Check out my recent interview about my first book Learn to Power Think, published by Chronicle Books, on Paul and Mattie in the Morning. Even though this book was published a few years ago, it’s message is strong and practical.

Learn how to:

• Turn intentions into goals

• Turn goals into actions

• Turn actions into easy-to-take steps

• Take steps that lead to success!

Listen to this dynamic, information-packed interview here to find out how to power think your way to success.

 As entrepreneurs, I know we all look for the tips and tricks of the industry experts to help polish our professional image, boost our confidence and increase our poise in the business arena. Join us for a 6-week free virtual book launch tele-summit starting February 28th and get insights from leading industry style experts! Click here for more information and to register now.

Today, as someone who shows entrepreneurs how to build thriving businesses by raising their expert status and as a publisher of multi-author books, I can honestly say I no longer have this problem. See my last blog post on If You Want Something Done Right Hire an Entrepreneur to Do It to see my solution to finding good help for my business.

There is a second part to the success equation of having good entrepreneur partners who work with you to fulfill the mission of your business. That is what this blog is about.

The Better Your Team, the Better Your Business

Instead of just hiring entrepreneurs, I take steps to make them a part of my team and have an attitude of being on their team. This creates a genuine successful partnership that fosters creativity, innovation and ideas on how we can all run our businesses more effectively and profitably.

Here are some things I do to boost my team of entrepreneurs that benefits both them and me.

1. I rave about their good work on Facebook®, Linkedin® and Twitter® about them. I talk about them to my clients and in my teleclasses; I recommend them and write testimonials for them.

2. I send them clients, whom I feel they can serve well. I take the time to talk to people who ask for a resource and pick the entrepreneur on my team who is the best match.

3. I look for new products or services they can offer for more revenue for their firm. I sometimes partner with them to create a new product or service that I know the marketplace will respond to.

4. I am loyal and do not respond to people who offer me the same service at a cheaper rate or meet with people who do what the people on my team already do. My team can count on me to continue to work with them.

5. I always pay my bills immediately. I hate waiting for checks or even waiting for people to push that button on PayPal® to have a payment go through. When people know they can rely on you for quick payment, they always appreciate your business a little more.

6. I say thank you. I do my best to always express my appreciation for a job well done. A lot of people care about this more than money, and acknowledgement is something we can all give and receive more often.

I am talking about this now because I am renewing my commitment to be even better at this. I am going to pay attention, and look to see what else I can do to have the people who help me succeed—succeed more. Give some thought to this for your own business and see if it can serve you well, as well.

Start to employ the wonderful solution of hiring entrepreneurs to get things done. Whatever you need completed, there are a multitude of people who specialize in just that task. Do you need someone to do Internet research, to call former customers, to prepare a PowerPoint® presentation? There are a ton of folks who will do it for you with a smile and a positive attitude, and they will do it quickly and affordably.

Now, perhaps I paint too rosy a picture. I do admit I have had a few less-than-ideal experiences with service providers over the years. To avoid this, I have put together a criteria for my entrepreneurial partners to assist me in fulfilling the objectives of my business.

What follows are my criteria for the entrepreneurs I partner with in my business. Read this and let it inspire you to create your own criteria.

1. Have a Positive Disposition

I like to say, “a faccia lunga is never fun.” Faccia lunga is long face in Italian. Complaints interfere with the creative process and zap your energy. Only optimists are allowed in my aura if I can help it.

2. Be a Good Communicator

Even though I prefer communicating by phone, I have entrepreneurs on my team who prefer email. I am happy to adapt as long as they get right back to me and give me a progress report. Staying in touch makes all projects go smoother.

3. Make Me and My Projects a Priority

I admit with no shame, I want everything done as soon as I ask for it. If I cannot have it done now, then I want it by an agreed-upon time. Meeting deadlines is key to keeping VIP clients happy.

4. Be Willing to Learn

If I am working with someone, and I ask them to do something they cannot do, I am happy to invest money or other resources to help them figure it out. Although I could find another specialist in that area, I would rather give more work to someone I am already working with who meets my other criteria.

5. Have a Genuine Desire to Serve

This is super important. In my business, I have a commitment to genuinely do a great job for my clients; I under promise and over deliver. I am always thrilled when my clients get great results, and this is the same quality I look for in the entrepreneurs I work with.

6. Have Integrity

I am not sure how you determine this when you are investigating new entrepreneurs to work with. I do my best to remember to keep my B.S. meter on and my intuition turned up. If someone does not feel like a good match, or if they do more talking than listening when they are supposed to be learning about my business, then they probably are not the right entrepreneur partner for me.

7. Are Innovative

I do not know everything about all the areas in which I need support. I do expect my entrepreneur partners to offer a solution that can help me do what I do better. If I ask for something, and they know a better way, I expect they will say so. If there is a new technology that can help my business, I want them to introduce it to me. I love innovation; even simple suggestions are exciting at times.

There you have it. One of my biggest secrets to success. Create your own criteria for utilizing more entrepreneurs to get things done and watch your business thrive.

Use these skills discussed here with your employees, clients, vendors and anyone else you find yourself working with skills and begin to increase your success.

Develop a culture of celebrating everyone’s successes

When something goes great let other people know. Tell them when you solve a big problem, when you land an exciting new project, when you finish an crucial certification course. On the flip side ask other people to share their wins with you. Ask them for some wins, give them an opportunity to share with you what is exciting in their business.

Use your intuition

Sometimes you might have a thought or an idea that you cannot intellectually or practically justify. If you want to share it, share it. You can start by saying I have an unrelated thought I would like to bounce off you.”  “I am having the sense that.” Trust your intuition and use your intuition.

Have a theme

Create an idea, affirmation or motto in the form of a phrase or sentence that supports a new belief or behavior you are trying to cultivate with your team. Themes can also hold the focus on a particular desired outcome you are working towards. Themes can help you put your attention on a particular skill you want to continue to develop.

Here are some examples of themes some of my clients have used: We easily create customer solutions, We expect success, Trust yourself and your ability to get the job done, New business is everywhere. Pick a different theme for your team each month.

No matter what is the size of your team, it is in your best interest to consider yourself a coach to your employees, vendors and clients. Utilize these coaching skills and watch how your meetings come to fruition with ease. Also your new skills will enhance all your professional interactions. What could be smarter?

Have you enjoyed this series? If you have tried any of the ideas shared here, or have additional suggestions, please leave a comment!

Use these skills discussed here with your employees, clients, vendors and anyone else you find yourself working with skills and begin to increase your success.

Make powerful requests

Sometimes we think we have made a request when really we have only had a discussion. A request looks like: “Will you do that before our next appointment?” or “I request that you fax me your bid by Wednesday.” Not a request: “If you get a chance send me your updated information.” or “Let me know when you can help me with this project.” When you make a request there are one of three responses. Accept the request with a “yes” response. Decline the request with a “no” response or negotiate the request by making a counteroffer.

Use positive language

Eliminate judgment from your communication, take out the word “should” from your vocabulary. Replacement words and phrases might be – would, could, have you considered, it would serve you. When conversing with someone, never start a sentence with “But.” This word invalidates whatever came before it. Instead of “but” use the word “and.”

Brainstorm

When you do not have the answer to a challenge at hand, generate ideas to create a possible solution through brainstorming. When doing this with yourself or with someone else, remember to not comment, evaluate, judge or edit any thoughts or suggestions. Continue to write them all down until there are no more. Then begin a dialogue using the ones that seem the most appealing. Eventually you may have a solution.

Be acknowledging

Talk about the good things you are hearing, make sure the people you interact with know that you are aware of their, risks, wins, expertise, etc.

Acknowledging someone is very different than complimenting them.

An acknowledgment refers to WHO the person is being. An example would be, ” I appreciate you taking the time to meet with me, it shows me that my project is important to you.” “I want you to know that in working with you, it is clear to me that you know your industry and you really care about your clients.” A compliment refers to something the person did or is wearing. ” That was a delicious batch of cookies you made.” “I really like your lapel pin.”

Coming up in Part 3 – Develop a culture of celebrating success, use your intuition, and use themes.

Smart Leadership for Entrepreneurs – Part 1

A leader steps up, they provide direction, and sometimes even motivation to get things moving. In today’s world accomplishment is achieved largely through collaboration and making sure people feel seen, heard and a part of the process. Entrepreneurs are good at many things: being innovative, risk-taking and moving quickly. One of the skills many can use l more of is leadership. Having the skills of a leader helps you get everything done with more support and engagement from everyone involved.

Use these skills discussed here with your employees, clients, vendors and anyone else you find yourself working with skills and begin to increase your success.

Create accountability

In your professional interactions make sure decisions and actions are not only talked about. Always get a clear, definite agreement. Always have both parties write down any agreements. Each agreement must be specific and measurable and accompanied by a timeline for completion. For example, if someone says to you, ” I will see if I can get to your proposal this week,” create accountability with them by asking, “Are you agreeing to call me back with your decision by Friday?” Take it one step further and make a phone date for Friday to ensure you will get your answer.

Practice power listening

In business you want to show your interest and enthusiasm through both your verbal and nonverbal communication. You will learn a lot more from listening. To be a power listener put your full attention on being fully present with the other person. This includes maintaining open body language; do not cross your arms or legs. Remember to have a relaxed face. Sometimes people are concentrating so hard they look like they are frowning. This intimidates the speaker.  Always maintain constant eye contact when listening.  Allow no interruptions, do not answer the phone do not begin to talk with anyone else, give the speaker your full attention. Use “ I am listening” words and phrases i.e.. “aha,” “yes,”  “I see,” “really,” “interesting,” “I hear you.”

Coming up in Part 2 – Make powerful requests, use positive language, brainstorm, and acknowledge. Be sure to subscribe!