"What has been will be again,
What has been done will be done again;
There is nothing new under the sun."
Ecclesiastes 1:9

For those who are unemployed these days it hard sometimes to stand out from the crowd. There's not much in business that most of us haven't already seen. There is a basic list of ideas that people do that has been recycled and rehashed for year and years. There are only so many types of career paths or job opportunities and sooner or later you realize that there are only so many ways to stand out and recognized.

I was leaving the health club the other day and forgot where I parked. I was looking for a black Mazda 3 with a license plate SPK129. I found a black Mazda 3 but when I looked at it's license plate, it had the characters SPK135. "How many cars are currently on the road in Minnesota?" I wondered. Well, as it turns out there were over 3.3 million licensed vehicles in Minnesota back in 2010. I don't know how many there are in 2012 but I imagine it's about the same. There are only 10 numbers and 26 letters used on the plates but somehow they create over 3.3 million unique plates. Wow!

Did you know there are only 7 whole notes in a musical scale? A,B,C,D,E,F and G. There are also half steps between them (sharps and flats) as well as octaves of the same note but essentially there are only 7 notes. Every piece of music you've ever heard or every will hear, every song ever written now or in the future will be created with some variation of the same 7 notes. Why don't all songs sound the same?

7 notes, 26 letters, 10 numbers, nothing new under the sun. Patterns in human behavior repeat themselves, and the fundamental building blocks of all creation are the same now as they have been for thousands of years. HOWEVER, we are capable of creating infinite combinations with these building blocks. Music becomes infinite by changing the way that the notes are combined and layered with other notes. Written communication becomes infinite by changing the sequence and combination of words with other words.

One of my favorite things about sales is the infinite creative possibilities. There are so many tools at our disposal. Our worlds become infinite by changing the way we combine and layer the things we imagine. Don't get caught in the rut of believing that there are only a few basic elements that have to be repeated and rehashed year after year. Create something new!

In business a word comingly heard is synergy. Synergy is taking ideas and combining them. Make a list of ideas you've used before and begin to overlap and combine them with each other. This creates new breakthroughs you may not have imagined. Take two favorite ideas, goals, themes, etc from last year and send them into a head-on collision. Take the mangled mesh that they create and see what new thing you have discovered. You might be disappointed, you might be surprised. But you will begin understanding one of the secrets of creation.

Be Original!

A few weeks ago I found myself back in the classroom for my daughter, Madeline’s pre-school orientation. As I sat through the handbook orientation, I began to notice a plethora of overly excited parents, nervous children clinging to their parents’ legs, and enthusiastic teachers ready for the year to begin.

I looked over at Madeline confidently playing in the dress-up area as she sported overly large plastic high heels, a gaudy fake jeweled necklace and a fluffy pink “princess” dress. Madeline was at-ease and ready to begin pre-school. It was in this moment that I realized that preparing a child for their first day of preschool is much like managing change in an organization. (Yes, this was the Human Resource Manager coming out in me)!

Preparing a child for their first day of preschool
is much like managing change in an organization.

Define the End Goal

Much like managing change in an organization, the first step in preparing a preschooler for their first day is to clearly explain what the goal is and what will happen. I helped Madeline to understand I wanted her to have fun, to meet new friends and learn new things. When beginning a change effort in an organization, it’s essential to understand and define the business intent. Employees need to know exactly what the goal or business intent of the change effort is. When creating the change, you should be looking at how to foster an environment where employees can embrace they change rather than telling them the new policy.

Identify Stakeholders

In every change, there are going to be numerous parties that will be impacted. Some employees will be deeply impacted while other employees will hardly notice the change has taken place. As a change leader, you must have a plan developed to address the various needs of each group to gain their support for the change. Prior to preschool beginning, my husband and I discussed how the “stakeholders” in our family would be impacted. Jack, our 6 month old son would have to take a slightly later morning nap to accommodate dropping Madeline off at school. On occasion my husband will have to take time off of work to attend a school function. The largest stakeholder would be Madeline who was transitioning from a summer with little structure to a classroom. All of the issues were addressed and a plan was communicated to each “stakeholder”. Okay, so we didn’t technically communicate it to the infant, but you get the point! Address all of the stakeholders needs to make them feel important and a part of the change.

Gauge Organizational Readiness

It’s important for a change leader to be able to assess the organization’s readiness for the change. To create an analysis you should gather information in the following areas:

• Employees understanding the reason for the change and/or understanding of the business goal.
• If the key employees are in agreement about the importance of the specific change effort.
• Leadership’s ability to communicate the vision/purpose of the change.
• Availability to communicate with employees to gather feedback, suggestions and concerns.

Develop a Plan

After the research has been completed and data gathered, it’s time to create a strategic implementation plan. The plan should include:

Business goal/intent, the stakeholder and organizational readiness analysis, implementation steps, a means for evaluating the effectiveness of the change effort and a communication plan

This list is not by any means all inclusive, but it does provide the basics of managing an effective change process. Perhaps one of the more important parts of managing change is to celebrate the milestones and small victories along the way. First day of preschool was a huge milestone… deserving of a celebratory ice cream cone. Yes, I think so!

On Saturday June 25 Jen Granner, Mike Thoemke, Josie Schwake and myself participated in Team Ortho’s 5K Commando Run. The fun included 13 different grueling obstacles throughout the race which pushed you to the limits mentally and physically, a few of the obstacles involved running through deep waters, jumping over burning logs, climbing over bales of hay and navigating up and down the slippery slopes. After finishing the adventurous race, runners rehydrate and replenished their nutrients with beer and hotdogs. Now that’s a Race!

We not only increased our physical fitness and enjoyed in a delicious post-race beer and hotdog; we also gained more enduring benefits. The positive attitudes and teamwork we partook in directly correlates to what a successful business is built around and we find it is extremely effective to foster it through physical fitness.

Physical fitness is known to raise your endorphins which gives your body a natural good feeling and releases stress. Employees who are less stressed and have a positive attitude will directly result in an increase in productivity. Employees with a positive attitude tend to represent a company better, utilize company work time more effectively and have a happier home life.

Effective teamwork will result in an effective and efficient business. Team building activities will replace the common use of “I” with “Us”. This will enforce the team to look out for one another, bring the best out of each other and do whatever it takes for the “team” to succeed.

With team building events such as the Commando Run your company has everything to gain and nothing to lose. Does your business participate in team building activities? If so; what type of activities?

Many small businesses choose to outsource their IT (Information Technology) needs. Businesses without technical support are contemplating on whether to purchase laptops or desktops, this blog will explain two major reasons why the majority of our Minnesota offices are migrating towards laptops.

The number one factor to consider when deciding between a laptop and a desktop is the cost. Visit your local computer retailer or supplier you will notice a substantial price difference between a desktop and a laptop. The accumulated cost for purchasing a low-end and fully functional desktop computer at Best Buy would be $392.97 (excluding taxes): the computer $269.99, monitor $89.99 and network cable for $32.99. Compare now to a low-end, fully functional laptop which totals $274.99 (excluding taxes). Keep in mind that a desktops capability surpasses that of a laptop; a desktop has a faster and a larger screen. However a common workforce user primarily utilizes a computer for internet, remote access and word processing which are minimal processes that operate on both computers efficiently.

The second factor is mobility which is also an important feature. Employees that take work home continue to increase. Using a laptop allows instant access to their archived emails, documents and software for example; they wouldn’t have to save their information to a zip drive and bring it home where they might not have compatible software to open their documents. Also when employees are on vacation, sick or separate from the company; they are able to support one another from one location to another.

From our experience we learned that we could have saved money and time if the migration from desktops to laptops was completed for our Brooklyn Park office on June 1st. The added cost of network wiring which could have been avoided by acquiring a wireless network through laptops. Also consider the additional cost in employee’s time and resources which it took to transfer these desktop behemoths. Furthermore this excludes the difference in disposal cost once it becomes outdated.

Could you or your business be more efficient with time and resources with a laptop?

Last month, we pointed out that the CEO that plans the best, maximizes cost-effective resources and concentrates on their business the most wins!

Whether you are starting a business, building a new plant, reengineering processes, buying/installing capital equipment or launching a new product/program, project management has an unparalleled track record of success. But where do I start? Every idea may not be viable or even qualify as a project.

You start with the project’s feasibility. The PFASAP (Project Feasibility As Soon As Possible) model sets the baseline for the initial investigation of the project’s worthiness, helps establish prioritization and directs subsequent actions. It begins with 5-questions which are helpful in focusing the initial planning and the actual setting-up of the project.

1. What do you want? (Project Definition)
   1.1. Clearly define the expected result.
2. What for? (Project Justification)
   2.1. Purpose is stronger than object
3. How much are you willing to spend in terms of time, money and people? (Project Cost)
   3.1. Not many have the luxury of time and unlimited funds.
4. What is the timeframe? (Project Schedule)
   4.1. In order to be successful, my resources must be available or planned for in advanced.
5. What is the value to the Customer? (Project Audit)
   There are both internal and external Customers to consider. Ensure you project’s goal/objective is to provide a benefit to the correct Customer base. For example, satisfying the internal Customer base is important, but not at the expense of the external Customer(s).

The answers to these five simple questions have a remarkable effect on the outcome of your project because in business “Time is precious and delays cost money”.

I just finished reading a great book called “Who Moved My Cheese” by Spencer Johnson, M.D. The story revolves around four main characters that have four different personalities and it takes place inside a maze. The primary message is whenever the cheese moves you need to be prepared to adapt and overcome the situation in order to succeed and ultimately reach the cheese. Some may call these obstacles but if looked at in a different perspective they can actually be seen as a blessing at work or in your personal life.

After quickly reading the mere 96 pages; I asked myself the question “Why do employers find applicants that jump from job to job undesirable?” The obvious answer is they are a risky investment of time and money. Instead this should influence employers to interview the candidate.

Why? Because the majority of businesses and industries need to anticipate change or be able to adapt to changes rapidly otherwise they are in jeopardy of falling behind the competition. Candidates that moved rapidly from job to job may do so not because of the stereotypical reasons like laziness; they’re not driven or are unmotivated. One of the reasons they move from job to job is because the employment wasn’t stimulating or challenging enough. Granted not everyone will love their job and at times all jobs can be monotonous but some of these “job hoppers” are self-driven and strive to reach their full potential by continuing explore new positions.

By being part of a rapidly changing environment you could find yourself with a first-class employee. While the word “change” is scary to the majority of employees the “cheese movers” enjoy change. They understand change happens, can anticipate change and experienced several of changes so they can adapt rapidly. Their “job hopping” should be looked at as a potential, valued employee that will be flexible and optimistic to your company’s growth.

Now, instead of discarding a resume or application consider taking a second look an interview may be beneficial. Does your business change rapidly? If so; maybe employees with similar traits should be considered.

Every business has the same resources: Time, Money and People.

The one common factor no matter the size, industry or technology is time. Every business has the same amount. Therefore, all businesses must be categorized by the remaining two-thirds: Money and People. The key to your success is how you deploy and maximize those resources you have control over.

Well…“Time Management is the answer and Project Management is the tool”. Think about this: In order to manage your time, you must first control your resources. The beauty of project management when properly configured for the job at hand is that it has an unparalleled track record; proven in countless programs in every field of endeavor since the 1950s. Why because it works!

Your business is constantly inventing, modifying and implementing your products and services. By controlling how you develop these new opportunities and when they are launched is based on time, money and people. Project Management can get your products and services to market faster by identifying and creating the environment to streamline processes which reduce risks, delays and impediments to your success.

A project is simply a one-time event to accomplish a result. From business, technical and nonprofits to personal events, the logic of defining what is to be accomplished, who is responsible and how it is to be implemented has many benefits.

If you employ project management within your organization, you create your own unique ‘Strategic Weapon’. Your customers will embrace your flawless delivery and your competitors will marvel at your continual improvement.

Timely solutions are absolutely critical to your success. The CEO that plans the best, maximizes cost-effective resources and concentrates on their business the most wins! It’s that simple. What’s not that simple, tough to recognize and the recipe for disaster is “Thinking good is good enough”.

Everyone in the Minnesota area impatiently waits for this time of year; I don’t mean spring I mean Girl Scout cookie season. As our cookie supply kept fresh in the freezer starts to dwindle or is completely depleted we know we don’t need to go in search for a Girl Scout, we know they will come to us. This expert sales team entices us with eleven scrumptious flavors and their expected sales are estimated to be up 17.5% according to Chief Operating Officer Tisha Bolger. Even with the so called “rough economy” the Girl Scouts dominate in sales. Now why is that?

A Girl Scouts success isn’t due to the inability for consumers to say “no”, to a sweet innocent girl, their success is due to their persistence. Over the past four weeks I had 3 different Girl Scouts knock on my door and who knows how many times they tried while I was away.

Now let’s compare the Girl Scouts to the great frozen food company Schwan’s. I have been living in my home for over 5 years and noticed a Schwan’s truck stopping by my neighboring houses. Only after my brother became a Schwan’s employee did I received the honor of a Schwan’s sales person at my doorstep. After a year my brother left the company on good terms to another company, we haven’t seen the Schwan’s man since. The odd part is the Schwan’s truck still pulls up to my neighboring homes and parks at the local Holiday station for hours but doesn’t take the initiative to knock on a door. Now I wasn’t a “big account” but a small frequent purchaser from my brother.

Assuming that a few of my neighbors in my community have similar feelings, the Schwan's company could increase their revenue if they would follow the example of the Girl Scouts. They would have a noticeable increase in servicing accounts and sales. With the persistence of a Girl Scout, the Schwan’s company along with many other businesses could become more prosperous. That’s why Schwan’s President Greg Flack should start recruiting his sales force from the Girl Scouts. What do you think Mr. Flack?

Being a member of military and college football teams has helped form the person I am. After I returned from my overseas tour, my younger brother was completing his college degree and like me, he was also a football player. We were discussing résumés and the importance of including football and organized athletics he stated, “I don’t understand why employers emphasize military more than organized sports.” At the time, I didn’t know how to respond, because I believe playing football helps build dedication, teamwork, discipline and diversity. After joining the business world and having time to think about the topic in-depth, three key components became clear of why military sports differentiate from college sports.

Procedures – Military members have better understanding of corporate framework, along with comprehension of the policies and procedures that maximize the company’s effectiveness and efficiency.

Globalization – Working with individuals from different cultures and countries. Military bases are often populated by people from Japan, Australia, Fiji, and many more nations. This experience provides exposure to a global outlook stemming from several different cultures.

Pressure – In football there is immense pressure on 4th down situations, but that pressure isn’t comparable with the pressure experienced by a sleep-deprived soldier in a combat situation, who is expected to make split-second decisions. The pressure experienced by a soldier directly transfers to a stressful business environment, in which one has to work to meet deadlines.

Even though participation in organized sports certainly assists in building excellent employees, there are major differences in the experiences of college football players and military members. If your company has worked with any veterans, these characteristics are almost certainly identifiable.

As a business owner or manager, you are constantly deciding where to invest and allocate marketing resources. Before making your next marketing investment or decision, read HubSpots’ “The State of Inbound Marketing” research report. The report demonstrates the effectiveness of using blogs, social media and search engines for influencing business targets on a purchasing decision. Conversely, the traditional techniques of direct mail, telemarketing and trade shows are becoming less effective.

“The State of Inbound Marketing” surveyed 644 professional businesses’ marketing strategies. Each company recorded spending and distribution of marketing expenses in order to calculate the cost per lead. In this study, “inbound marketing” consisted of blogs, social media, SEO (Search Engine Optimization) and PPC (Pay Per Click). “Outbound marketing” consisted of traditional marketing tactics, such as telemarketing, trade shows and direct mail. To understand inbound and outbound marketing more thoroughly, read Brian Halligan’s blog, “Inbound Marketing vs. Outbound Marketing.”

In the research report, outbound marketing amounted to an average cost of $373 per lead, while inbound marketing came to $143 per lead— an astonishing 62% lower cost per lead than outbound marketing. Looking at the graph below (courtesy of HubSpot.com), blogs were reported as the least expensive strategy, while trade shows and other traditional marketing tactics, along with PPC, ranked significantly lower. Although PPC had a lower cost per than telemarketing and direct mail, all other outbound approaches were significantly higher.

For greater customer acquisition and cost effectiveness, social media, blogs and search engine optimization are obviously successful factors for businesses. These techniques should be considered and implemented in all marketing budgets. Have blogs, social media and SEO been factors in your business’ success?