Determining if You Are a Finder, Minder, or Grinder

On Tuesday of this week I held the Alliance Success Group meeting. Instead of our normal format I had a guest speaker, Rick Arthur, present to my group of business owners. The topic of his presentation was Are you A Finder, Minder, or Grinder?

At a previous event I had seen his presentation and thought it was enlightening in helping small business owners to be aware of the different areas of business and to identify where there strengths and weaknesses are. I will try to recap what Rick shared with us but I am sure I will not do as good as job as he did at the time but I hope you will get the message.

A Finder is the idea maker of the organization. This person is very creative and is necessary to bring in the sales of the company. They are an entrepreneur thinking of ways to make more money.

A Minder thinks in the past. This person is more than likely your accountant or bookkeeper in the business. They are minding the numbers or the store. This person is necessary to ensure you are kept up-to-date on information necessary to succeed in business.

A Grinder is the worker. The busy little bee making sure the job is done. They only see what is in front of them today and what must be accomplished.

All organizations are in need of these three types of profiles in business but in most small businesses the owner tends to try to be all three. This model is based upon a book written by Jerry Mills called The Danger Zone. In some ways it reminds me of the Emyth Revisited theory only in different terminology.

I have read both books and find that the presentation brought about a clearer message than either book but then Rick did a fantastic job in relating it to business because he himself was a business owner who went bankrupt due to not allowing themselves to grow. Grow or die was his final statement to our group.

I can relate to that statement because it is the same within the mastermind group, my business, and my relationships. Isn't it true that any of those will die if we do not feed them or grow them?

Grow or Die...Let's all work on growing

Masterminding + Marketing = Success

When I started the mastermind group earlier this year, my intentions were:

1. Offer a venue for brainstorming for small business owners
2. Grow quickly and close the group
3. Build relationships and learn from others

I have accomplished my original intention. Since January of this year we are meeting twice a month and have consistently done so.

The group has not grown as quickly as I had planned or expected. Perhaps my expectations were a little unrealistic but I had always heard and thought there were many business owners out there who were lonely at the top and would appreciate the opportunity to join a group as such. Whatever the reasons, we are still in the growing stage.

My third intention has definitely met my expectations. I have three attending regularly at this time and I thoroughly enjoy the time we spend together as a group. I learn from each as they share their experiences, and as a facilitator, I gladly share information and resources that I believe are beneficial to all.

Marketing for Success

Today our meeting was focused on marketing their businesses. I researched and gathered materials for everyone to share effective methods to market online and offline, locally and nationally. One of the most important details shared today was consistency reaped rewards.

One of the members shared how she sent out direct mail letters weekly. She said it is amazing how many calls she will get six months later telling her they saved her information in case they needed her services.

I cannot stress enough the value of masterminding and brainstorming with others of like-mindedness. The other members have already made a plan to start initiating direct-mail letters in their businesses. The rewards are not just in learning but in applying what you learn.

Identifying Your Missing Pieces

This morning I was reading a recap to a Bible study and it related to how God knows all of the pieces to our puzzles in life because He can see the whole picture and how sometimes we only look at what is presently in front of us instead of keeping our eye on the end result. It got me to thinking about this project I am working on and how puzzling it is and how I need to find the pieces to effectively develop the end result.

How Do You View Your Puzzle

How do you look at the situations around you? Are you looking at it by what is directly in front of you or are you considering the whole picture, the end result?

Some people can take one piece of something and visualize something big and wonderful. There are others who hold a piece and can only see the piece and need a visual, like a puzzle box cover, to show us what the outcome will be. Then there are others who think they see the future goal and start on their puzzle and somewhere along the line lose the motivation, determination, or enthusiasm to finish.

One Piece At A Time

Normally you buy the puzzle because you like the finished product. True? That is why I buy one. I like the picture, the colors, everything about it. Why not start looking at your projects with the finished product in mind?

If we think of our projects as pieces formed together for an end result, it is easier to identify the puzzle pieces. At present I am working on a project that is almost overwhelming to me. I am creating a product, an ebook with long term plans of offering audios to expound upon the subject. I have decided the topic of the ebook and am presently researching, but when I think about the launch process and what must be done to create a smooth transaction process from Paypal, autoresponders, and so forth, I get overwhelmed. Getting overwhelmed causes procrastination and then the project gets pushed to the side burner.

Now if I apply what I am writing about here, I should visualize the end product (I am seeing it now)...and then figure out the steps or pieces it takes to get there and move forward putting the puzzle together. This thought process goes along with a post I wrote earlier this year, Business Plans: Five Ways To Benefit From Your Road Map. No matter if it is a road map or a puzzle, it has the same concept; determine the end result, identify and plan the steps needed, and implement putting all the pieces together.

Now that I have reaffirmed what I need to do, I am headed to start working on my puzzle again, one piece at a time.

Thinking Inside the Box Creatively

In the blog, Hard Knox Life, Dave shares with his readers a story of a Japanese company that was thinking inside the box. To read it for yourself, visit Lessons of the Square Watermelon.

Your Choices Make A Difference

Everyday we have choices. Your choices make a difference on the type of day you may have.

You have choices on:

1. Your attitude--how is your day starting? Positive or negative?
2. Communication--do you communicate effectively and daily with your customers?
3. Building relationships--Relationships are built in every interaction whether it be via email, telephone, or in person. Are you opening doors or closing?
4. Serve--Is your life, relationships, or business all about you? Have you ever heard of Servant Leadership? As in business with customer service, if we serve the person first, the rewards are greater.
   
5. Persevere--If it doesn't work the first time, try again.

These are just a few areas we have choices in daily. You may have a variety of other situations to make choices but just be aware that the choice you make will follow with consequences. Bad choices bring bad consequences. Good choices, good consequences.

Make sure your choices bring the outcome you want!

Carole DeJarnatt

Reach Out and Learn From Others

I am a big advocate of mentors, mastermind groups, leads groups, networking groups; you name it and I believe in the benefit of meeting others and learning from their experiences. I believe that no matter who you meet, something can be learned from everyone. It could be what not to do or perhaps it could be the next biggest thing to help promote and grow your business.

If you have been reading this blog, you will know I belong to a roundtable group, several networking groups, multiple leads groups, and also facilitate a mastermind group for business owners who want to grow their business. One thing all of these groups have in common is the ability to interact with others and gain knowledge.

In February of this year I was an intern for Terry Dean and his internet business. I actually did some of the steps in his business while learning. What impressed me the most was the integrity that was clearly represented on all of his websites and his willingness to help teach the basics to anyone that was willing to learn.

So after my short time of being an intern I became a subscriber of his Monthly Mentor Club. I had just spent a month learning from him the steps needed to grow (not to mention, him putting up with my not so great efforts) and succeed in internet marketing so I knew any additional information I learned could only be an added benefit and for $20/month and the ability to cancel at any time, what could I loose.

The Terry Dean Monthly Mentor Club is a written newsletter that is mailed monthly to subscribers and is full of information to build and enhance your business. Not only the internet business but any type of business. The information he shares is applicable for anyone wanting to succeed.

Just to give you an example of how much you get for your money, I signed up in May and received April's via email immediately, May's in the mail within days, and just received June's newsletter yesterday. One of the biggest benefits I have received from it so far was the 30-day promotional calendar he exampled in his April newsletter. He detailed the daily steps he utilized to grow his internet business but you can use the same technique in growing any type of business. He called it a 30-day promotional calendar. What type of planning calendar do you have?

In May he wrote about copywriting for sales, website layouts, and much more. Each newsletter is over 11 pages in details of what he has learned by being in business and from what others have taught him. He shares the tools and techniques he used to succeed. This month he gave all his subscribers a free download of one of his new products!

I share this with my readers because this is quality information in a form that everyone can use. If you are struggling and want to learn from someone (internet marketing coach/mentor) who has built a business and now is coaching others to success in internet marketing, then click here to read more from him. Just so you know, this is an affiliate link because I believe in his products and know he gives something of value and benefit to everyone.

Now I not only belong to a mastermind group, leads group, and networking groups; I also belong to a monthly mentor newsletter group!

Benefits of a Thank You Card

I came across this article and thought it was well worth sharing with my readers. The author is right on target when it comes to the ways and benefits of utilizing this means of staying in contact.

I use this type of method on occasion and hope this article gives you some ideas on ways to implement hand written notes.

Until the next time....Carole

The benefit of a Thank you card

Copyright © 2008 Drew Stevens PhD

In 1940, Dale Carnegie wrote a classic entitled “How to Win Friends and Influence People”. That book is still worth millions today. Become genuinely interested in others and take note to appreciate their business. In today’s competitive world differentiation is what sets you apart and being genuinely interested is a key differentiator in selling client value. Clients devour conducting business with those they can trust and respect.

One of the simplest methods to appreciate clients is a simple and personal thank you note. In this article I speak of a clearly written hard copy note. Prospective clients are overwhelmed with a myriad of notes, letters and other ridiculous correspondence. Ironically, the influx of electronic communication has pained many. As such, direct mail is on the rise.

According to the Bureau of Labor and Statistics, direct mail in the United States has increased so the suggestion is to follow the trend. Use the United States Postal Service to send correspondence to clients. Refrain from all the electronic correspondence to clients.

Professionals that are different are memorable. Electronic mail comes and goes but hard copy notes last. Although you might save imperative email, they are do not remain in sight since many of you file your emails. However, handwritten notes are placed on credenzas, bookshelves and desks- within view of the prospective client, management, even competitors! These intimate economical cards provide a level of differentiation in today’s competitive market.

You have three options in sending a card:

1. Commercial Printing – If you want to make an impression, have cards professionally designed and die-cut with your corporate name and logo. These are inexpensive and illustrate professionalism bar none.

2. Home – Office Printing – Most home computers and their printers are extremely durable and reliable. Ensure professional design yet also invest in good quality paper.

3. Stock Commercial – Commercial retail provides stock cards for general business and personal use. While not recommended this is a good alternative initially.

In addition to thank you notes, other personal written gestures include:

1. Introductory letters prior to a cold call
2. Follow letters for proposals and contracts
3. Notes for receipt of letters of recommendation
4. Follow up to information when the client does not respond
5. Any imperative data that provides a conduit to a valuable relationship

If you truly illustrate your genuine interest in others and desire more sales with less labor send some form or hard copy written correspondence. I know that what I suggest requires altering behavior; however, if you truly desire more business and want clients to find you there is a need to be different.

Selling is not about money- it is about creating a cadre of clients that speak highly about you creating a flow of business in your direction. Like all things in life, departing the comfort zone requires change. However, if you desire more business then remember this quote from Mahatma Gandhi, “Be the change you want to see.” Take the time today to implement this change and watch your competitive gap widen to increase your sales!

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Drew Stevens PhD is known as the Sales Strategist. Drew assists organizations to dramatically accelerate business growth. He is the author of seven books including Split Second Selling and Split Second Customer Service and Little Book of Hope and is frequently called on the media for his expertise. Get a FREE download Drew’s White Paper on Selling Effectiveness or Business Building e-book at http://www.gettingtothefinishline.com