Is that the Right tool?

Tool Re-evaluation time!

Are the tools you are using really working?

Are there new tools?

For example, I was on twitter before there was a hootsuite, now I can use Hootsuite for the top 4 Social networking sites

and cut down on my ACTUAL time. Yes,  I still interact personally because I am connecting and re-connecting.

Are you using Linked in like Facebook? Connecting to people you do not know saying that you know them.

When you connect, tell people how you know them, otherwise they may not remember!

Too many rejections on Linked in can get you kicked off.

Update your soft ware, update your systems!

What are you doing today?

What are you really Crowdfunding for?

There are so many great tools that are provided as an avenue to be able to assist people further in their pursuit of seeing their project and dreams come true. One such tool that is widely used, but also abused is that of Crowdfunding. Just like with all things it starts out great and then people misuse what they have access to. It is time for people to get an understanding on what crowdfunding is and what it is used for. You can grab my book on Crowdfunding entitled, “Get Crowdfunded Now,” for more details.

So many people are so quick to get funding and do not know how to get Crowdfunded Now the right way. There are so many things that I see that I had to address. It is time for people to act out of a state of integrity as it coincides with their brand and their brand message. What are you saying to your tribe? “Oh, I am going to say it is for a certain project and then use the funds towards something completely opposite of what you set the campaign up for. This happens. Also, trying to crowdfund for campaigns that are not going to make an impact such as (insert an example here.)

You have heard the quote used many times, one bad apple spoils the bunch. It is time to get serious about what your mission is. Don’t try to deceive your tribe of people by trying to crowdfund when you don’t even have the knowledge of what it means to crowdfund and what all is entailed. Ever wonder why so many campaigns are not even done successfully is because they do not truly display what the intention is. Before you start crowdfunding connect with me so that I can ensure that you have the basis on which to start and have a successful campaign.

There are people who have an idea of something that has the potential to really change things and benefit other people. Act with honesty and integrity so that a good resource won’t be ruined. Is what you are trying to accomplish going to impact other people or are you doing to manipulate for selfish gain. There is always the right way to go about doing something and trying to find a way to alter the original intent of crowdfunding is misleading.

For more information on ensuring that you are crowdfunding the right way go to http://www.wrightplacetv.com/speak for an appt with Dr. Wright.

Or get my No-Cost Crowdfunding Resource Guide at www.getcrowdfundednow.com 

Top 5 Most Effective Business Leadership Development Methods

Top 5 Most Effective Business Leadership Development Methods

Few people are born leaders. In most cases, leadership skills and qualities are developed through hard work and persistence, but there’s no point putting in all that effort if you’re not must utilizing the most effective learning and development methods.

Leading a team is about more than simply achieving milestones and goals. It is about inspiring, problem-solving, and ultimately leading a group of people towards a common goal.

There are many different ways of turning an ordinary employee into a great leader, but here are five of the most effective methods.

1. Workplace developmental assignments

As a new generation of leaders prepares to take their places as managers, more time and effort is being directed at training leaders, mentors and managers within organizations, from global corporations to local businesses.

One of the most effective methods for developing leadership potential within any sized organization is by giving aspiring managers on-the-job assignments that allow them to experience key challenges they will continue to face as professionals.

In an interview conducted by GovLeaders, Cynthia McCauley suggests that as many as 70% of the experiences that they felt contributed to their development as leaders were work-based challenges.

Developmental assignments allow professionals to learn key skills before they become a formal part of their regular workplace responsibilities. Giving your senior team members developmental assignments will also help you to identify your emerging leaders.

Those who are ready to step up and lead will adapt their skills to various situations throughout the assignment, showing they can put two key leadership qualities into practice – flexibility and initiative.

2. Formal Training Courses

Formal training courses are effective for disseminating knowledge and motivating groups of people, as well as providing individuals with the opportunity to receive a qualification or certificate upon completion. The information offered in a formal course should be up-to-date and relevant to the participant’s work challenges, so they have the chance to benefit in a professional capacity while contributing to their organization’s success.

Organizations will get the best return on their investment by choosing a management training provider, such as Leadership Directions, that is willing to work in a face to face environment and offer post-course support to their employees.

3. Coaching from the current manager

There are few people who understand the unique challenges and needs within a professional setting more than the current managers. This insight makes them perfectly suited to coaching up-and-coming leaders.

According to the Institute of Leadership and Management, as many as 80% of organizations now use coaching as a training tool. The likelihood that coaching will be utilized increases with the number of individuals within an organization.

While managers tend to receive the majority of coaching opportunities within organizations, team members can benefit too. Currently, it is rare for companies to provide internal-based coaching opportunities to non-managers, which is something that could be hindering many organizations – after all, who knows a business better than the management?

4. Coaching from external mentors and coaches

One of the greatest benefits of utilizing the resources of an external coach or mentor is that these professionals have been trained specifically to coach or mentor. It is one thing having the knowledge to share with others, but having the skill to share the information in the most beneficial way is an entirely different story.

Effective coaching is not about instructing or teaching – it is about guiding, questioning and facilitating the learning process. It is a skill that needs to be learned, just like leadership itself.

Furthermore, while most organizations focus on coaching as a method of improving professional skills, they often overlook the benefits that come from focusing on the personal development of qualities such as self-awareness and confidence.

5. Mentoring from other internal sources (not their direct manager)

Coaching from a direct manager is a common way organizations develop their people. However, a company can increase the sharing of knowledge and experience further by allowing other mentors from within the organization to provide input.

The mentoring relationship requires a sensitive power balance and, according to Forbes, it should be mentee-driven, with the mentee becoming the driving force in terms of the direction and focus of the relationship.

Leadership is something that can and must be developed. Opting for the most appropriate development strategy is not only sensible but ensures that organizations and the individuals that make up their ranks will continue to benefit long after training has been completed.