key.

This will require stepping outside our comfort zones.

Set a goal and go after it!

You never know until you try.

“I can’t” very well may become “I did it!”

Speaking from experience, what might seem impossible simply needs courage, time, and attention, as well as the dedication to soak up the necessary knowledge.

P.S. Don't rely on others (as in who you report to for starters) to help you reach your full potential. We are all responsible for getting ourselves there.situations.

How you handle an upset customer can make or break the relationship...

It is impossible to please everyone.
Equip Yourself with Skills/ Be a Pro

It’s inevitable. Really.

Being in business means having to address problems, issues, complaints, etc.

Regardless of how much we intend to do right by the customer, it’s unlikely to satisfy each and every one.

From years of experience handling Better Business Bureau complaints for a Fortune 500 company, here’s a few suggestions to handling negative feedback professionally.

Tips:

1. Acknowledge the concern and show understanding. Ex: “I can appreciate how you feel/why you feel…”

2. Thank them for sharing their experience. Ex: “Thank you for bringing this to my/our attention.”

3. Listen. Hear them out. Whether in conversation or in writing, consider what *they experienced* regardless of what was intended on your end.

4. Resolution or Educating

A. Can you make things right or better?

B. No resolution needed: •Educate and explain so they understand what to expect going forward.

• Share your plans/next steps to prevent the same concern in the future if applicable of course.

Implement these techniques the next time an unsatisfied customer or client expresses concern.

Keep practicing and you'll soon feel like a pro.

Plus, clients and customers will view you as the professional you are!

If you found this helpful, please click the like button below to share on Facebook. :)

Doing so can help to easily locate it when needing to reference later.

Messaging makes or breaks it...

Are you focusing on this in your content messaging?
Online Marketing / Standing Out

What’s the number one thing marketers need to focus on to overcome the vast amount of online competition?

Ask yourself…

“How am I different from my competitors?”

“What makes me unique?”

“Why should customers choose me?”

Uniqueness

The answers to the above need to be highlighted in the marketing messages (posts, ads, emails, website, etc.)

For those who do not handle their own marketing, be sure to share these answers with the appropriate person/agency so it can be incorporated into the messaging, if not already included.

P.S. Are we connected? If not and this helped in any way, be sure to follow on social for more.

It's never too late to make the transition...

Which one are you?
Mindset /Fixed or Growth?

Did you know studies show a growth mindset can be essential for success according to Stanford University psychologist Carol S. Dweck?

2 types of Mindset ~

Fixed or Growth…

Making the shift to growth unlocks opportunities for achieving

goals = success!

Example:

Fixed

”I will never be able to learn xyz”

Growth

"I know I can improve my skills”.

Tips to start the transformation:

• Instead of viewing weaknesses as a challenge, see them as opportunities to further develop.
• Meaningful self reflection is key to identify one's areas of opportunity.
• Start to view *not yet learned tasks and skills with an open mind...use the word "yet" when it comes to unfamiliar situations.

Take control of the overwhelm...

How to tackle the overwhelm.
Marketing Strategies / Overwhelm

Just a few thoughts on this…

Here’s what I find helps me to move past the overwhelm.

The “why” technique. Ever hear of the 5 whys?

Use this method to help pinpoint what is driving the feeling of overwhelm, I.e., the root cause.

What is your current mindset?

Is there an opportunity to change your thought process?

Instead of, “I can’t” or “I’ll never be able to…”, go back to your reason for starting (your why) to help shift your mindset.

• Prioritize the reason for the overwhelm (root cause). Be proactive.

• Focus on what is needed to help move forward, such as additional training, resources, or simply tackling smaller sections at a time.

• Take a break. Step away to allow your mind to clear, then go back to it and start fresh.

Hope this helps.