Seven Keys To Get Out Of A Rut

Rut -- a routine procedure, situation, or way of life that has become uninteresting and tiresome... And not surprisingly, unprofitable.

They say a rut is a shallow grave with two open ends. The good news (good news?!) is that the ends ARE still open, which means if you act fast, you just might out of it. How do we get into these ruts anyway? Who would voluntarily lie down in that grave, shallow or otherwise?

Dr. Edward Debono suggests that thoughts are pathways literally "etched" in our brain as electrical connections that get strengthened each time we think them -- thus limiting our mental options. Just like cow paths. It all begins when one of the cows wanders home from the field along a new path. Being cows, others naturally follow, nicely beating down the grass. The next evening our intrepid cow is a bit less bold, and follows her own freshly trampled path, fellow cows in lockstep behind her. And so on, night after night, widening the path into a footpath, which over time becomes hardened into a dirt road.

More time passes and the road is paved into a street, then an avenue, a two-lane highway, and ultimately an interstate. By the time you come roaring up the onramp in your shiny SUV, your direction is all mapped out in front of you. There's no way to turn, and no where to go but towards the next exit.

If you want to chart a fresh direction you are going to have to grab the steering wheel and give it a hard, gut-wrenching yank to the right. And so it is with your thoughts and actions. Repeating them a few times all but insures you will comfortably repeat them indefinitely unless you take deliberate - possibly disruptive -- action to do otherwise.

Here are 7 rut busters I use with my business coaching clients that you can apply immediately to get yourself and your business out of a rut.

1. Shift your mindset from self to customer. Most business people think of themselves first. They craft product and service offers from their own perspective and consider themselves the beneficiaries of their actions.

While that's not wrong, to get out of your rut do this: put yourself into the mind of your customer. Who are these people anyway? What are they concerned about? What are they trying to accomplish?

If you were your customer, what would you think of that new product, marketing campaign, or mail piece? Are you selling your wonderful "stuff", or are you providing them tangible, meaningful benefits. Ask, "If I were the customer, would I care?" And if not, consider, "What WOULD I get excited about?"

2. Shift your mindset from customer to client. A customer is someone who buys your goods or services. The original meaning of client is entirely different: someone who is under your care and protection.

Now that's a switch, isn't it? If they're customers, your goal is to get them to buy something. But if you were to think of them as under your care - would you approach your business from another angle? How would you take care of them? How would you "protect" them? What new programs would you want to implement immediately?

3. Revisit your vision. Whenever I feel like I'm in a rut I return to my vision and I do 2 things. First, I make sure it still inspires me and that it is pointing me in the direction I want to go. Once sure, I put pen to paper and rewrite it. Not just once, but over and over. And I keep writing until I can't write it anymore because I'm jumping up and down with a new idea I must do something about right away.

4. Conduct a Survey If you don't know what to do next, ask your clients. (They are clients, aren't they?) Conduct a survey about anything that interests you. Ask them what's bothering them. Ask them what they're stuck on. Ask them what they like about your company and what they'd like you to do next. Ask them about new features, or new products, or new services.

If you're not happy with your current customers, conduct a survey among the kind of people you'd like to have as customers. And, if you can't do that, conduct a survey online. Write an attractive search engine ad, promise something of value, and drive people to a survey page. Ask them anything you like - the answers will almost always provide you with a neat mind-shift.

5. Focus on building your strengths and dump your weaknesses. From the time we are little children we are taught to better ourselves by working on our weaknesses. This is often both frustrating and fruitless, and certainly not as much fun as practicing our strengths.

Try this on: What if you focused 100 percent of your energy on being world-class in those few things at which you are already very good, and out-tasked or outsourced those things at which you were mediocre. Imagine if you never had to face any of those things again and could spend all your time doing the good stuff. Would that change the way you felt about your business? Would that bust you out of your rut?

6. Not if, but how. Think of that wild and crazy idea you had recently. The one where you said to yourself, "That would be great, but there's just no way." Well, I know there's no way - you just said so -- but if there was a way, what would it be? Answer that question as if you believed it was possible - probable even -- and then get busy making it real. That's power, you know -- turning your vision into reality. Talk about a breakthrough!

7. What are you willing to sacrifice? Some important things are more important than other important things, and trying to keep all those plates spinning in the air saps your vigor for the ones that truly matter. Dissipated energy - lethargy -- is one of the reasons we lie down in that rut in the first place, and dropping a few of those plates can really help things break loose.

So let go. Make the sacrifice. Clear your plate and give up some of those precious things you've been holding on to. Focus your vitality on plans which will really rock your world. Ruts? Who needs 'em.

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Seven Must Have Features of Contract Management Software

Contract Management Software allows you to manage contracts, automate contract management and much more. However, the details involved within the varying contract management software solutions can become confusing. This article is dedicated to providing seven solid features you can and should expect before you spend any dime.

Here is a list of features we will examine in this article:

1. Contract Endorsement
2. Contract Creation
3. Contract Storage
4. Contract Management
5. Contract Examination
6. Contract Negotiation
7. Contract Payment Services

Although there are many other features in contract management software solutions, this article is only intended to provide an overview for any one considering purchasing this type of software. This article will also allow any individual interested in learning more about contract management software to get a good idea of what to contract management software is. I really hope this helps you out!

Let抯 get to it.

Contract Management

Contract management is the managing of all aspects and phases of any and all contractual agreements including the creation of certified, professional contracts that meet legal directives, supply categorization and systematization in contracts, etc. Contract management software facilitates management and the automation of tracking and reporting of contract processes.


Contract Creation

Contract creation involves the drafting of contracts from idea and discussion to completion Contract management software will allow the user to automate this process into legal/binding agreements and contract modifications in the form of amendments if necessary.

This is important! Having the wrong contract management software may cause you unnecessary stress due to legal problems with improperly outlined contracts. The reason it may be necessary to have contract management software is that it often will have templates and proper wording in order to assure that the agreement is clearly documented and explained.

Contract Storage

Contract storage is pretty self explanatory. The user can collect, gather, and store all contracts in one system. Contract management software provides the system to save contracts for proper record keeping.

Having a storage system for your contracts with customers allows electronic copies of agreements made, modifications, amendments, etc. to be kept securely in one place. This prevents common accidental spills, loss, and damage to hard copy contracts.

Contract Payment Services

Contract payment services involve the negotiation of payment terms, establishing of compensation methods, and payment tracking from contract initiation to conclusion of payment. Contract management software supports uninterrupted services around the implementation of expenditures owed to partners throughout the life of the contract.

Having one place to discuss and document all payment negations is invaluable. In the event of legal ramifications or discrepancies in contract negotiations, both you and your customer can use contract management software to automate and document all financial compensation methods.

Contract Negotiation

Contract negotiation entails authentication completion, evaluation and establishing of payments due according to the specifics in the negotiation for each party. Contract management software will allow the user to authorize and authenticate chargeback claims for each contract partner.

As mentioned above, with contract management software the entire negotiation process can be done in one system. This ensures that all parties involved with the contractual agreement have clearly documented claims stated in the proper format.

Contract Endorsement

Contract endorsement involves scheduled approvals based on changes made and milestones reached in contract negotiations. Often these contracts are online allowing both parties to evaluate objective goals and submit approval.

At any point in the negotiation process or amendment of prior agreements, contract management software will allow each party to approve or deny any part of the contractual goals of the other partner. This is important because nothing can be finalized in the contract without prior approval from both parties.

Contract Examination

Contract examination entails the analysis and investigation of the varying contract-based relationships over the history of the contract. Contract management software allows the detailed scrutiny of the contractual agreements, financial analysis, and quality of contract implementation strategies for each customer according to individual demographics.

Knowing what implementation strategies were effective and which ones were ineffective allows for optimization of future strategies. In plain English, this means that knowing what worked and what didn抰 helps you do what worked more. If you don抰 evaluate your processes, you may be in danger of repeating poor business practices and losing money.

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For more information on contract management software or other types of management software, visit Management Software Review (http://managementsoftwarereview.org). Your SOURCE for management software info.

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Seven Secrets to Buying a Franchise

There are great benefits to owning a franchise. You often can sell goods and services that have instant name recognition and can obtain training and ongoing support to help you succeed.

But be cautious before you sign on the dotted line.

1. Know How Much You Can Invest - A franchisor may tell you how much you can afford to invest or that you can't afford to pass up this opportunity. Before beginning to explore investment options, consider the amount you feel comfortable investing and the maximum amount you can afford.

2. Know What Type of Business is Right for You - A franchisor may attempt to convince you that an opportunity is perfect for you. Only you can make that determination. Consider the industry
that interests you before selecting a specific franchise system. Ask yourself the following questions: Have I considered working in that industry before? Can I see myself engaged in that line of work for the next twenty years?

3. Realistically Evaluate Your Own Background and Skills - If the industry does not appeal to you or you are not suited to work in that industry, do not allow a franchisor to convince you otherwise. Spend your time focusing on those industries that offer a more realistic opportunity.

4. Take the Time to Comparison Shop ?Talk to or visit several franchisors engaged in the type of industry that appeals to you. Get answers to the following questions:
?How long has the franchisor been in business?
?How many franchised outlets currently exist?
?Where are they located?
?How much is the initial franchise fee and any additional start-up costs?
?Are there any continuing royalty payments?
?How much?
?What management, technical, and ongoing assistance does the franchisor offer?
?What controls does the franchisor impose?

5. Get Substantiation for Any Earnings Representations ?Some franchisors may tell you how much you can earn if you invest in their franchise system or how current franchisees in their system are performing. Be careful. The FTC requires that franchisors who make such claims provide you with written substantiation. Make sure you ask for and obtain written substantiation for any income projections, or income or profit claims. If the franchisor does not have the required substantiation, or refuses to provide it to you, consider its claims to be suspect.

6. Avoid High Pressure Sales Tactics ?You may be told that the franchisor's offering is limited, that there is only one territory left, or that this is a one-time reduced franchise sales price. Do not feel pressured to make any commitment. Legitimate franchisors expect you to comparison shop and to investigate their offering. A good deal today should be available tomorrow.

7. Study the Franchisor's Offering ?Do not sign any contract or make any payment until you have the opportunity to investigate the franchisor's offering thoroughly. The FTC's Franchise Rule requires the franchisor to provide you with a disclosure document containing important information about the franchise system. Study the disclosure document. Take time to speak with current and former franchisees about their experiences. Because investing in a franchise can entail a significant investment, you should have an attorney review the disclosure document and franchise contract and have an accountant review the company's financial disclosures.

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Seven Reasons Organizational Culture Matters

We spend 40 . . . or 45 . . . or 50 . . . or more hours at work each week. Many of us spend more time with those we work with than we do our families. For us to be content and fulfilled people, that time must be valuable for more than a dollar. . .

We want to be engaged in our work. We yearn for work that is enjoyable, meaningful and engaging. When we are engaged we are safer on the job, more productive and more willing and able to delight Customers.

It is for these basic reasons that organizational culture matters. It is the right thing for an organization to do - to think about the work environment, working relationships and 揾ow we do things here.?
Focusing on building and sustaining an organizational culture is one way of showing that people are the organization抯 most valuable asset.

There are of course many other bottom line business reasons to focus on and build organizational culture. Here are seven of those reasons.

A strong culture is a talent-attractor. Your organizational culture is part of the package that prospective employees look at when assessing your organization. Gone are the days of selecting the person you want from a large eager pool. The talent market is tighter and those looking for a new organization are more selective than ever. The best people want more than a salary and good benefits. They want an environment they can enjoy and succeed in.

A strong culture is talent-retainer. How likely are people to stay if they have other options and don抰 love where they are? Your organizational culture is a key component of a person抯 desire to stay.

A strong culture engages people. People want to be engaged in their work. According to a Gallup survey at least 22 million American workers are extremely negative or 揳ctively disengaged??this loss of productivity is estimated to be worth between $250-$300 Billion annually. Your culture can engage people. Engagement creates greater productivity, which can impact profitability. Need I say more?

A strong culture creates energy and momentum. Build a culture that is vibrant and allows people to be valued and express themselves and you will create a very real energy. That positive energy will permeate the organization and create a new momentum for success. Energy is contagious and will build on itself, reinforcing the culture and the attractiveness of the organization.

A strong culture changes the view of 搘ork.?/b> Most people have a negative connotation of the word work. Work equals drudgery, 9-5, 搕he salt mine.? When you create a culture that is attractive, people抯 view of 揼oing to work?will change. Would you rather see work as drudgery or a joy? Which do you think your employees would prefer? Which will lead to the best results?

A strong culture creates greater synergy. A strong culture brings people together. When people have the opportunity to (and are expected to) communicate and get to know each other better, they will find new connections. These connections will lead to new ideas and greater productivity - in other words, you will be creating synergy. Literally, 1 + 1 + right culture = more than 10. How is that for leverage?

A strong culture makes everyone more successful. Any one of the other six reasons should be reason enough to focus on organizational culture. But the bottom line is that an investment of time, talent and focus on organizational culture will give you all of the above benefits. Not only is creating a better culture a good thing to do for the human capital in the business, it makes good business sense too.

Hopefully this article has helped you see that time spent enhancing your organizational culture will be time wisely invested. Regardless of your current culture, it is never too late to enhance it and to begin creating the benefits described above.

What are you waiting for?

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Seven Ways to Enhance Organizational Culture

As a young employee I was transferred to work in an office tower in downtown San Francisco. I wasn抰 the only person to arrive in this new office space ?the group had changed significantly due to reorganization and many of us were working together for the first time.

My boss, the Marketing Manager, asked me to help him with some unusual projects. First, I organized an ugly tie contest. Next, we created a puzzle where everyone told me their fantasy identity (who they would be if they could be anyone) and I created a quiz. People had several days to try to figure out who was who. This culminated in a party and the revealing of all the secret identities (and prizes for those who had done the best guessing).

Along with many other events, we eventually instituted the first casual Friday in this company (hey, this was 1987).

At the time I knew what was happening and why it was important to the development of the culture in this organization. But I didn抰 understand it the way I do now. . .

For a whole variety of reasons, organizational culture is important to the health or viability of any organization.

It is one thing to know something is important. It is another thing entirely to know what to do about it. This article will give you some specific things you can do to act on the importance of your organizational culture.

Get help. Wherever you sit in the organizational structure or hierarchy you can impact organizational culture in a positive (or negative ?but why would you want to do that?) way. Admittedly, if you are in a position of leadership, it might be easier, but we can all have an impact. But we can抰 do it alone. Form a team of like minded, interested and enthusiastic people, and get them on board with developing and enhancing your culture.

Get a vision. Get your team to discuss the current culture. Define the parts of the culture that are already great and need to be supported. And honestly determine where the culture could use some polishing. Then create a vision of the culture you want to create, taking into account the entire current picture 杢he warts and the beauty marks.

Get strategic. Your team will recognize that this is important ?you抳e picked people who already understand that and you have developed a deeper understanding as you created a vision of a desired future culture. Help everyone understand - the team and organizational leadership ?that this isn抰 a band-aid, quick fix; but an ongoing, strategic intention to build a more attractive culture that fits the needs of the organization.

Get people excited. Chances are your culture team will be excited. If not, get them excited! Help the team recognize that not everyone else in the organization is going to think that these efforts are worthwhile immediately. Remember that enthusiasm is contagious. Do what you can to keep the enthusiasm of your team high. If their excitement falters, remind them of the vision they created to re-invigorate them.

Get a champion. That person may be you, or it may be someone else on the team. In my case, I took on an alter ego of the 損hun phantom.? While a moniker might not be necessary, a point person, whether anonymous or not, is important. Culture change is like any other change ?it requires champions. The champion needs to be someone who is passionate about creating the new culture. As in my case, this might be a perfect role for a young energetic person, but don抰 assign the role. The best champions will rise up and 搒elect?themselves.

Get started. Yes, I have listed the first five suggestions in a chronological order. But that doesn抰 mean you can抰 so something today, as soon as you finish reading this article or right now. You already know some things that need to change in your culture, so role model one of them starting immediately. Maybe your first step is to invite a couple people to lunch that you think might want to be on your team. Whatever your first step is ?do it.

Get momentum on your side. Any change will have a greater chance of success with momentum. Don抰 form your team today if you don抰 think you抣l be able to get them going quickly. Don抰 think of this something that can be done in a couple of weeks. A single event that you hope will permanently change the culture - won抰. In fact, it might have the opposite effect entirely. Get started but be committed to building momentum and staying with it. It will be one of the most rewarding efforts you and your team will ever engage in.

I haven抰 given you specific cultural events to try. Why? Because I don抰 know what kind of changes you want to create. In my case we were trying to create higher levels of camaraderie and more fun in the workplace. You may have that and may want to enhance your culture in completely different ways. You and your team will figure out what to do. This list is meant to help you figure those things out for yourselves.

These seven things are by no means a complete list ?but they are a great place to start. And getting started is the most important next step of all.

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Seven Simple Steps To Planning The Perfect Conference

It抯 that time of year again and your organization is getting ready for its next big conference, and it feels slightly overwhelming. You may even feel in your heart everything that could go wrong. Perhaps, its time to take the guessing out of planning and begin to take care of what you can control when planning your next conference.

Streamline

First step always is to streamline your tasks; make sure to create a plan before you begin the event coordination. It is imperative to make sure you know the direction you are going before you start. Make a list prioritizing from beginning to end; from finding the right speakers to developing the right promotional plan that meets your organizations vision.

Know your Target Audience

Second, evaluate your organization and the people you are trying to reach for your conference. Prepare the right topics with the right speakers, to ensure you are connecting with the right audience. A communication抯 plan is essential for everyone involved so you can put the focus of the conference back to the direction of its people.

Promote Early

Third, get the word out early, and give people something to talk an about, if you start late than don抰 expect large numbers. The more hype you build through word of mouth the better direction you have to bring in large numbers.

Booking the Right Conference Center

Fourth, the right conference center is imperative in ensuring your events success, and everything from the layout of the room to the location of the bathroom should be checked before entering into a contractual agreement. It is vital that you meet the needs of the organization and the people attending, if they are uncomfortable throughout the day than it creates a negative impact on your conference抯 perspective and outcome.

Location

Fourth, if you are bringing in out of Towner抯 then location is key for everyone, make sure it抯 in happening spot, at the right time of year. Ensuring this will meet the needs of everyone involved and draw more attraction the big day.

Plan B

Fifth, be prepared for the inevitable as you sometimes never know what will happen. A speaker may drop out last minute or perhaps there maybe a mix up with the catering. It抯 not a problem if you have back up speakers in mind, and remember not everything is in your control.

Relax and Enjoy Yourself

Getting ready for the conference can be a huge stressful task but if you do it right; it can be a lot of fun. Remember, to enjoy yourself, while planning, and promoting the more excited the coordinator is the more apt people will come. Do it with a smile on your face to let everyone know this will be the best event, yet!

Get a head start, get organized, and get ready to host the best conference in your area. If you can follow these six simple steps than you are ready for instant success. Event coordination can sometimes be overwhelming but if you plan early it will be an instant success

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