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.
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