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January 15, 2018
Picking Up The Pieces When Collaboration Goes Sideways

Collaboration in business can be one of the best decisions you make.

Collaborating with the right champions and partners can advance your business, make it scalable faster, increase your reach and influence, and help you make a bigger impact or difference in the world.

At Raise a Dream, Rebecca and I hear success stories all the time from entrepreneurs who found the right partners and sponsors to collaborate with and where the results could never have been achieved on their own. These successes typically include collaborations where a relationship and trust has been built and nurtured, communication is strong, and where there is a shared vision and agreement about how the partners (and collaboration) will work together.

Sadly, we hear lots of stories on the opposite end of the spectrum… collaborations gone sideways or… worse, fallen apart. Perhaps what saddens us the most in hearing these stories is that relationships were often destroyed and a business suffers, which means the entrepreneurs suffer (and so does their family and the impact they want want to make in the world).

The Right Approach to Collaboration:  

Here are some suggestions from Rebecca and I about how to build collaborations right from the start so there are no pieces to pick up.

  1. Choose the right partners. Your best partner may not be your best friend; it may be someone you have never met but with whom you have the same vision and complementary strengths. This was the case with Rebecca and I and how Raise a Dream was formed. Our business coach knew us both and connected us. The rest is an amazing history (or do we say HERstory)!
  2. Have a plan and ink the plan. Collaborations typically result in high level energy, inspiring ideas, and a big vision. Ensure you work together to create the vision and plan, highlight the priorities, and monitor the plan as you go.
  3. Communicate clearly. Communicate often. Communication is one of the most common reasons that collaborations fall apart. Assumptions get made or communication is missed completely.    
  4. Have collaboration partner meetings. There is a tendency to get caught up and swept away by the details and the many tasks involved in running a business and launching a collaborative dream. Ensure you take time to meet not only about the urgent and emergent needs, but also for long-term future planning.
  5. Build FUN into the agreement. This was one of the priorities that Rebecca and I agreed on from the onset. Now that doesn’t mean all tasks and every step of the business path is fun, but it is important to make sure that the process brings some joy, satisfaction, and FUN!
  6. Learn from others. Watch how other businesses and collaborations work. Consider what the partners are doing to work together and explore where these attributes can assist you with your collaborative endeavours.
  7. Do “Review and Learn” processes. As your business and collaboration grows, ensure you take time to conduct “Review and Learn” processes (e.g. after a launch, an event, etc.). The questions that we use are a) What worked well? b) What was a challenge? c) What did you/we learn? And d) what will we/I do differently next time?

Remember, it takes teamwork to make the dream work!

As you build your collaborations, remember to choose the right partners, agree on the vision, create a plan (and review it regularly), communicate effectively and often, and nurture the relationship… all at the same time as you are having some fun!

Charmaine Hammond and Rebecca Kirstein, Raise a Dream

www.raiseadream.com

December 27, 2017
Why Networking Events CAN Transform Your Business

You never know who you are sitting beside at a networking event and how that person (and her influence) may be the best thing this year for your business.

Far too often, people talk to and schmooze with the people they already know, are Facebook friends with, or saw at a different event a week ago instead of making new connections and building new relationships. While it is important to keep those recent connections strong, you can do this briefly saying how nice it is to see them again and introduce yourself to the person/people they are with. Also, make sure that you connect with the people at your table. Be curious, ask questions, and show genuine interest in learning about the people you are sitting with.

Over the years, I have met clients, sponsors, and project partners at networking events. It is what happens after the event that can transform your business. Make notes on the back of business cards you receive. I write what I learned about the person (e.g. they have a dog, love the show America’s Got Talent, and are going to Mexico for vacation in June) on the card. I create a task for myself in the project management system our team uses (Asana) or in my Google Calendar to follow up with the person after the networking event. Then, perhaps in June after their vacation, I send a short note in LinkedIn or through social media to ask how their vacation was.

This kind of attention shows that you listened, you cared, and that you took time to build a relationship. It also shows that individual what you are like to do business with. I use the CamCard app on my phone to copy the business cards and put them into my phone contact list. Once back in the office, I also connect with them on LinkedIn (that way, if they ever change their email address, you are still connected to them, and their LinkedIn profile tells you a lot more about the person).

Here’s our system for maximizing the value of networking events:

  1. Ensure you are connected with the event organizer, speakers, and emcee, etc. on LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter before you attend the event.
  2. Bring business cards. You would be surprised how many people do not bring business cards… what a missed opportunity! If you don’t have business cards, connect with them on Facebook and LinkedIn at the event.
  3. Be active on the event’s social media and event pages before you attend.
  4. Be a champion for the event host.
  5. Follow up after the event.
  6. Have fun and build relationships… Talk to strangers!

Charmaine Hammond, Raise A Dream
www.raiseadream.com

November 2, 2017
A Day in the Life of Women Serving in the Canadian Navy

I grew up in a military family. My Dad proudly served in the Canadian Air Force for 25 years. This career gave him an expertise, and our family a stable paycheck. Yes, we moved a lot but new schools aside, I loved our life.
It was probably hardest on my mom as she had to pack us all up, leave the house so clean that the floors gleamed, (yes, we had a military inspection), and then help us all to adjust to new communities. Being a kid, it never occurred to me that she also left friends and great jobs behind. Society dictated that she be a good wife. Mom never let on if she felt resentful. She supported Dad’s career with an attitude of ‘here we go, off on another adventure.’ I am grateful to her.
 

 
On July 5th, I had the amazing opportunity to experience life on board the HMSC Regina as part of Women Leaders at Sea. When the invitation popped into my email box, I couldn’t respond fast enough! This would give me an opportunity to see our modern military in action, and introduce us to the changed role of women serving our country.
 
Women are now serving equally alongside men in battle, flying rescue helicopters, or posted to positions in the submarine service and navel ships. By spending the day at sea with VIP’s such as Rear Admiral Art McDonald, Commodore Marta Mulkins, and Honourary Colonel Diane McCurdy, the day gave myself and 100 other professional women the opportunity to see both women and men contribute equally in day-to-day working operations of the ship.
 

 
In addition to traditional roles such as medicine, we were introduced to women serving as Engineers, Fire Fighters, Gun Operators, and Military Tacticians. The culture on board the ship was that everyone is equal, with each person playing a part in the safety and security of the ship, along with their team members. We were given tours of the numerous departments of the ship, and experienced how the modern-day military fights, but more importantly, protects and defends. Canadians should be proud that we still encourage our military to serve as peacekeepers.
 

 
I am grateful to the Women Leaders at Sea day with the Canadian Navy. It gave me lessons that translate to my business. We saw the navy demonstrate team building and negotiation skills, create a positive and respectful workplace, train in non-traditional careers, and best of all, actively support the belief that women can do any job. It validated that we just need to be given the opportunity, then trained and supported in our roles.
After an amazing day at sea, I now know that there really is, “No life like it!”

October 24, 2017
Retro-Chic Enthusiast & Honorary Captain: Mandy Farmer

Where did the inspiration for retro chic Hotel Zed come from?
 
As a business traveler on the road I was always amazed at how boring hotels could be… where was the fun?! On those trips I started dreaming up ideas as to how to transform a hotel into a completely unordinary experience. I coupled this with a love of mid century modernism and Hotel Zed was born.
 
Accent Inns is a family business. What #1 piece of advice do you have for others working in a family business?
 
The success my father and I have had in our family business is due to mutual respect and lots of love. We got creative as to how to make it work for both of us and made sure that we always had each other’s best interests at heart. We still do and it has been such a wonderful experience to have your dad as your not only your business partner but your friend.
 
Have you had a mentor or been a mentor? Should everyone have one? Why or why not?
 
Everyone should be a mentor and have a mentor. I find that the young people I mentor always end up teaching me way more than I’ve ever taught them; I’m really just there to give them encouragement when their doubts start taking over their heads.
 
What sparked your love of bikes?
 
I adore being out in the woods on my mountain bike. It’s a great place to think and spend time with loved ones.
 
What book(s) are you reading right now and what have you learned from them?
 
I’m the type of person that has a few books on the go, depending on what mood I’m in. Tim Ferris‘ Tools of Titans is pretty killer. It has so many little gems in it that either spark ideas or inspire me to do things differently. And The Awakened Family is a book on Conscious Parenting that is useful for being more mindful in all aspects of my life, not just parenting.
 
If you were to give a piece of advice to someone opening a business, what would you say?
 
The most important marketing is the actual product.
 
If you had to pick two of your top business focuses everyday, what would they be?
 
I love innovating and coming up with a crazy idea, noodling it around, bouncing it off other people and then building a plan of implementation. Second business focus is thanking my amazing team for the stellar job they do. They run an awesome company, I just cheer them on.
 
On social media, who do you follow and what influences do they have?
 
I am not really on social media as I find it distracts me from my goals. I do however seek out podcasts from Tara Brach on Mindfullness (perfect for folding the laundry). She inspires me to stop narrating a bizarre story in my head and open to the beauty of right here right now.
 
Have you had any major setbacks? If so, what were they and how did you overcome them?
 
I believe that out of any misfortune can come an opportunity for awesomeness. I applied this to my life in many instances that were without a doubt positive game changers for me yet at the time they were catastrophes: flunking out of a 4th year university class in my last semester, giving birth to a stillborn, overcoming an eating disorder. These “disasters” are some of the best things that ever happened to me. They instilled a resilience and strength in me that is fierce yet still soft.
 
As an Honorary Captain in the Canadian Navy, tell us a bit about your military experience and how it ties into your business.
 
What a crazy ride I am on! I have no previous military experience and honestly, this does not tie into my business at all. What I love about the position of Honorary Captain is that I am serving the men and women who serve all of us Canadians. It is my chance to say thank you and let them know how grateful we are as Canadians for the amazing job they do keeping our commerce waterways safe, our waters free of drug dealers, first responders for any natural disaster, and so much more. It’s an honor to serve them.

August 22, 2017
To Attend or Not to Attend? Strategies for Choosing the Right Conferences and Events for Your Business

As business owners, our inbox is often inundated with invitations to attend conferences and events that promise to educate us and connect us to the right people. We often deal with the deluge of emails by either deleting them all without looking, or by wasting considerable time trying to decide where to spend the money, and if we should register. It can be an expensive gamble. We won’t find out if an event is worth it until the money is spent, and the time invested.
 
So, how can we make a more qualified decision to register for that conference that will guarantee a return on the investment of our personal time and company money?
 
Here are 6 strategic planning steps that may help the next time another event notice pops into your inbox.
 
1. Is the cost in the yearly marketing budget? If you don’t have one, create a budget for educational and marketing activities. It will help prioritize where your money should be spent.
 
2. What are your company educational goals for the year? Before agreeing to a conference or event, examine your company priorities. Does an employee require advanced training? Do they need to be certified or up-graded in a specialized skill? Will you be needing any CRM, (such as Infusionsoft), or up-grades this year? If so, be sure and budget for these. They can be quite costly but necessary.
 
3. “If we aren’t there, will our competition be?” Closely examine your marketing plan, looking at both past and planned activities. Do you know where your best customers come from? For example: If your company benefits from attending trade shows, then plan for it. Prioritize important events and add these to the marketing budget.
 
4. Was there a return on investment at past events? History speaks very loud if you listen. Were there new customers or great leads? Eliminate events that didn’t work. Track the money and the time spent on each activity. Review the results and make decisions based upon them.
 
5. What interests you about the event? Why do you want to be there? Do you, as the leader, need a new injection of inspiration or motivation? Is it the speaker, the topics or the time with peers? Will your target market be there? If the company can afford it, budget for spontaneous events.
 
6. Track results. Did you walk away with useful information or education that can be shared with employees? Did you enjoy stimulating conversation with like-minded people? Do you feel happier and more motivated? Do you have solid sales leads? Was the money spent worth it and do you want to put it in the budget for next year? Make note of the results. Next year add it to the marketing plan, (or not), and budget accordingly.

April 14, 2015
Five Steps to Follow Up on Referrals

by Mary Cantando, Founder of The Woman’s Advantage, Guest Contributor

There is no greater sign of confidence from a customer than a referral. A referral is an opportunity both to win a new customer and to make your referring client look like a superstar. And that is precisely why you need to have a solid plan to follow up on every referral you receive.

Here is a five-step process to follow up on referrals.

Five Steps to Follow Up on Referrals

  1. Ask the Referrer for “Inside Info.”

Ask the referrer why they thought to make this referral. What is going on with this prospect that makes this a good time for you to meet with them?

2. Ask the Referrer for the Best Method of Contact.

Would the referrer like to schedule a meeting where you can all sit down together? Or make a call to let the prospect know you’ll be reaching out? Or send an email connecting the two of you?

3. Make the Initial Call.

After the connection is made, it’s up to you to make the initial call to get the ball rolling. Don’t drag your feet. Do this immediately after the connection is made.

4. Don’t be Afraid to Make Multiple Calls.

Studies show that an average of five outreaches (email, voicemail) must be made before a message is returned. Don’t stop too early. You may be only one call away from the biggest account of your life.

5. Circle Back to the Referrer.

After you’ve made the connection, keep the referrer in the loop as to what’s going on. And be sure to say “Thank You” every opportunity you have.

February 3, 2015
Five Keys to Living an Abundant Life

by Mary Cantando, Founder of The Woman’s Advantage, Guest Contributor

One of the key elements we discuss in The Woman’s Advantage® Forum is that of abundance vs scarcity. To be successful, you must find and create opportunities, rather than merely “putting up with” things. An abundant life is not based on luck, but on hard work and good decision making. There’s no reason why you can’t live the most abundant life imaginable.

Five Keys to Living an Abundant Life

1. Translate negative events from problems to opportunities.

When potential problems cross your path, look for the opportunities hidden within. They are there.

2. Divorce yourself from those with a poverty or victimization mentality.

Spend as little time as possible with those who want to drag you into their negative mindset.

3. Absolutely believe that you can control your life.

Understand that you are not being driven by outside forces of society and economics. No matter what you encounter, YOU are in the driver’s seat of your life.

4. Avoid jealousy when someone gets a better “deal” than you.

You won’t always come out on the top of the pile, but if you’re reading this message on a computer, you are better off than 90% of the world’s population.

5. Take prudent risks.

The only way you can coast is downhill.You have to take a few risks and step out of your comfort zone to live an abundant life.

December 2, 2014
5 Great Ideas from the 2015 Woman’s Advantage Shared Wisdom Calendar

As published in the 2015 Woman’s Advantage Shared Wisdom Calendar

1. The distance between dreams and reality is ACTION.

2. One idea, executed brilliantly, is worth more than a million brilliant ideas.

3. You have permission to change the world.

4. Deliberately work toward amazing things.

5. People do what you reward.

If you’re interested, the Woman’s Advantage Shared Wisdom Calendar offers daily tips and can be bought here.

July 15, 2014
5 Questions to Turn Your Day Around

by Mary Cantando, Founder of The Woman’s Advantage, Guest Contributor

Ever have one of those days when everything seems to be going wrong? Of course you do. We all do. Looking for a surefire way to turn that day around in just a few minutes? Find a quiet place and ask yourself the questions below.

5 Questions to Turn Your Day Around

1. What one thing am I the most proud of in my life?

This may be related to your business, but it doesn’t have to be. Perhaps you’re most proud of a neighborhood effort you’ve spearheaded or the way your adult kids have turned out. 2.

What one thing am I most grateful for in my life?

If you’re reading this newsletter, you’re probably better off than 95% of the world’s population, so what’s most important to you? Maybe it’s your physical health or your beautiful home or your loving spouse/partner.

3. What one thing am I most excited about in my life?

What opportunities are unfolding? What projects do you have in the pipeline? What vacations do you have planned?

4. Who do I love?

Expand your definition of the word “love” and the length of this list might surprise you. Sure, you’ll include parents, children, spouse/partner, but how about your neighbors and employees?

5. Who loves me?

While you may think your bank balance or number of employees defines your success, the number of people who love you is a true measure of your wealth.

Copyright Pamela Chatry 2017. All Rights Reserved