For all the changes happening in how we communicate, human beings have not lost the desire for the human touch. We're told retail is dead but the malls are packed. As we shop, we want to go local and meet the people who make the products we love. We want to see the hands that mold. We want to see the eyes that have the vision that we want to be a part of.
So it breaks my heart when I work an event and I'm out there, meeting my new and existing customers and so many other vendors are sitting behind their tables, staring at their phones.
We spend a relatively huge amount of money getting in front of these potential clients. The clients are being assaulted from every direction. They pass you once, maybe twice. You're watching your phone. You're looking at cat videos or pictures of people's meals. You're not earning your own meals.
The same goes for networking events. You pay a lot of money to be somewhere. Even if it's free to you, you're taking time, which is infinitely more valuable than money. If you're there to stuff a goodie bag with pens and brochures, you're wasting your time, which means you are wasting yourself.
Shyness and anxiety are natural and not everyone is a natural at engaging in conversation with strangers, but there is no growth in the comfort zone. Stretch yourself. Fight the laziness that lives in all of us. Work harder.
After all, what is shyness but the refusal to put in the work required to walk up to someone, hold out your hand, and say, "Nice to meet you."
Wednesday, October 3, 2018
Wednesday, September 26, 2018
Walking Away
I own a wonderful little business called Le Velo Macaron. We specialize in one product, French Macarons, made in dozens of flavors. I believe we make a better macaron than anyone anywhere. I have seen and tasted nothing to make me believe otherwise.
Like all entrepreneurs, I want to expand my business. We are talking to various shops and outlets who may be a good fit for us. We know some will work out and some won't. Them's the breaks!
It's important for a small business owner to make the right connections and to nurture those connections into relationships that will benefit both sides. Like any relationship, a business relationship must be based upon mutual understanding and benefit. It also helps if you don't drive one another crazy.
As important as it is to get the business, there may be a point where it's no longer worth the money you might make. Sometimes the demands are too much Sometimes the time needed to nurture the relationship outweighs the benefit. I am not trying to say money is the only consideration. Your mental health matters, too. If a client is looking to you to solve all their problems, to be their therapist, to save them... walk away.
If you have a client that's something of a control freak, who needs to have their fingers in everyone's business, including yours... walk away. I worked with a prospect recently who fit this description. She trusted none of her staff. It had nothing to do with her staff, who seemed to be great people. This attitude extended to her interactions with us. She asked too many probing questions about recipes and operations. Even offered to make space in her facility for us to work more closely with her. While I have no problem with partnerships, this was feeling more like a shotgun wedding.
So, I walked away. It wasn't easy. The Dead Presidents catcalled me as I left the room, but I knew it was the right thing. It was the right thing for my business, but also for my health. While I do have clients and I work as a Life Coach, I don't coach clients of my other businesses. It creates the kind of conflict I am not interested in.
So make the tough decisions. It's like medicine. It tastes like crap but you'll feel better in the long run.
Adolfo Jimenez is an executive coach, entrepreneur, consultant, book club nerd, and family man living in Hollywood, FL. He is the owner of Le Velo Macaron and other businesses.
Like all entrepreneurs, I want to expand my business. We are talking to various shops and outlets who may be a good fit for us. We know some will work out and some won't. Them's the breaks!
It's important for a small business owner to make the right connections and to nurture those connections into relationships that will benefit both sides. Like any relationship, a business relationship must be based upon mutual understanding and benefit. It also helps if you don't drive one another crazy.
As important as it is to get the business, there may be a point where it's no longer worth the money you might make. Sometimes the demands are too much Sometimes the time needed to nurture the relationship outweighs the benefit. I am not trying to say money is the only consideration. Your mental health matters, too. If a client is looking to you to solve all their problems, to be their therapist, to save them... walk away.
If you have a client that's something of a control freak, who needs to have their fingers in everyone's business, including yours... walk away. I worked with a prospect recently who fit this description. She trusted none of her staff. It had nothing to do with her staff, who seemed to be great people. This attitude extended to her interactions with us. She asked too many probing questions about recipes and operations. Even offered to make space in her facility for us to work more closely with her. While I have no problem with partnerships, this was feeling more like a shotgun wedding.
So, I walked away. It wasn't easy. The Dead Presidents catcalled me as I left the room, but I knew it was the right thing. It was the right thing for my business, but also for my health. While I do have clients and I work as a Life Coach, I don't coach clients of my other businesses. It creates the kind of conflict I am not interested in.
So make the tough decisions. It's like medicine. It tastes like crap but you'll feel better in the long run.
Adolfo Jimenez is an executive coach, entrepreneur, consultant, book club nerd, and family man living in Hollywood, FL. He is the owner of Le Velo Macaron and other businesses.
Thursday, September 20, 2018
Carpe Potestatem
This past weekend, I worked an event. I met a couple of hundred people. Most of them I will probably never see again. The few I made connections which may prove very valuable.
I am a believer in win-win situations. I spoke to one of the people I met, who introduced me to someone else, with who I may be doing a substantial amount of business. I called this person with one idea and they gave me another, which I believe will grow my business while creating a new revenue source for my new friend. Win-win!
Often times we ignore opportunities because they show up dressed like work, or they are too complicated. We hope things will be a certain way and are discouraged when they are different. We do this at our peril. I am busy and I'm doing well, but I am not in a position to ignore opportunities. Not by a long shot. There's always room for more.
Opportunities are gifts, but not in the traditional sense. They are not easy. They almost always require lots of assembly and usually don't bring instructions. Sometimes they even bring the wrong instructions. You need to put on your thinking cap and make it happen.
The best way to find the right opportunities is to sift through the wrong ones. The more bad ones you get through, the more good ones you'll find. More opportunities, good or bad, equals more success.
Go get 'em!
Adolfo Jimenez is an executive coach, entrepreneur, consultant, book club nerd, and family man living in Hollywood, FL. He is the owner of Le Velo Macaron and other businesses.
I am a believer in win-win situations. I spoke to one of the people I met, who introduced me to someone else, with who I may be doing a substantial amount of business. I called this person with one idea and they gave me another, which I believe will grow my business while creating a new revenue source for my new friend. Win-win!
Often times we ignore opportunities because they show up dressed like work, or they are too complicated. We hope things will be a certain way and are discouraged when they are different. We do this at our peril. I am busy and I'm doing well, but I am not in a position to ignore opportunities. Not by a long shot. There's always room for more.
Opportunities are gifts, but not in the traditional sense. They are not easy. They almost always require lots of assembly and usually don't bring instructions. Sometimes they even bring the wrong instructions. You need to put on your thinking cap and make it happen.
The best way to find the right opportunities is to sift through the wrong ones. The more bad ones you get through, the more good ones you'll find. More opportunities, good or bad, equals more success.
Go get 'em!
Adolfo Jimenez is an executive coach, entrepreneur, consultant, book club nerd, and family man living in Hollywood, FL. He is the owner of Le Velo Macaron and other businesses.
Monday, September 17, 2018
Who Gets The Credit?
The days of the ego are behind us. Even a figure as beloved as Barack Obama has been ridiculed for suddenly showing up and trying to take credit for things he said can never happen. Of course, the guy who replaced him isn't exactly a humble fellow. Now more than ever, there is no I in TEAM.
And no one likes a showoff.
While we still fawn over Warren Buffett and Steve Jobs, we live in a time when CEOs are sharing the credit for successes while hoarding the blame. Not all of them of course. As long as there are people, there will be assholes.
I received an email from a colleague yesterday forwarding a note where someone was blatantly stealing an idea that was mine. I wasn't annoyed. I wasn't upset. I'm proud I created something worth stealing.
It was a concept that is not meant to be profitable. I took no steps to protect or patent it. This was something I wanted to share with people.
Please note that this is not to imply that I am a pushover. You steal something of value from me, I'll eviscerate you.
I have experienced this before in several organizations I've been involved in. I choose to think of it as if I brought the idea to a certain point and then handed it off to someone willing and able to take it further.
I am not in it for the glory. I am looking to benefit as many people as possible. I choose to see these events as force-multipliers. I can be more effective at anything if I put it in the hands of others than if I try to do everything myself.
A wise man once said it's amazing what we can accomplish if we don't care who gets the credit.
Adolfo Jimenez is an executive coach, entrepreneur, consultant, book club nerd, and family man living in Hollywood, FL. He is the owner of Le Velo Macaron and other businesses.
And no one likes a showoff.
While we still fawn over Warren Buffett and Steve Jobs, we live in a time when CEOs are sharing the credit for successes while hoarding the blame. Not all of them of course. As long as there are people, there will be assholes.
I received an email from a colleague yesterday forwarding a note where someone was blatantly stealing an idea that was mine. I wasn't annoyed. I wasn't upset. I'm proud I created something worth stealing.
It was a concept that is not meant to be profitable. I took no steps to protect or patent it. This was something I wanted to share with people.
Please note that this is not to imply that I am a pushover. You steal something of value from me, I'll eviscerate you.
I have experienced this before in several organizations I've been involved in. I choose to think of it as if I brought the idea to a certain point and then handed it off to someone willing and able to take it further.
I am not in it for the glory. I am looking to benefit as many people as possible. I choose to see these events as force-multipliers. I can be more effective at anything if I put it in the hands of others than if I try to do everything myself.
A wise man once said it's amazing what we can accomplish if we don't care who gets the credit.
Adolfo Jimenez is an executive coach, entrepreneur, consultant, book club nerd, and family man living in Hollywood, FL. He is the owner of Le Velo Macaron and other businesses.
Finding Your Way In The Dark
I've been a little depressed the last couple of days. It happens to lots of people. It's nothing to be ashamed of. It's happened to me my whole life so I know when it's something to be concerned about or something that will pass.
I've been working. I try to get through my day and only those who really know me know that something is wrong.
This is not to say that you shouldn't deal with emotional or psychological issues. We all have ways of dealing with them. My point is, as Robert Frost said, the best way out is always through.
Again, I will reiterate that you should seek help if you need it, but the most important thing to do is keep busy.
I've been working. I try to get through my day and only those who really know me know that something is wrong.
This is not to say that you shouldn't deal with emotional or psychological issues. We all have ways of dealing with them. My point is, as Robert Frost said, the best way out is always through.
Again, I will reiterate that you should seek help if you need it, but the most important thing to do is keep busy.
Thursday, September 13, 2018
The Only Easy Day
I woke up yesterday like I always do. Very early. I took my dog for a walk. I made breakfast. Answered emails. Took care of business. I did the things I do. And I felt miserable about it. I felt burnt out. I was depressed. Truth be told, I still am. This happens to me. I am not above telling you that I have dealt with depression since I was in grade school. It comes and it goes. If just so happens I am going through one of those phases.
Not sure why. I don't know why some days are harder than others. I can't tell you why some days I feel ready to tackle the world and other days I feel like it's rolled over me.
We all feel that way sometimes.
On these days, you have to simply work harder. You can't pull the sheets over your head. You need to put your feet on the floor and get moving. This is what personal trainers will tell you about exercise, but it applies to the daily grind.
Anyone can do it when they're in the mood. What separates winners from runners up is what they do on the days when they don't feel up to it.
Navy Seals have a saying: The Only Easy Day Was Yesterday. It's how they tell themselves that there are no easy days. Every day is a challenge. If you're working hard toward a goal, it will require effort, sometimes more effort than you want to give. Give it anyway. That's the only time it matters.
Adolfo Jimenez is an executive coach, entrepreneur, consultant, book club nerd, and family man living in Hollywood, FL. He is the owner of Le Velo Macaron and other businesses.
Not sure why. I don't know why some days are harder than others. I can't tell you why some days I feel ready to tackle the world and other days I feel like it's rolled over me.
We all feel that way sometimes.
On these days, you have to simply work harder. You can't pull the sheets over your head. You need to put your feet on the floor and get moving. This is what personal trainers will tell you about exercise, but it applies to the daily grind.
Anyone can do it when they're in the mood. What separates winners from runners up is what they do on the days when they don't feel up to it.
Navy Seals have a saying: The Only Easy Day Was Yesterday. It's how they tell themselves that there are no easy days. Every day is a challenge. If you're working hard toward a goal, it will require effort, sometimes more effort than you want to give. Give it anyway. That's the only time it matters.
Adolfo Jimenez is an executive coach, entrepreneur, consultant, book club nerd, and family man living in Hollywood, FL. He is the owner of Le Velo Macaron and other businesses.
Wednesday, September 12, 2018
Thinking With A Group... Not Groupthink
In "Think and Grow Rich," Napoleon Hill wrote of the importance of creating a Mastermind Group. The names sounds ominous, particularly in today's hypersensitive world, but the idea has merit.
A Mastermind Group is a group of individuals who meet regularly to help each other solve problems. It is a peer-to-peer mentoring concept. Call it what you will. It works.
I have participated in many Mastermind Groups. Often as a facilitator, but that just means I send out the emails and move the conversation along. I benefit from these meetings as much as anyone else in attendance.
I run a weekly book club that often spends half its time on the book we're reading and the other half helping each other with challenges we are facing in our businesses. We didn't plan on the book club becoming a Mastermind Group, it just did.
I've facilitated Masterminds through conference calls. I've broken off into one-on-one sessions from these Masterminds. I have helped others and others have helped me.
The idea is that our collective knowledge can be shared to the benefit of all. None of us is as smart as all of us.
That being said, it's important to not allow your Mastermind group to engage in Groupthink, where everyone is agreeing with everyone. No one person should dominate the conversation. It isn't even about trying to convince people to see things your way. It's opening minds and sharing points of view. It's kinda like leading a horse to water... and then leaving him there. He'll figure it out.
I'm always interested in new perspectives and challenges. If you'd like to join or start a Mastermind group, let me know.
Adolfo Jimenez is an executive coach, entrepreneur, consultant, book club nerd, and family man living in Hollywood, FL. He is the owner of Le Velo Macaron and other businesses.
A Mastermind Group is a group of individuals who meet regularly to help each other solve problems. It is a peer-to-peer mentoring concept. Call it what you will. It works.
I have participated in many Mastermind Groups. Often as a facilitator, but that just means I send out the emails and move the conversation along. I benefit from these meetings as much as anyone else in attendance.
I run a weekly book club that often spends half its time on the book we're reading and the other half helping each other with challenges we are facing in our businesses. We didn't plan on the book club becoming a Mastermind Group, it just did.
I've facilitated Masterminds through conference calls. I've broken off into one-on-one sessions from these Masterminds. I have helped others and others have helped me.
The idea is that our collective knowledge can be shared to the benefit of all. None of us is as smart as all of us.
That being said, it's important to not allow your Mastermind group to engage in Groupthink, where everyone is agreeing with everyone. No one person should dominate the conversation. It isn't even about trying to convince people to see things your way. It's opening minds and sharing points of view. It's kinda like leading a horse to water... and then leaving him there. He'll figure it out.
I'm always interested in new perspectives and challenges. If you'd like to join or start a Mastermind group, let me know.
Adolfo Jimenez is an executive coach, entrepreneur, consultant, book club nerd, and family man living in Hollywood, FL. He is the owner of Le Velo Macaron and other businesses.
Tuesday, September 11, 2018
Am I My Competitor's Keeper?
I have a hard time walking into a business and just being a customer and enjoying myself. It's something in my nature. After 15 years in the hotel business, I still walk into a room I'm supposed to be sleeping in as if I'm a housekeeping manager performing a room inspection. Some things become part of your DNA, I guess.
As a business owner, I often check out my competition. I want to visit their websites or walk into their place and wee what's going on. I act on the impulse to snoop. I check them out and unless they're idiots, they're checking me out, too.
I don't do this to copy them, though I am not above learning from a competitor. I do it because I need to know where my industry is headed. I need real time intelligence to determine if I am keeping up, left behind, ahead of the pack, or just plain clueless. Not knowing is not an option.
Now, this is not to say you should emulate your competition. Chances are, they're screwing something up. Think of any company you deal with on a regular basis or any company you've worked for. I bet you can think of lots of things you'd change. You're not wrong about those tweaks. Them not noticing doesn't mean there's something wrong with them or that they don't care. They're just too close to see their own warts.
You may be missing opportunities in your business for the same reason.
Don't be shy about getting an outside opinion. Whether it's for your business or your life, there is always room for improvement. Find a coach, a mentor, or a consultant who will be brutally honest with you. Your mom and your best friend will be too nice. Or they'll tear you down. Either way, their advice may come from a good place, but it will likely lead you to a bad one.
When my son was in college in New York and working in theater, he asked me if I would represent him, like an agent. I was flattered, and I said no. I would have too much invested in his feelings to be confident in the decisions I was making regarding his success. I told him I would help him find someone who would represent him as well as, and probably better than, I ever could.
It turns out he enjoyed the behind-the-scenes part of the business better so it worked itself out. Maybe I should still hit him up for the 10% commission.
If you're stuck and need an honest opinion and guidance, don't go to family or friends. This is one case where you're better off in the company of strangers.
Adolfo Jimenez is an executive coach, entrepreneur, consultant, book club nerd, and family man living in Hollywood, FL. He is the owner of Le Velo Macaron and other businesses.
As a business owner, I often check out my competition. I want to visit their websites or walk into their place and wee what's going on. I act on the impulse to snoop. I check them out and unless they're idiots, they're checking me out, too.
I don't do this to copy them, though I am not above learning from a competitor. I do it because I need to know where my industry is headed. I need real time intelligence to determine if I am keeping up, left behind, ahead of the pack, or just plain clueless. Not knowing is not an option.
Now, this is not to say you should emulate your competition. Chances are, they're screwing something up. Think of any company you deal with on a regular basis or any company you've worked for. I bet you can think of lots of things you'd change. You're not wrong about those tweaks. Them not noticing doesn't mean there's something wrong with them or that they don't care. They're just too close to see their own warts.
You may be missing opportunities in your business for the same reason.
Don't be shy about getting an outside opinion. Whether it's for your business or your life, there is always room for improvement. Find a coach, a mentor, or a consultant who will be brutally honest with you. Your mom and your best friend will be too nice. Or they'll tear you down. Either way, their advice may come from a good place, but it will likely lead you to a bad one.
When my son was in college in New York and working in theater, he asked me if I would represent him, like an agent. I was flattered, and I said no. I would have too much invested in his feelings to be confident in the decisions I was making regarding his success. I told him I would help him find someone who would represent him as well as, and probably better than, I ever could.
It turns out he enjoyed the behind-the-scenes part of the business better so it worked itself out. Maybe I should still hit him up for the 10% commission.
If you're stuck and need an honest opinion and guidance, don't go to family or friends. This is one case where you're better off in the company of strangers.
Adolfo Jimenez is an executive coach, entrepreneur, consultant, book club nerd, and family man living in Hollywood, FL. He is the owner of Le Velo Macaron and other businesses.
Monday, September 10, 2018
Know The Game You're Playing
What's your business? How's it going? Do you have customers? Lots of them? Want more customers? Of course you do. Who doesn't? The only enterprise that complains about more customers is the government and if that's who you work for, I have nothing for you. Unless you're looking for a way out of that life, in which case, we should talk.
I speak to business owners every day and I have never had one complain that they have too many customers. If one did, they look for ways to service and profit from those customers, not get rid of them.
Do you know what game you're playing? You're in the customer acquisition game. No matter the business you're in. You're playing to get more customers.
Do you know your customer acquisition cost? Do you know how much each customer is worth?Do you know how to make your customers happy? Do you know how to make sure they don't leave? Do your employees know how to keep your customers happy? Do they care?
To make sure you have enough customers to grow your business and stay in business, you need to know who your customers are. where they are looking, what they are looking for, and how to get them in and keep them loyal to you.
If you can't answer those (and other) questions, you have no chance of making it long-term. You're just biding your time.
Adolfo Jimenez is an executive coach, entrepreneur, consultant, book club nerd, and family man living in Hollywood, FL. He is the owner of Le Velo Macaron and other businesses.
I speak to business owners every day and I have never had one complain that they have too many customers. If one did, they look for ways to service and profit from those customers, not get rid of them.
Do you know what game you're playing? You're in the customer acquisition game. No matter the business you're in. You're playing to get more customers.
Do you know your customer acquisition cost? Do you know how much each customer is worth?Do you know how to make your customers happy? Do you know how to make sure they don't leave? Do your employees know how to keep your customers happy? Do they care?
To make sure you have enough customers to grow your business and stay in business, you need to know who your customers are. where they are looking, what they are looking for, and how to get them in and keep them loyal to you.
If you can't answer those (and other) questions, you have no chance of making it long-term. You're just biding your time.
Adolfo Jimenez is an executive coach, entrepreneur, consultant, book club nerd, and family man living in Hollywood, FL. He is the owner of Le Velo Macaron and other businesses.
Saturday, September 8, 2018
A Roaming Eye
Last night was date night. After 18 years and with two teenage daughters in the house, full-time jobs, businesses, and other commitments, Abby and I have to make a real effort to find time to just be a couple. We went to Downtown Hollywood for dinner and as always, our conversation drifted to business.
This is not to say it wasn't a romantic evening. I'm a smooth dude! Drove with the top down (for about five minutes because it rained, but still) and all that jazz.
Each business we visited, one for dinner and another for dessert, filled our heads with ideas which led to conversations and a visit to yet another dessert spot for more discussion.
It was a nice date. I'm not some kind of stiff who only thinks about work. Well, maybe I am, but I know a few jokes and I give a mean foot massage! See, I have redeeming qualities as a husband!
As we walked and looked in store windows, I saw opportunities. I saw what makes America great. The American entrepreneur. I saw people willing to risk everything for a shot at the American Dream. I saw families working hard and working together toward a common goal.
I also saw a lot of mistakes being made. I saw lost opportunities. I saw those beautiful dreams eroding into bankruptcy. I saw people with good intentions and bad business plans. I saw businesses in 2018 being run like it was 1918. I saw half-hearted attempts at marketing and a whisper of social media, which would do more harm than good.
I love entrepreneurs. I really do. I want them to succeed, though I know many will fail. I would be lying if I didn't see opportunity in picking up the pieces of someone else's dream - at a steep discount.
It is the responsibility of the player to know the rules of the game. If you don't know the game you're playing, you will lose every time. Learn the business, sure, but learn all the things you have to do to get customers in the door. Otherwise, you just have an expensive, depressing hobby. And someone else will be paying you to work on their dream while yours fades away.
So while I only have eyes for my wife. Those eyes occasionally roam and see opportunities to learn, to help, to coach, and to profit.
Adolfo Jimenez is an executive coach, entrepreneur, consultant, book club nerd, and family man living in Hollywood, FL. He is the owner of Le Velo Macaron
This is not to say it wasn't a romantic evening. I'm a smooth dude! Drove with the top down (for about five minutes because it rained, but still) and all that jazz.
Each business we visited, one for dinner and another for dessert, filled our heads with ideas which led to conversations and a visit to yet another dessert spot for more discussion.
It was a nice date. I'm not some kind of stiff who only thinks about work. Well, maybe I am, but I know a few jokes and I give a mean foot massage! See, I have redeeming qualities as a husband!
As we walked and looked in store windows, I saw opportunities. I saw what makes America great. The American entrepreneur. I saw people willing to risk everything for a shot at the American Dream. I saw families working hard and working together toward a common goal.
I also saw a lot of mistakes being made. I saw lost opportunities. I saw those beautiful dreams eroding into bankruptcy. I saw people with good intentions and bad business plans. I saw businesses in 2018 being run like it was 1918. I saw half-hearted attempts at marketing and a whisper of social media, which would do more harm than good.
I love entrepreneurs. I really do. I want them to succeed, though I know many will fail. I would be lying if I didn't see opportunity in picking up the pieces of someone else's dream - at a steep discount.
It is the responsibility of the player to know the rules of the game. If you don't know the game you're playing, you will lose every time. Learn the business, sure, but learn all the things you have to do to get customers in the door. Otherwise, you just have an expensive, depressing hobby. And someone else will be paying you to work on their dream while yours fades away.
So while I only have eyes for my wife. Those eyes occasionally roam and see opportunities to learn, to help, to coach, and to profit.
Adolfo Jimenez is an executive coach, entrepreneur, consultant, book club nerd, and family man living in Hollywood, FL. He is the owner of Le Velo Macaron
Friday, September 7, 2018
The Importance of Having a Dog
I love my dog. His name is Baxter. He's a good boy, yes he is. Sorry. I get carried away. Baxter is a silky terrier. He's a happy hyper little guy and he's a great source of exercise. I walk him in the morning and in the evening. It's good for him and it's good for me.
My doctor told me a couple of years ago that I'm allergic to dogs but Baxter was already in my life and he wasn't going anywhere. You never leave a man behind. It's funny because I would never call myself an animal lover. But I do love this little dog of mine,
I didn't write this to encourage people to adopt dogs although it's a nice thing to do. The point is that it's good to get out and do something distracting now and then. I take about 60-90 minutes a day to walk with my buddy. It's time well spent. I walk, which is healthy, and I listen to audiobooks on my iPhone, which is increasing my skills, my knowledge, and my value.
All because of this little dog, who by the way is a crimefighter. He goes out at night and defends Gotham City from the forces of evil. Oops! I wasn't supposed to tell you that. Pretend you didn't hear me!
Adolfo Jimenez is an executive coach, entrepreneur, book club nerd, and family man living in Hollywood, FL. He is the owner of Le Velo Macaron
My doctor told me a couple of years ago that I'm allergic to dogs but Baxter was already in my life and he wasn't going anywhere. You never leave a man behind. It's funny because I would never call myself an animal lover. But I do love this little dog of mine,
I didn't write this to encourage people to adopt dogs although it's a nice thing to do. The point is that it's good to get out and do something distracting now and then. I take about 60-90 minutes a day to walk with my buddy. It's time well spent. I walk, which is healthy, and I listen to audiobooks on my iPhone, which is increasing my skills, my knowledge, and my value.
All because of this little dog, who by the way is a crimefighter. He goes out at night and defends Gotham City from the forces of evil. Oops! I wasn't supposed to tell you that. Pretend you didn't hear me!
Adolfo Jimenez is an executive coach, entrepreneur, book club nerd, and family man living in Hollywood, FL. He is the owner of Le Velo Macaron
Thursday, September 6, 2018
Kiss Me First
It happens every day. Either it happens to you or you're doing it to someone else, in which case, you should stop immediately.
You make a contact on LinkedIn or some other platform and the person immediately sends you a pre-written diatribe on how their business can help you. Help me? You don't even know me? Have you asked me what I need? Have you asked me if I even need help?
These individuals are the digital equivalent of the handsy guy who takes a smile from a pretty girl to mean, "yes, by all means, reach up my skirt!"
Let's be honest, if I wanted your help, I would have asked.
This is not to say you shouldn't prospect, you should, I believe it's a great use of your time... if you do it properly. It shouldn't be, "Hi. Nice to meet you. Buy my shit!" and then move on to the next.
Tell me how pretty I am, buy me a drink. Win a stuffed animal for me at the carnival. Find out what my needs and wants are. You'll have a much better chance of scoring.
At the very least, if I don't need what you're offering, I will know what you are offering. I may know someone who does.
NOTE: In the time it took me to write this post, someone on LinkedIn "connected" with me and told me what they wanted to sell me. I replied "No thanks" and he responded "Okay. Have a nice day."
He didn't want to work to earn my business. He wanted me to hand it to him. You can guess how many times that's happened.
Adolfo Jimenez is an executive coach, entrepreneur, book club nerd, and family man living in Hollywood, FL. He is the owner of Le Velo Macaron
You make a contact on LinkedIn or some other platform and the person immediately sends you a pre-written diatribe on how their business can help you. Help me? You don't even know me? Have you asked me what I need? Have you asked me if I even need help?
These individuals are the digital equivalent of the handsy guy who takes a smile from a pretty girl to mean, "yes, by all means, reach up my skirt!"
Let's be honest, if I wanted your help, I would have asked.
This is not to say you shouldn't prospect, you should, I believe it's a great use of your time... if you do it properly. It shouldn't be, "Hi. Nice to meet you. Buy my shit!" and then move on to the next.
Tell me how pretty I am, buy me a drink. Win a stuffed animal for me at the carnival. Find out what my needs and wants are. You'll have a much better chance of scoring.
At the very least, if I don't need what you're offering, I will know what you are offering. I may know someone who does.
NOTE: In the time it took me to write this post, someone on LinkedIn "connected" with me and told me what they wanted to sell me. I replied "No thanks" and he responded "Okay. Have a nice day."
He didn't want to work to earn my business. He wanted me to hand it to him. You can guess how many times that's happened.
Adolfo Jimenez is an executive coach, entrepreneur, book club nerd, and family man living in Hollywood, FL. He is the owner of Le Velo Macaron
Wednesday, September 5, 2018
The Small Hours
Sleep is important. I will not deny that. I've never been a good sleeper. Even as a baby. My mother still complains that she barely slept at all the first five years of my life. She doesn't say the same thing about my sister. I'm a terrible person to vacation with because I don't sleep in. I'm the guy sounding the bugle at dawn (maybe earlier.) I want to get on with life.
If you need sleep, then sleep. I'm not advocating against it. But if you're like me, and you are blessed with the ability to function on less sleep than most people, you should not waste that gift. Yes, I believe getting by on less sleep is a blessing. I also believe it is a gift, because more time to live your life is a wonderful thing,
I spend that time as best I can, although sometimes I'm a little too foggy to be productive. It's a good time to meditate, walk your dog, get a little extra reading done, or just get a jump on work.
My point is that this extra time is a gift and it should be used. Don't waste it on news or other negativity that'll set a negative tone for the rest of your day. Get the ball rolling in the right direction by using those small hours wisely.
Adolfo Jimenez is an executive coach, entrepreneur, book club nerd, and family man living in Hollywood, FL. He is the owner of Le Velo Macaron
Adolfo Jimenez is an executive coach, entrepreneur, book club nerd, and family man living in Hollywood, FL. He is the owner of Le Velo Macaron
Tuesday, September 4, 2018
Trusting Your Gut
You ever get that feeling? You know the one. Down in the pit of your stomach. Sometimes it's positive. Sometimes, it's a bad feeling. It's a real thing and you ought to listen to it. Let it guide you. Think of yourself as a Jedi and that feeling is The Force.
I don't know how to explain that feeling. Maybe it's God. Maybe it's the lizard brain. Maybe it's luck. Maybe it's something we all imagine. All I know is, it's usually right.
I believe it's the accumulation of experience. I think all the mistakes we've made, conversations we've had, books we've read, and advice we've received, go to some place in our being and create that feeling. I think that's why it becomes louder and more reliable as we get older, and I think that's why we ought to listen to it.
Adolfo Jimenez is an executive coach, entrepreneur, book club nerd, and family man living in Hollywood, FL. He is the owner of Le Velo Macaron
I don't know how to explain that feeling. Maybe it's God. Maybe it's the lizard brain. Maybe it's luck. Maybe it's something we all imagine. All I know is, it's usually right.
I believe it's the accumulation of experience. I think all the mistakes we've made, conversations we've had, books we've read, and advice we've received, go to some place in our being and create that feeling. I think that's why it becomes louder and more reliable as we get older, and I think that's why we ought to listen to it.
Adolfo Jimenez is an executive coach, entrepreneur, book club nerd, and family man living in Hollywood, FL. He is the owner of Le Velo Macaron
Monday, September 3, 2018
The Truth About The Universe
The Universe is not conspiring to make good things happen to you.
The Universe is not out to get you.
The Universe doesn't even know you exist.
Rather than looking to the sky when things go wrong, or when you hope things will go right, decide to be the master of your own universe. Know that things will happen to you and around you. Some will be good and some will be bad. You can't control that. What you can control is how you react, or better yet, how you capitalize on the thing that happens.
The Universe owes you nothing. No matter what you think you are willing into existence. Wishing does not make it so. The sooner you believe and accept that fact, the sooner you can get to the business of succeeding.
Adolfo Jimenez is an executive coach, entrepreneur, book club nerd, and family man living in Hollywood, FL. He is the owner of www.levelomacaron.com
The Universe is not out to get you.
The Universe doesn't even know you exist.
Rather than looking to the sky when things go wrong, or when you hope things will go right, decide to be the master of your own universe. Know that things will happen to you and around you. Some will be good and some will be bad. You can't control that. What you can control is how you react, or better yet, how you capitalize on the thing that happens.
The Universe owes you nothing. No matter what you think you are willing into existence. Wishing does not make it so. The sooner you believe and accept that fact, the sooner you can get to the business of succeeding.
Adolfo Jimenez is an executive coach, entrepreneur, book club nerd, and family man living in Hollywood, FL. He is the owner of www.levelomacaron.com
You can find him at https://www.instagram.com/adolfo.jimenez/
Friday, August 31, 2018
The Need To Manage
There is management. There is micromanagement. There is the laissez faire approach to management (my personal favorite - more on that below.) And there is what I think of as The Need To Manage.
The need to manage happens when you have a competent, experienced team, and there isn't much for managers to do in the way of coaching them. Of course, no one wants to feel unneeded, so the managers manage or micromanage or worse, mismanage, what needn't be managed at all.
I have found myself on the managed side of this equation and I can tell you it's demotivating. Don't tell me what I already know just because you have no value to add. If you are a manager looking for an opportunity to manage, build your own value. Make yourself better so you can make those you manage better.
Laissez Faire basically means hands off. It's a wonderful thing. If you hire well, train well, and support your staff effectively, you may enjoy the fruits of your labor, only getting up from your lawn chair when trouble arises.
Pretty boring, huh?
How about... hire the right people. Train the people to be their best. Guide them as necessary. Train yourself and increase your own value so you can train them and increase their value.
The Need To Manage is real. Don't fight it, but understand that the most important function of a manager is to add value to his team. You're success as a manager is measured in the success of your people. Their results, good or bad, are a reflection on you.
Work on you... so you can work on them.
Let me know how it goes.
Adolfo Jimenez is an executive coach, entrepreneur, book club nerd, and family man living in Hollywood, FL. He is the owner of www.levelomacaron.com
The need to manage happens when you have a competent, experienced team, and there isn't much for managers to do in the way of coaching them. Of course, no one wants to feel unneeded, so the managers manage or micromanage or worse, mismanage, what needn't be managed at all.
I have found myself on the managed side of this equation and I can tell you it's demotivating. Don't tell me what I already know just because you have no value to add. If you are a manager looking for an opportunity to manage, build your own value. Make yourself better so you can make those you manage better.
Laissez Faire basically means hands off. It's a wonderful thing. If you hire well, train well, and support your staff effectively, you may enjoy the fruits of your labor, only getting up from your lawn chair when trouble arises.
Pretty boring, huh?
How about... hire the right people. Train the people to be their best. Guide them as necessary. Train yourself and increase your own value so you can train them and increase their value.
The Need To Manage is real. Don't fight it, but understand that the most important function of a manager is to add value to his team. You're success as a manager is measured in the success of your people. Their results, good or bad, are a reflection on you.
Work on you... so you can work on them.
Let me know how it goes.
Adolfo Jimenez is an executive coach, entrepreneur, book club nerd, and family man living in Hollywood, FL. He is the owner of www.levelomacaron.com
You can find him at https://www.instagram.com/adolfo.jimenez/
Tuesday, August 28, 2018
The Secret Law of Attraction?
A lot has been said about the law of attraction. Most of what's been said is nonsense. The thought that thinking about something will make that something happen or appear is quite simply bullshit.
This is not to say you shouldn't think about your goals. Hell, you should obsess about them. How else will you achieve them? But don't expect things to happen because you think about them.
I have a friend who is a talented writer, filmmaker, editor, etc. He could be a Hollywood start director and producer. But he's lazy. He thinks about his dream career all the time. He's watched more movies and knows more about movies than anyone I know. He watches every TV show. He knows the bios of the directors and actors.
But he's waiting for Hollywood to magically appear on his doorstep. He will wait until the end of his days. That type of thing doesn't happen. Ever. Not even in the movies.
You can attract success and blessings by working hard toward them. Like attracts like. If you work hard, create and exploit opportunities and create successes, more successes will become available to you. Then, all you have to do is pick them up.
Think positive, but know your thoughts are just a map. You have to get off your butt or nothing will ever happen.
Adolfo Jimenez is an executive coach, entrepreneur, book club nerd, and family man living in Hollywood, FL. He is the owner of www.levelomacaron.com
This is not to say you shouldn't think about your goals. Hell, you should obsess about them. How else will you achieve them? But don't expect things to happen because you think about them.
I have a friend who is a talented writer, filmmaker, editor, etc. He could be a Hollywood start director and producer. But he's lazy. He thinks about his dream career all the time. He's watched more movies and knows more about movies than anyone I know. He watches every TV show. He knows the bios of the directors and actors.
But he's waiting for Hollywood to magically appear on his doorstep. He will wait until the end of his days. That type of thing doesn't happen. Ever. Not even in the movies.
You can attract success and blessings by working hard toward them. Like attracts like. If you work hard, create and exploit opportunities and create successes, more successes will become available to you. Then, all you have to do is pick them up.
Think positive, but know your thoughts are just a map. You have to get off your butt or nothing will ever happen.
Adolfo Jimenez is an executive coach, entrepreneur, book club nerd, and family man living in Hollywood, FL. He is the owner of www.levelomacaron.com
You can find him at https://www.instagram.com/adolfo.jimenez/
Monday, August 27, 2018
Who Are You?
Who are you?
Not your name. You.
When people see you, what do they see?
What is your brand?
These are questions everyone in the business world needs to answer. Whether you are an entrepreneur or you're selling cars or driving for Lyft or Uber, you need a brand.
I am a creature of habit. I go to a rotation of restaurants near my office for lunch. There are two in particular that I visit once a week. The waitresses know my name and they know what I like to eat. I'm not special. I'm sure they do this for every one of their regulars. They've branded themselves as being better than other servers. I'm sure their pay reflects this fact.
These ladies have branded themselves. Shouldn't you? What do you want to be known for? Do you want to be just another car salesman or do you want to be "My Guy down at the Chevy Dealership?" Do you want to be a dental hygienist or Britney, the amazing young lady at my dentist's office?
Decide who you want to be and resolve to become that person. Share your journey with the world and you are taking your first step toward branding yourself.
Let me know who you become.
Adolfo Jimenez is an executive coach, entrepreneur, book club nerd, and family man living in Hollywood, FL. He is the owner of www.levelomacaron.com
You can find him at https://www.instagram.com/adolfo.jimenez/
Not your name. You.
When people see you, what do they see?
What is your brand?
These are questions everyone in the business world needs to answer. Whether you are an entrepreneur or you're selling cars or driving for Lyft or Uber, you need a brand.
I am a creature of habit. I go to a rotation of restaurants near my office for lunch. There are two in particular that I visit once a week. The waitresses know my name and they know what I like to eat. I'm not special. I'm sure they do this for every one of their regulars. They've branded themselves as being better than other servers. I'm sure their pay reflects this fact.
These ladies have branded themselves. Shouldn't you? What do you want to be known for? Do you want to be just another car salesman or do you want to be "My Guy down at the Chevy Dealership?" Do you want to be a dental hygienist or Britney, the amazing young lady at my dentist's office?
Decide who you want to be and resolve to become that person. Share your journey with the world and you are taking your first step toward branding yourself.
Let me know who you become.
Adolfo Jimenez is an executive coach, entrepreneur, book club nerd, and family man living in Hollywood, FL. He is the owner of www.levelomacaron.com
You can find him at https://www.instagram.com/adolfo.jimenez/
Saturday, August 25, 2018
Round Up The Posse
Jim Rohn said you are the average of the five people you spend the most time with. That might be a scary thought. But it's also a thought that can open you up to all kinds of new possibilities.
I spend a lot of time with my wife. This is good because... well, she's my wife. Also, she and I are of the same mindset. We work hard. We share the same values. We encourage one another. What else do I need?
Now, throughout the course of my day I come in contact with scores of people. Some are my colleagues, some are my clients. I try to approach every interaction with the greatest amount of positivity I can. I try to learn from everyone I meet or spend time around. If this possibility doesn't exist, I coach them and try to add value to their lives. If that's not possible, I limit contact.
I have friends I care about deeply who want to go to lunch with me a couple of times a week. I limit it to once a month. There are two reasons for this. The first reason is that I often work through lunch. The second reason is that they will ruin my lunch with their complaining and I don't want to fill the second half of my day with negativity. Why poison my mind when I still have work to do and money to make?
Drive time is reserved for phone calls to family and to audiobooks. I see no point in listening to news. It only brings me down or pisses me off. I'd rather spend drive time listening to books and improving myself. I occasionally listen to some music when I feel the need to decompress. The folks at CNN and Fox ain't part of my posse!
The craziest thing I do is drive in silence. I'll do this once or twice a week. No music, no books, no calls. Just the sound of the engine and my thoughts. Try it sometime. It's therapeutic.
All of these things are better than being in the presence of people who bring me down. They also allow me to populate my posse with people who are successful like Gary Vaynerchuk or Jim Rohn or even George Washington.
Try any of these techniques and let me know how it goes.
Adolfo Jimenez is an executive coach, entrepreneur, book club nerd, and family man living in Hollywood, FL. He is the owner of www.levelomacaron.com
You can find him at https://www.instagram.com/adolfo.jimenez/
I spend a lot of time with my wife. This is good because... well, she's my wife. Also, she and I are of the same mindset. We work hard. We share the same values. We encourage one another. What else do I need?
Now, throughout the course of my day I come in contact with scores of people. Some are my colleagues, some are my clients. I try to approach every interaction with the greatest amount of positivity I can. I try to learn from everyone I meet or spend time around. If this possibility doesn't exist, I coach them and try to add value to their lives. If that's not possible, I limit contact.
I have friends I care about deeply who want to go to lunch with me a couple of times a week. I limit it to once a month. There are two reasons for this. The first reason is that I often work through lunch. The second reason is that they will ruin my lunch with their complaining and I don't want to fill the second half of my day with negativity. Why poison my mind when I still have work to do and money to make?
Drive time is reserved for phone calls to family and to audiobooks. I see no point in listening to news. It only brings me down or pisses me off. I'd rather spend drive time listening to books and improving myself. I occasionally listen to some music when I feel the need to decompress. The folks at CNN and Fox ain't part of my posse!
The craziest thing I do is drive in silence. I'll do this once or twice a week. No music, no books, no calls. Just the sound of the engine and my thoughts. Try it sometime. It's therapeutic.
All of these things are better than being in the presence of people who bring me down. They also allow me to populate my posse with people who are successful like Gary Vaynerchuk or Jim Rohn or even George Washington.
Try any of these techniques and let me know how it goes.
Adolfo Jimenez is an executive coach, entrepreneur, book club nerd, and family man living in Hollywood, FL. He is the owner of www.levelomacaron.com
You can find him at https://www.instagram.com/adolfo.jimenez/
Thursday, August 23, 2018
In With the Good!
I wake up around 5:20 every morning whether I like it or not. I've always been an early riser. I can't help it. It's who I am. I do not bound out of bed the moment my eyes open.
This is an older car. It takes a little time to warm up.
Once my eyes are defogged and my mind is clear, I get to work. I usually post a thought for the day on my Instagram and my business Instagram before too long, I don't just post a random thought, I try to make this thought my guiding principle for the day. I look for an opportunity to share the thought, aside from posting it online. I put it into practice. I lead by example.
One of the advantages of starting my day this way is that I immediately point my thoughts in a useful, productive direction. If I started my day reading news, hearing about death and war and other joyless crap, my day would be miserable.
I speak from experience.
My name is Adolfo and I'm a bad-news-oholic. It's been seven years since my last news binge.
Start your day with a positive, constructive thought. Do it every day until it becomes habit.
Let me know how it goes.
Adolfo Jimenez is an executive coach, entrepreneur, book club nerd, and family man living in Hollywood, FL. He is the owner of www.levelomacaron.com
You can find him at https://www.instagram.com/adolfo.jimenez/
This is an older car. It takes a little time to warm up.
Once my eyes are defogged and my mind is clear, I get to work. I usually post a thought for the day on my Instagram and my business Instagram before too long, I don't just post a random thought, I try to make this thought my guiding principle for the day. I look for an opportunity to share the thought, aside from posting it online. I put it into practice. I lead by example.
One of the advantages of starting my day this way is that I immediately point my thoughts in a useful, productive direction. If I started my day reading news, hearing about death and war and other joyless crap, my day would be miserable.
I speak from experience.
My name is Adolfo and I'm a bad-news-oholic. It's been seven years since my last news binge.
Start your day with a positive, constructive thought. Do it every day until it becomes habit.
Let me know how it goes.
Adolfo Jimenez is an executive coach, entrepreneur, book club nerd, and family man living in Hollywood, FL. He is the owner of www.levelomacaron.com
You can find him at https://www.instagram.com/adolfo.jimenez/
It Only Happens Once
Today. You get one crack at it so it'd better count. Feel free to waste the day. Not a problem for anyone else but you. Just as you own your successes, you own your failures.
There is one question I ask my coaching clients: What are you doing today to make yourself better? It's a simple question. You don't need to improve by 100% every day. No one is capable of that. But making little changes every day, replacing bad habits with good ones, is really all you need.
If you're out of shape and haven't exercised in years, you can't wake up tomorrow morning and start training for an Ironman Triathlon. But you can take a walk around the block. If you eat greasy fast food three times a day, you can replace one of those meals with a salad. Maybe a bowl of oatmeal or some fruit for breakfast.
Today only happens once and while you do have another shot tomorrow, you're going to run out of todays sooner or later so why waste a single one of them?
Adolfo Jimenez is an executive coach, entrepreneur, book club nerd, and family man living in Hollywood, FL. Adolfo owns www.levelomacaron.com and other businesses.
You can find him at https://www.instagram.com/adolfo.jimenez/
There is one question I ask my coaching clients: What are you doing today to make yourself better? It's a simple question. You don't need to improve by 100% every day. No one is capable of that. But making little changes every day, replacing bad habits with good ones, is really all you need.
If you're out of shape and haven't exercised in years, you can't wake up tomorrow morning and start training for an Ironman Triathlon. But you can take a walk around the block. If you eat greasy fast food three times a day, you can replace one of those meals with a salad. Maybe a bowl of oatmeal or some fruit for breakfast.
Today only happens once and while you do have another shot tomorrow, you're going to run out of todays sooner or later so why waste a single one of them?
Adolfo Jimenez is an executive coach, entrepreneur, book club nerd, and family man living in Hollywood, FL. Adolfo owns www.levelomacaron.com and other businesses.
You can find him at https://www.instagram.com/adolfo.jimenez/
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