As a business coach, one of the many that things I discuss with clients is how to achieve your goals within the framework of your company name and identity. I often have to get one fact out of the way first – that, yes, my given name is the same as the famous manager of The Beatles. But I don’t work in music. This is where brand identity can be confusing.
My business definition as ‘Success Coach’ should make it clear. I’m here to help companies succeed. As a business coach, I can help guide you towards success in many ways. For example, your corporate identity, brand image and name can stand tall or fall based on your company’s actions and reputation.
Consider Wells Fargo, longtime multinational financial-services company. It’s now also known for the scandal of creating over 2 million fake bank accounts by their own employees. The firm had an uphill battle to fix their reputation. This is definitely getting into damage control, and we’ll talk more about that in another blog post.
General advice about naming a company includes: Watch synonyms and mashups. It shouldn’t need a mini-manual. People should get it right away. And most of all, the name should *stand for something*.
Apple is a ‘rule-breaker’ because the name doesn’t actually tell you what the company does. It’s all about brand positioning. People get it right away. It’s as famous as The Beatles ever were, and most people use their products, everyday. A name that big has to be very accountable, and maintain a position of excellence.
Whatever industry you’re in, your name and brand identity are part of what determines how successful you are. In order to achieve your goals, you should be able to answer:
What do you and your company represent?
What are the most important goals you’re working to achieve?
How does the general public perceive your brand?
A strong identity built on a strong foundation can be very powerful. And a business coach who works regularly with CEOs and managers of medium – and large-sized companies, can bring you the outside-inside perspective. Contact me for:
The other day, I read about the recent Power of 4 Event, in Pointe Claire, QC, run by motivational sales analyst Marcie Balaban of the website Let’s Get Going. She brings entrepreneurs and upper management of companies together in a way that is business matchmaking. In elegant surroundings, she carves out a direct meeting between the two. She does this in business disciplines from electronics to real estate, with a common purpose – finding trading partners and referral sources.
There are times when I think about some of the clients I work well with, and how well they work with other people. Let’s face it, we match-make every day, even if we don’t call it that. Will this new employee fit well with our company culture? Can this caterer provide service for our upcoming event that has at least three vegans? Will my upcoming date-night have the potential of providing me with a permanent partner or a gym buddy?
Business Matchmaking: Dragons’ Den Versus Shark Tank
Business matchmaking reality shows like Dragons’ Den and Shark Tank also show us that there’s a definite process and growing connection between potential partners. This has as much to do with the heart as with the head and finances. An eager entrepreneur and a venture capitalist are a match! Sometimes they even hug, and there’s the occasional glint of tears on both sides.
Although the shows are similar, there are some dragon/shark differences. In a Financial Post Magazine article, panelist Kevin O’Leary said, “As a shark I get a pre-pack of where they came from, history, what school they went to. I know more about them as individuals.” And, as follow-up episodes show, the matches can pay off big time.
The common purpose is key here. Both parties in a business deal want it to succeed. They’re coming at it from different places, with different levels of action, experience and contribution. They each have expertise and particular money concerns. Information is exchanged. A connection is made, grows, ignites. That match has the potential to knock your socks off, with two passionate experts at their best.
Hire a “Shark” of Your Own
Need some input and coaching on how to make the best matches in your company? Looking for a business coach to help you scale your business or secure a new partner – and who’s a great match for you?
There’s a great way to find out if you and I are a match. Contact me today to find out.
Summer is here and many of us are enjoying the sunny weather. It’s time to relax and enjoy for sure. Just because it’s the summer, though, you can’t completely forget about work. If you are searching for new opportunities, you still need to do career research and planning. The time for your job search is now.
People often tell me that they will apply for jobs in the fall. They often ask, why look for a new job in the summer, when the fall is when employers do their hiring?
I often respond by paraphrasing my grandfather, who was a successful businessman in Nova Scotia – “What you plant today, will be part of your harvest tomorrow.”
As with anything else, there is a lead up and planning time to secure work in your chosen field. Statistics show (depending upon what web site you are on), that 70 to 90 percent of job seekers find work by building and growing their professional network. Summertime is a great time to reach out to your personal contacts. Take this time to set up coffee meetings with employers and company representatives. Moreover, this is the time of the year, in many organizations, where the pace is slower. Leaders and Managers are using this time to develop their financial and marketing plans for the fall and winter.
This summer slow down may be the perfect opportunity for job seekers to learn more about various industries and organizations and where you may fit. I suggest that you use this time to have introductory and information meetings with employers and people of influence. They may consider you for upcoming jobs or refer you for roles in other organizations. Summer may be the a very good time to look as employers are receptive to meet and grow their professional networks – and possibly hire.
We all know them – and most of us have worked them in some capacity. I remember working with sales professionals who have been promoted to be sales managers. They made great sales and brought in a lot of revenue for the company. However, they were not very successful in leading others. There are challenges in promoting from line functions.
Decision makers in organizations have often thought that the best way to motivate and retain staff is to promote from within. Senior managers tend to believe that if someone is effective in their line functions, they will be great leaders and motivate others to be as successful. However, this is not always the case.
The challenge is that people who do well in their role, whether they are in sales, marketing, finance, accounting or human resources are not necessarily successful in leadership and management roles. They do not necessarily have the skill-set or competency to lead other employees within the organization. This is not to say that they can’t learn these skills.
They can benefit from business coaches who will discuss strategies and leadership styles. Coaching provides perspective for new leaders. An effective coach can provide another perspective to newly promoted managers. They will be able to guide, question and challenge the thinking and behaviours of these managers. The result is stronger leaders which means happier employees.
To learn more about what a business coach can do for you, contact me today.
Sometimes, a business professional who moves to Canada can have challenges finding work. Last September, a new client started to work with me. He had immigrated to Canada from California, USA to Canada 7 months earlier. He had a very established career in corporate finance before marrying a Canadian and making the decision to move here. He made a very good salary in the USA and was interested in securing work in Canada that matched the salary that he previously made.
The challenge that my client, a finance professional had, was that he could not legally work in Canada because he did not have his Canadian Permit Residence (PR) card or citizenship yet. He expected to get it in the next few months after our first appointment. Over the next few months, we worked together to ensure that he was work ready when his PR Card was ready. I coached my American client in upgrading his resume, cover letter, and Linkedin to position himself appropriately in the Canadian business market. I spent at least 2 coaching meetings with him to prepare for any upcoming interviews.
I coached him about how to use this time, waiting for his Canadian PR card to build a Canadian business network. I coached him on how to develop an effective strategy to implement. He set up many meetings with Canadian professionals who worked in the finance industry. It was not always easy for my client to build a network in a new business community. He has been determined and in the last few weeks, he did secure work in his chosen field.
Finding work can take time. With the right strategy and implementation plan, new immigrants from the USA can secure work in Canada.
If you are a new Canadian, contact me to find out how you can hit the ground running when you are eligible to seek work here.
