Posted Thursday, September 2, 2010

“I love criticism just so long as it is unqualified praise.” ~ Noel Coward

Greetings!

I was just working with a client and we were reviewing resumes for a CSR position. On resume after resume I notice this entry: “Takes criticism well.”

Really? I hate criticism. I don’t take it well. I take it…but it puts my teeth on edge. I deserve it sometimes, but I still hate it.

And I love being complimented. I love hearing about a job well done, or a good result. I love hearing that I, “look nice today!” Bring it on. I vote that we get a bit more liberal with praise. That way, when you have to criticize someone’s performance, they KNOW that you love them. You tell them nice things all the time. When you have to criticize you can do so without apology, or offering a “poop” sandwich.

One of my clients told me about getting a compliment on one of his team members. He asked me if he should pass it along. He said he wondered if that makes a person “cocky” to hear good things about their performance.

YES…pass on the compliment. And, let’s worry less about someone getting “too big for their britches.” Instead, let’s praise each other into greater and greater appreciation for what we do and who we are. Then, when we have to eat criticism every now and then, we can deal better with it.

Comment? Question? Challenge? Reach me contact@barebonesbiz.com

Xo$, Ellen

PS…The Velvet Rope comes down on 9.8.2010. Get More Calls NOW!

Posted Wednesday, August 25, 2010

“’On with the dance; let the joy be unconfined’ is my motto, whether there’s a dance to dance or a joy to be unconfined” ~ Mark Twain

Greetings!

Just got back from TWO WEEKS vacation. Last year I went on a two week vacation, the longest I had been on in 20 years. What I discovered last summer, was that I am not so important that I can’t disappear for a couple of weeks. What freedom! I had a blast…so I committed to do it again. This summer, I spent my vacation on the Jersey Shore with 35 other family members. Big, noisy, high action event with lots of mini golfing, body surfing, sun bathing, donut eating, board walking, etc. Maybe the best event: the Dance Contest. I witnessed 8 year old Jackson breakdance to the Gorillaz and 80 year old Yai Yai get down to Rhianna. Wow!

Then, came the Awards Ceremony: The Mitty’s. In our family, the coveted Oven Mitt award has become the highest honor. We gave awards for Sportsmanship, Nautical Achievement and “The Fisherman Mitt” was awarded to Gail, for selflessly plunging a toilet that she did not clog. It reminded me that everyone likes to be clapped for and celebrated. Yep, even the shy ones.

Here’s to you and your family and your team. Start jotting down reasons to applaud the people in your life…and host an Awards Ceremony of your own!

And, natch, tell me all about it!

Xo$, Ellen

PS…If you are ready to do the simple things we tell you to do, you can get the phone ringing NOW…guaranteed. Check it out… Get More Calls NOW!

Posted Friday, August 20, 2010

"Every now and then, you should rip open your chest and let them see your heart."
~ Dale Carnegie

Greetings!

Bob Ferrari is a chimney sweep. He, like you, works in homes and businesses...helping folks be safe, healthy and comfortable. He got a nice piece of press today. check it out..

Why not approach your local paper? Let people know who you are, what you stand for and why you do what you do. Bob comes across in this article as...himself. We buy from people we like and trust. It takes a little bit of communication to develop a friendly and trusting relationship. You can open up a little and let the press help you spread the word. Sure, there is a lot of negative media attention out there.  And you may be a little gun-shy about the press, and consumer watchdogs who are hyper-aggressive. However, the media is composed of people with jobs to do. Help them tell some good news now and then. Tell them your story.

NOTE! Bob has recently spent time considering who he is, what he stands for...and why he does what he does. Noodle those questions before you call the local paper.

AND, tell us your story! At PHC News, we are always looking for great stories to share! contact@barebonesbiz.com

Xo$, Ellen

PS...Our marketing program ALWAYS works, if you work it. Check it out... Get More
Calls NOW!

Posted Friday, August 13, 2010

In the land of the blind, the one-eyed man is king.” ~Anonymous

Greetings!

I saw a Plumber’s truck yesterday. The tag line: You call – we show up. I laughed until I realized that that selling proposition could catapult a contractor to the top of the heap in his market. Really, if you actually show up…clean, sober and on time…you could lay claim to the market leader position. It’s not that hard to be great. Stick to the basics. What would it take to show up clean, sober and on time? It would take systems, training, communication and accountability. You would have to fire people who cause you to compromise your integrity. And, you could enjoy the pride associated with delivering on your promises in powerful, positive ways.

How good to you want to be? Start with good enough.

Xo$, Ellen

PS…We open the velvet rope on 9.8.2010. Get More Calls NOW!

Posted Thursday, August 5, 2010

“I walked 5 miles to school, in the snow, uphill. Both ways.” ~Nic Economou (my dad)

Greetings!

Yesterday we went to Cold Spring Village, just outside of Cape May, New Jersey. http://www.hcsv.org/ It’s an authentic, restored look at life in Colonial times. Here’s the thing. Life used to be pretty tough. Making candles for light, crafting plates from tin and pottery and shaping straw into brooms. Whew…and that was all prep for actual chores. I am newly appreciative of my dishwasher and the accessibility of Target. Here’s the thing. As the industrial revolution rocked the world economy, tradespeople adapted. They always do. So now there is solar and wind and alternative energy. The tinkerer once made household items from tin…until copper came along as a superior material. Then, he adapted. So will you.

Xo$, Ellen

PS…Need to get the phone ringing? This program always works…if you just follow our lead. Are you up for it? The best price is available on 9.8.2010. Get in the loop to Get More Calls NOW!