The Power of Optimism..

A pessimist sees the difficulty in every opportunity; an optimist sees the opportunity in every difficulty. -- Winston Churchill

I like to send quotes like this out to the people in my life on a regular basis. I believe that we need to look to quotes like this one, and others from the great minds of our time. I see them as a sort of road map. They've thought about this stuff well before us, and they are giving us a shortcut on our road of life.

So, I am sending this quote out to our readers this morning. If you watch the news, or the Dow, it can certainly seem like the end of days. Not much to smile about these days, especially if you have a lot riding on the stock market.

But, the reality is, the future for you and for your business is what you decide. You make the choice to make this work or not. You can decide to be immobilized by the F.E.A.R. ( Fearful Emotions Appearing Real), or you can get up and declare to the world, "I will not fail".

That does not mean that you are unrealistic in your approach. It means this. You've received a big bag of lemons. You make a choice to make a bigger batch of lemonade.

Take some time to look at your operation in this current economy. Look away from the difficulties. Look towards the new opportunities that have presented themselves to you.

Here at Engine, the team is waiting to help you.

The Power of Perspective....

I've been thinking a little about perspective these days. According to Dictionary.com, the word itself can be defined as:

a. the state of one's ideas, the facts known to one, etc., in having a meaningful interrelationship: i.e, "You have to live here a few years to see local conditions in perspective. "
OR
b. the faculty of seeing all the relevant data in a meaningful relationship: i.e. "Your data is admirably detailed but it lacks perspective. "

I could tell you some wonderful stories about my early management days where perspective did not play a big part in my management style. Looking at situations from the perspective of others, or from a different angle was often not considered, which made my job a little less pleasant, for me and for the people I managed. I could also give you some wonderful examples of times in my personal life where I considered accurate perspective on a situation to be whatever I was thinking. I will not go into that detail, as this is our blog and not my diary.

The reason I bring all of this up? I recently had an opportunity to consider the perspective of someone who, from this angle, is not that pleasant.

In life and business, the best decisions are not made in a vacuum. It takes the perspective and understanding of many to have a truly rounded discussion. Whether this be about politics, business issues, or family disagreements. As long as two parties enter into a discussion believing they are 100% right, there will never be a resolution.

Take some time to understand a life lesson that everyone should learn. Life is not Black and White. Sometimes, it is a hundred shades of grey. Sometimes, you have to walk a mile ( or kilometer) in that other person's shoes before you pass judgement. You are looking at things from a completely different angle. Maybe you are not seeing everything that they see, and vice versa.

Some of the best business decisions I've made in my career were a result of listening to those who had opinions that did not fit in with my agenda. Some of the best times I've had with my family have been the result of a conscious choice to accept our differences, in opinion, in lifestyle and to simply love each other. Some of the biggest defining moments in politics, when examined closely, have been bi-partisan or non partisan.

So, today, take some time to consider the power of perspective. Make peace with the fact that you do not have it all figured out. Understand the true power in life is not being righteous. The true power is seeing and understanding all those shades of grey.

Is the Current Flux in the Economy Good News?

Going with the current theme of many household and business conversations these days, I wanted to talk a little bit about the economy today. No, I will not try to explain the intricate details of the bailout. As one of my professors would proclaim after explaining a very complex topic, "Clear as mud?" That's kind of how I feel as I hear the word trillion at least 45 times an hour.

Frustration, fear, anxiety. That's kind of the reaction that I am seeing and hearing from people in this country. Scary times for sure.

But, as the eternal optimist, I am daring to ask the question. Is the Current Flux in the Economy Good News?

Some who read this may think I've slipped off the edge of reality, but consider these points to ponder.

This global issue is giving us an opportunity to look at everything we do and figure out what is most important to us. Financially, we will be forced to let go of some of the fluff. I don't know about you, but I've been caught up in this world of instant gratification. Taking a step back, there is a lot of things that become far more important when you are forced to make the choice. From a business perspective, take a look around your operation. Do you have some processes in your business that could be streamlined for efficiency? Do you really need all the bells and whistles that you thought you did six months ago?

My father used to tell me there was a big difference between wants and needs. He would tell me this because sometimes, as a child, I was inflicted with a terrible virus called "The Wants". At times like this, I am glad I had those conversations with him. I'm glad that he taught me the difference, and I am digging some of those lessons out of my pocket. Time to revisit them.

Perhaps this economy crisis is giving us all an opportunity to look at how we are living, both at home and at work. Take the time to look at how to simplify your home and your office, strip away the excess and refocus your priorities. You know how good it feels when you finally clean out that closet? Same thing, only a little bigger.

Here at Engine, the team is doing just that. Our biggest priority? Looking closely at what we do, and how we can better serve our customers.

If you need help streamlining your business, reach out to us. We're in this together. www.enginesolutionsus.com

Being a Present Leader in Transient Times

For the small business owner today, these are transient and uncertain times. The economy looms over every conversation, and every business decision. This hot topic is one that has dominated our current election as well, as we watch our political leaders, and look for answers on how to map our way through these tough economic times.
Are you a leader of your company? Do you have people who look to you for guidance and wisdom as the belt is tightened, the budget is revised, and the sales are harder to find? Not an easy job.
Being a present leader in transient times is no easy task. The world is changing quickly, the mood is shifting with the economy. It is tough to be a beacon of leadership in this circumstance. Just ask the politicians who are working feverishly with their strategists to figure out how to best craft this message.
When trying to lead, consider this:
1. Be the Beacon in Dark Days: Walk in the shoes of your employee. If you were looking to a leader in times like these, what would you want to hear? What do you look for from your elected officials or community leaders? Safety, Security, Communication, and a focus on taking care of the people who put you in charge? Give that to the people who have entrusted their livelihood to you by working everyday to make your company a success. Your success is a reflection of their hard work, so make sure you respect the people who make it happen.
2. Communicate the Present Moment, Not the Fears of the Future: sometimes it is easier to picture the sky falling than to see the end of the rainbow. But, as a leader, you are the protector of the vision. The dreams of small businesses around this country stay alive because the leader reminds people of the vision every single day. So, in times like these, keep your eye on the present moment. We can only affect change on the present moment. Help your team focus on being the best company they can be TODAY. The analysts will be saying something different tomorrow, so focus on how you can serve your customers TODAY. If you are a small business where you are the CEO and the team, make a daily list of affirmations for yourself to keep yourself focused on the things that matter. Customers, service, efficiency.

3. Listen, Listen, and Listen some more: I believe one of the things election years can teach us is just how valuable listening can be in leadership. We will, whatever our affiliation, vote for the candidate who we feel understands and hears our voice in this time of uncertainty. Leaders in business need to remember this valuable lesson as well. Have you listened lately? Do you know what your customers are feeling/saying about you? How about the team? Have you asked their opinion on how to make things better? The best thing a leader can do in times like this? Shut up and listen. Your team and your customers will always tell you exactly what you need to know to serve better, perform better, and thrive in tough times.

Are the times tough? Absolutely. The likes we have never seen. But, just like all defining moments in history, there will be leaders who will crumble, and leaders who will rise above it and guide others through it. Be that leader.

Part Time Entrepreneurs...Use That Time Wisely!

In today's new world of business, people are not afraid to be in full time jobs and dabble in outside business ventures. Motivations vary for the endeavours; some are supplementing income in a tough economy. Others are playing it safe, and manage two jobs until they can grow their company to something that will support their lifestyle.

Whatever the reason, part time entrepreneurs need to be masters of time management. Whether they are juggling another job, or a family, manging the hours in a day it so important if you want success for your business.

When your timing is part time, how does everything get done?

Consider this. By smart outsourcing some of your business processes, you have time to spread the word about your amazing product. You also have the expertise of an experienced and committed team standing behind you.

How much you ask? Less than you think. Consider two important factors in your budget. First, outsourcing solutions with the right partner can, in the long run, save you money. No storage rental fees, no personnel costs, and a team that knows the business. This is their core business.

The second factor to consider is this; how much value do you place on your time? If you took a tour of a huge corporation, would you find the CEO of the company in the mail room? Of course not. That is not to say that the mail room staff are not vital, but each person has their role in a business. In YOUR business, you have to decide how you will use your limited time. Will you do tasks for your business that help your company get to the end of the day? Or will you do tasks that take your company to the next decade.

The choice is yours. If you would like to learn more about how engine can help you and your business, email brady.buckley@enginesolutionsus.com . He wants to have a conversation with you, owner to owner. During these tough economic times, business need to band together. We can help.

Ease your Business Growing Pains...

One of the greatest things about being a successful entrepreneur is finding yourself at an explosive point in growth because of your hard work. Sure, we all close our eyes and visualize the moment, but sometimes we don't think ahead about what exactly we will do when we get there.

At certain points in the lifespan of your business, you need to stop and take stock. Take a step back and view the situation from a different angle to make sure your decisions are sound.

Growth is one of those times. If you are like most entrepreneurs, you have been burning the candle at both ends to make this happen. Now that it is happening, what should you do?

Simplify, hand off, delegate. The time of growth is not the time for you to try and do it all yourself.

One opportunity for delegation is with your warehouse, storage and fulfillment costs. Perhaps you have been working from your home, or a small storage facility. The sales have been explosive, and you now have the growth you have dreamed about. Problem. You need to produce more, which means more storage space. You are shipping more, and need to hire someone instead of packing those boxes yourself.

Stop. Step back. Look at this from a different angle. Research. Call us.

Instead of absorbing the cost for this increased storage and personnel costs yourself ( thereby eating away your profit margin), consider a solution like Engine Business Solutions. By outsourcing, you save, on storage costs, staffing and most of all, headaches.

Growth is the time for you to focus on, well, growth. Do what you do best. Sell your vision and dream. Leave the rest for us.

If you would like to learn more about how Engine can provide warehouse and fulfillment solutions for your business, please email brady.buckley@enginesolutionsus.com

Providing the economies of an outsourced solution, with the loyalty of a business partner, Engine Business Solutions. Call us today.

Savvy Sales Letter that Sell your Stuff...

Effective communication gives you a voice in the world, and with your customers.

Entrepreneurs, whether they are selling a product or a service, need to be able to convey a message that will convince a reader that they need it. That is a simplified version of it, but is it really that easy?

I think it is, but I think it involves the entrepreneur taking it back to basics. I cannot open my email today without being inundated with literally hundreds of emails about things we need. We as a company have sent out sell sheets and letters to entice our customers to buy more, call for a great deal, etc. But what makes the difference between a pile of words and a savvy sales letter that sells your stuff? ( try saying that five times fast)

We need to get back to basics. Say it like it is. That is the my "new" savvy. Unlike the flash drive, high graphics, fifty cent word presentations that fill your email inbox everyday, I believe to sell, entrepreneurs should do the following:

1. Tell em what you have in your own words. No one is more passionate about what you sell than you. Speak your truth.

2. Tell em why they need it. Before you can do that, you need to understand your customer. This takes some research, but it will be worth it.

3. What will they wonder about your product/service? A truly savvy sales letter will get into the head of the reader, and answer the questions they will have about you and your product/service.

4. Get them to jump on it. You hear that in life, if you want something you have to ask for it. Sames goes for the sales letter. You need to ask them to do what you want them to do and that is BUY.

Of course, there is the spellcheck and grammar, presentation and distribution considerations, but this is a basic approach I would suggest you try.

I think if you look around, you will see people are tiring of the hype. Give them some refreshing honest communication about how you can help them. When you simplify and focus on the customer, only good things can happen.