Open or Closed to Learning?
I've found that some people are far better learners than others simply because they allow themselves to be open to it. I received an email a few hours ago from someone who read Million Dollar Consulting, and wanted to tell me
Traits of My Most Successful Mentoring Clients
I've been asked repeatedly what traits and behaviors are endemic to my most successful mentoring clients. I recently listed them for the Mentor Hall of Fame meeting in New York. Picture the categories below as continua, not "have it or
Don’t Worry About Your Concern
Folks, I've been through the real lows and the absolute highs in this profession, and I'm thankful the latter have been more abundant and permanent. But I know the roller coaster ride, and here's a piece of advice, not just
NORK (No One Really Knows)
A long time ago, the great science fiction writer, Robert Heinlein, created the neologism "grok" in the magnificent novel, Stranger in A Strange Land. It means to "grasp" and truly understand, sort of. I'm introducing NORK, which means that "no one
Alan’s Growth Cycle
A year of personalized work, tailored development plan, private meetings, small group meetings—a mastermind group on steroids. Discounted fee only until March 15: http://summitconsulting.com/seminars/alans-growth-cycle.php
The Little Things That Kill You
Ironically, it's not the big disasters that undermine most professional services practices. It's the little things, an accrual of blockage and inefficiency and calcification that creates stalactites along your path. Don't live with "necessary evils." For example, do not tolerate: • Late
How to Control A Conversation
In our business, language is everything. Language controls discussions, discussions control relationships, and relationships control business. Too many consultants (and professional services providers) engage in conversations without any goal or objective, as if merely "chatting up" someone will lead to business.
Tell Me Where It Hurts
When you're coaching people or simply observing clients, you're well served never to assume someone else is "damaged" or malicious. We tend to make too many assumptions about others' motives without any evidence. There are four key vectors to consider when,
Advice from the Mentor Summit in Miami Beach
Having conducted another Mentor Summit (where members of my global community gather for a few days to learn, network, and have fun), here are some observations I’d like to share with all professional services providers. • You are usually much better
Stop Procrastinating
Here's how you schedule time to get things done. Let's say you want to write an article or position paper. 1. Choose the audience you seek to influence, probably those most appropriate for your value proposition. (5 minutes) [Bank lending officers] 2.