by Francine Carb

We’ve all been asked this question when we were kids—with the most common answers being fireman or policeman for boys and nurse or teacher for girls. Today, maybe astronaut or even POTUS may be more appropriate. What I’m suggesting is a twist to the traditional New Year’s resolution—instead, asserting what you want to be “better at” in the coming year. As we come out of the winter solstice, it’s a natural time to self-assess and set goals for the year to come. In business, our goals shouldn’t be limited to more sales and better profitability (although we all have those in the back of our minds) but rather be focused on longer-term improvements that will lead to those results, and perhaps be more achievable, and therefore satisfying, day to day or month to month.

by Francine Carb

It’s finally going to happen—you’ve secured a block of time with a company’s CEO, Chief Innovator, or Inventor. You can do this! But before you dive in, do your homework, create a plan, have contingency questions at the ready, and rehearse.

People have complexities, and so should your story.
No accomplished individual got there by magic. There were trials, failures, aha moments, and long nights that made that person who they are. They had mentors, family support, or varied experiences that contributed to their rise. While all these factors were likely unplanned, they were far from a given. Experts are typically creative, open to new ideas, and willing to take measured risks. Many technical experts that I’ve interviewed over the years have honed some skill that’s unique to them and difficult, if not impossible, to duplicate—like being able to hear if a gear needs grease. They, many times, are great teachers and like to give their customers (or any audience) a good explanation of what went wrong and how they fixed it. In addition, they are willing to be ambassadors for their company. Some are just great problem solvers—able to zoom out and see the big picture as well as organize a complex and detailed system of remedies. They are all naturally curious people.

Fun? Yes! It’s time to prepare for your interview.

by Francine Carb

Over the past decade, the lingo has changed. We’re now all colleagues, associates, and team players—seemingly equals; however, the truth is that everyone has a boss. This distinction is more apparent at this time of year, when we’re all responsible for budgeting, planning, and basically proving our worth to the organization, now, and in the coming year.

Who is YOUR boss? If you’re a marketing contributor, it’s likely the VP of Sales, VP of Operations, and perhaps the President of your company. If you’re a sales executive, you likely report to the CEO; however, you have many bosses, including the customers who heavily rely on your company for essentials. If you’re a CEO, your customers are your boss, your employees are as well, and if you’re part of a distributor organization, you have the manufacturers who supply you with products and technologies as your boss—demanding more than ever from you. It’s the way of the business world—constantly striving to the next level.

All these demands could have a negative impact and take you on a path toward futility, but I suggest that you turn your attention to some very effective tactics that can help realign you with your professional goals and put you in a more positive frame of mind. Let’s start with the most important one.