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Productivity: How to Stay the Course

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Here we are at the top of the year. You may have made New Year’s resolutions and you’re now looking them over to assess, prioritize and incorporate them into your workflow. Although the year is young, it’s not too early to figure out how to maintain the enthusiasm and discipline it takes to achieve your goals. I think it’s imperative to avoid feeling overwhelmed because for me, at least, that’s the gateway to giving up. Maintaining motivation is what I must do and once in a while I need a flotation device, or something, to prevent me from sinking and keep me swimming toward the shore.

To that end, I suggest a strategy that I discovered that will show you how to break down the huge task that is your goal and will perhaps at times feel insurmountable or even unattainable. This strategy, experience tells me, is especially useful for Freelancers. We are a one-person team. Who’s to know whether or not you achieve what you’ve planned, unless you have a business coach or mastermind group to check in with and report your progress?

As a business owner, I’ve learned that maintaining focus and productivity requires discipline and motivation. One powerful tool that has transformed report on your achievement of your A-level, that is, your most important tasks. I was new to full-time work and my sales manager gave me a very useful book to read—How to Get Control of Your Time and Your Life by Alan Lakein (1973). In his book, which also influenced Brian Treacy, a very simple and effective planning method helps prioritize high-value activities, ensuring that the most important tasks are addressed each week. On Sunday evening or Monday morning, you can envision what your workweek will look like and get yourself in the frame of mind to do certain things. Lakein proposes that you rank your projects and goals into A, B and C tasks to implement your strategy, enhance your productivity and drive your business forward. He also recommended the development of SMART goals—Specific, Actionable, Measurable, Realistic and Timely. He understood that success stands on the shoulders of productivity, that is, getting the right things done and feeling in control and not overwhelmed as you do.

What’s in it for you

  • Improve focus: By identifying your top priorities each week, you can maintain a clear focus on high-value activities and avoid getting sidetracked by less important tasks.
  • Improve time management: The big rock report helps you allocate your time effectively, ensuring that important tasks are completed on schedule.
  • Improve workflow: Breaking down your tasks into manageable weekly priorities reduces the feeling of being overwhelmed and helps you tackle your workload more effectively.
  • Improve productivity: Focusing on high-impact tasks ensures that you are making the best use of your time, leading to increased productivity and better results.

Get started

  • Identify and rank tasks: At the beginning of each week, identify the one to three high-value activities that you need to accomplish. These should be tasks that directly contribute to your business goals and have a significant impact on your success. For example, on Monday, it may work for you to identifying/ confirm/ discuss your A tasks in an email, phone, or video call to touch base in strategic planning / critical meetings with key clients, or roll up sleeves and jump into your front-burner A level major project milestone task.
  • Prioritize A-level tasks: Block out dedicated time in your calendar for each of your big rocks. Treat these appointments as non-negotiable commitments to ensure they receive your full attention.
  • Plan your week: Once you’ve scheduled your A tasks, plan the rest of your week around what is of high priority. Schedule medium-value B-tasks and low-value C-tasks in blocks of time where they will fit and your focus and energy allow. B-level tasks probably deserve your attention; C-level tasks might be somewhat worthwhile to you and your business, but they fade in comparison to A and B level responsibilities.
  • Monitor progress: At the end of each week, review your progress on your big rocks. Reflect on what you accomplished, any challenges you faced, and what you can improve for the following week.
  • Adjust as needed: If you find that you consistently struggle to complete your A tasks, reassess your approach. You may need to adjust your schedule, outsource certain tasks, or reassess and recalibrate your A level priorities.

Celebrate achievements

  1. Be realistic: Choose a manageable number of big rocks each week. Overloading yourself with too many high-priority tasks can lead to burnout and decreased productivity.
  2. Communicate: Share your big rocks with your client contact or team to ensure alignment and support. This helps everyone understand the top priorities and work together towards common goals.
  3. Be flexible: While it’s important to stick to your schedule, be prepared to adjust if unexpected high-priority tasks arise. The key is to stay focused on your top priorities while remaining adaptable.
  4. Celebrate achievements: At the end of each week, take time to celebrate your achievements. Recognizing your progress can boost motivation and encourage continued focus on high-value activities.

Thanks for reading,

Kim

Image: r/aviation•5y ago AIRdomination

Cockpit Photo Landing in Seattle

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Adopt an Adaptability Attitude

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In a business environment experiencing constant turbulence—from both the advantages and downsides associated with the growing use of Artificial Intelligence powered software tools, to political struggles both domestic and international, to marketplace volatility—adaptability has become a prized leadership attribute. Leaders who can exhibit agility, resilience and foresight when yet another upheaval approaches, showing they can lead, and will not be derailed, by the slings and arrows of instability and uncertainty, stand out among their peers and competitors. Adaptability and its pillars—agility, forethought and resilience— have become the foundation for business transformation, innovation and leadership.

Do you consider yourself able to own the fundamentals of adaptability when the ground beneath your feet starts quaking and you’re wondering what your next move should be? Are you are able to steer the ship when big waves are crashing and causing your Freelance entity to rock and roll? Are you able to decipher when you should stay the course and when a pivot seems the better option? The practical definition of adaptability in a business sense may need some clarification. According to Marlo Lyons, an executive, team and career coach who hosts the Work Unscripted podcast, recommends that leaders prepare for 2026 and beyond should:

1) Model change-ready leadership. Among the many disruptive events that have occurred since the mid-20th century, unexpected shifts in national and global business conditions or new technology may appear and gain traction—like mobile phones (Nokia) and music (Walkman)—that impact the way we live and work. The adaptable leader will display behavior that transforms panic into calm as s/he interprets change and unpredictability as manageable challenges rather than a business threat. The adaptable leader shifts into crisis management mode and is prepared to make sound, data-driven decisions that support responsive strategy development while sharing information and rallying team spirit to maintain trust and productivity. Lyons guides her coaching and leadership development clients to “look through the lenses of growth, transformation and risk and align with that perspective and show that you’re thinking like a leader, shift your language from protecting the past to shaping the future.” She points out that responses such as “This is how we’ve always done it” demonstrate a lack of adaptability; it’s a weak excuse and should be avoided by those who aspire to function as an adaptable, effective leader. Try some version of these inquiries—“What might we gain if we reimagine this?” or “What would this look like if we started from scratch today?” Leadership is demonstrated by asking questions that encourage resourcefulness, creativity, strategic thinking, future-proofing and adaptability.

2) Take data-driven risks, be accountable for outcomes.  The adaptable leader possess the emotional intelligence to balance risk-taking, accountability and empathy when the team is struggling from change fatigue and maybe fear as well. Demonstrating empathy means helping people process the discomfort of change and the unknown while maintaining momentum and keeping both hands on the wheel. A leader who doesn’t attempt to gaslight the team and models transparency by acknowledging that change is often unsettling but reassures team members that s/he is there to help everyone maintain equilibrium while traveling through the unknown, able to meet important deadlines and deliver on mission-critical projects—is the prototype of an adaptable leader. Adaptable leaders create psychological safety and encourage performance consistency. The mission of an adaptable leader is to support your people through uncertainty while continuing to hold them to expectations—high-quality work and timely delivery. Empathy keeps stakeholders and team members engaged and accountability keeps everyone moving forward. Leaders who can demonstrate both will earn trust, model EQ and show the team, clients and competitors that you operate as an adaptable leader.

3) Listen, learn and grow. With the rise of AI, leadgen automation and the powerful algorithms of quantum computing, especially when paired with AI, continuous learning in the form of professional development, self-directed and expert-led, is no longer optional. Leaders aspiring to maintain their skill set understand how emerging technologies will impact their teams and the overall organization.

Adaptability and learning agility have become the foundation for business transformation, innovation, and leadership—in a word, excellence. Strengthening and consistently demonstrating your adaptability is an ongoing professional development seminar—and a required course for those who’d like to function as successful leaders in 2026 and beyond. Lyons says that adaptability is linked to the following:

  • Agility

Agility is the ability to not only pivot quickly when priorities shift, but to also bring others along with you—like your team and other stakeholders. It is not always necessary to blindly agree with every suggestion made by superiors or key stakeholders. Agile thinking is a core component of being forward-thinking and viewing change as an opportunity for innovation.

  • Resilience

Resilience means that you’re able to maintain your composure under pressure. Resilience is a characteristic that supports objective thinking, creativity and your personal best performance—while you’re in the midst of an unexpected turbulent event. Leaders who find a calm focus are prepared to manage the situation, starting with the ability to direct their composure to creating psychological safety for those on their team. Subduing fear and panic, as you know, brings both short and long-term benefits, most notably the ability to contribute and work at their personal best along with you, and thus enhancing productivity and loyalty to both you individually and the company. It will pay to be transparent and acknowledge, rather than attempt to deny, the difficulty of the market and the company’s financial challenges and directed team members to focus on whatever it is they can control. A leader’s continuing steadiness will provide clarity and consistency that allowed their team to keep delivering results amid constant disruption.

  • Foresight

Foresight separates reactive, seat-of-the-pants managers from visionary leaders. A prime differentiator between the two is the willingness to recognize that looking beyond whatever performance metrics are observed in the present to anticipate what tomorrow’s challenges could be. More than staying on top of current company performance and studying market data, as well as paying attention to what key competitors are up to—are there any noticeable pivots?—detecting and studying early signs of instability, or significant change, is how to avoid being blindsided. You always want to be positioned to assess potential remedies (or opportunity) and develop the right strategy in response.

But foresight that pertains to market shifts is just part of the equation. Leaders also need to have foresight in technologies innovation and understand the benefits and outcomes that explain the why and wherefor of leveraging them. Leaders who continuously research and map future capability needs, and upskill their teams to understand how and when to use emerging technologies, will demonstrate the strategic foresight and enterprise readiness that illustrate adaptable leadership.

Thanks for reading,

Kim

Image: © Spencer Platt/Getty Images. Midtown Manhattan July 29, 2025.

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Research Says Soft Skills Outshine AI Expertise

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New research published in February 2025 gives an unexpected vote of confidence to a group of skills that don’t always get headlines—so-called soft skills, behaviors and competencies associated with Emotional Intelligence (EQ) and often ranked by hiring managers and those who report on hiring trends in lucrative professions as second tier and less desirable than the hard skills that dominate the STEM professions, including the golden child knowledge base that comprises Artificial Intelligence. Study authors Moh Hosseinioun, Frank Neffke, Hyejin Youn and Letian Zhang say their data suggests that while proficiency in the use of AI-centric technologies and other hard skills usually has a positive impact on employment prospects, soft skills are more important to cultivate, for both workers and the companies that hire them.

Researcher Hosseinioun is an Alfred P. Sloan Foundation Postdoctoral Fellow in Management & Organizations at Kellogg School of Management; Neffke leads the Science of Cities and Transforming Economies research programs at the Complexity Science Hub in Vienna, Austria; Youn is an Associate Professor at Seoul National University and she’s a former associate professor at the Kellogg School of Management /Northwestern University; and Zhang is an Associate Professor at the Kellogg School of Management. The team analyzed millions of data points associated with U.S. job skills from 2005-2019—1000+ occupations, hundreds of skill sets and 70 million job transitions—and came to one elegant conclusion. When comparing how people’s skills changed over time during their careers, they found that having better “foundational” skills—soft skills, e.g., the ability and willingness to collaborate with team members, problem-solving ability and being highly adaptable — is considerably more impactful on one’s career than technical competence in AI models, coding, or other hard skills.

Contrary to the prevailing opinion that assumes developing technical skills is the gateway to steady, lucrative employment, the researchers instead concluded that employers would be wise to recognize the value of EQ-defined skills in addition to hard skills capabilities. The study data revealed that basic logic, big-picture thinking, analytical ability and follow-through are more important for individuals and employers/business owners and that soft skills are likely to become even more relevant as AI becomes more entrenched in the workplace, creating questions around not only the technology’s potential and limitations, but also the ethical and privacy questions it raises.

In the study, the researchers organized job-related competencies into soft skills (including reading comprehension, basic math skills and the ability to work well in teams) and specialized, advanced hard skills (e.g., competency in Blockchain). Then, they examined how people’s skills developed over the course of their careers; they found that those who scored highly on basic skills are more likely to earn higher wages throughout their careers, move into more advanced roles, learn complex, specialized skills more quickly and are more resilient to industry changes.

The development of soft skills enhances the ability to not only make job candidates more competitive for entry level employment, but also determines how far up the career ladder they’ll climb. When Hosseinioun et al. examined how soft skills can impact long-term job performance, adaptability and career advancement, they found that workers who acquire an array of soft skills, including reading comprehension, communication skills and also basic math, tend to learn faster and master more complex capabilities over time.

In other words, business owners and leaders whose growth and expansion strategies have a long-term trajectory and will rely on a solid team to help them build toward their preferred vision of the future, should take notice. When in hiring mode, keep at top of mind that soft skills matter as much as technical skills and sometimes more. Soft skills shape the worker’s skills development path, boost their long-term value to your organization and also enhance their own career advancement potential.

Flexible, adaptable, agile

The study found that workers with a broad range of soft skills are more adaptable to industry changes. This adaptability is especially useful in a volatile marketplace, when demand for highly specialized skills might quickly wax and wane. For example, Adobe Flash was once the gold standard for interactive web content and supported a whole generation of developers. But when Flash was discontinued and browsers phased it out, only those who could pivot to HTML5 and JavaScript remained in demand.  HackerRank’s 2025 Developer Skills Report lists the fastest-declining skills and LinkedIn data shows that once red-hot Blockchain-related job postings and developer activity have dropped by 40+% in just one year as investment and interest shifts toward AI technology.

The findings in this study, however, suggest that survivors of volatility possess soft skills competencies—strong abilities to problem-solve, clear communication styles and the ability to collaborate and work well with teams. These core strengths help workers relearn faster and allow companies to redeploy their current talent without significant rehiring to stabilize operations.

Play nice with others

Hosseinioun also found that one subset of soft skills in particular helped workers to achieve the highest levels of professional attainment—social skills. The rise of cross-functional projects, remote working and corporate mergers and acquisitions makes it imperative for organizations to quickly rally and persuade team members to communicate, share knowledge and collaborate, to keep productivity high and conflicts low.

Previous research reveals why social skills are particularly important today. David Deming’s landmark study of U.S. jobs shows that positions requiring a high level of social interaction grew by almost 12% between 1980 and 2012, while math-intensive, low-interaction roles shrank. Wages followed the same pattern—jobs that blend cognitive ability and social skill pay the highest premiums, according to his study.

The Amazon Upskilling 2025 initiative has invested over a billion dollars to help thousands of their employees attain new skills, from technical training to attaining clearer and stronger language and communication skills, and confirming that soft skills are as integral to professional advancement as technical expertise. Google reached the same conclusion in its Project Oxygen study After analyzing thousands of performance reviews, their study team found that its best managers excel at coaching, communication and collaboration across teams; company leaders now use soft skills competencies as must-haves for promotion eligibility.

Leaders in both of those famously tech-centered organizations eventually realized that as job complexity rises, it is social skills—communication, empathy, conflict resolution and the ability to coordinate diverse expertise—that enhances team work and builds a work force that is resilient and quick to adapt to a constantly evolving business environment. Soft skills are integral components of a dynamic and collaborative work environment that is the engine of business today.

Soft skills are foundational

Hosseinioun and his research team conclusively found that workers who “scored highly on basic skills were more likely to earn higher wages throughout their careers,” and to also “move into more advanced roles, learn specialized skills more quickly, and were more resilient to industry changes.” Those who have a broad base of soft skills, as opposed to a few highly specialized skills like coding, learn new things faster, earn more money, move into more advanced positions and are more resilient despite episodes of uncertainty throughout their careers. Amid massive technological changes, like the arrival of gen AI and its estimated impacts on jobs, the study makes a strong case for the continued development of soft skills—for self-employed professionals, traditional W-2 employees and the organizations with whom they work.

Thanks for reading,

Kim

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Public Speaking: A Competitive Advantage You Can Attain

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Communication is essential to professional success and the quality of your communication skills can directly impact the trajectory of your career, whether you occupy a high or humble station on your employer’s organizational chart, or you own and lead a business entity, large or small. Regardless of your status or stature, well-honed communication skills can bring significant benefits to your professional fortunes, whether you’re attempting to network your way into a new employment opportunity, pitching potential investors needed to launch a start-up venture, trying to attract capital to fund the expansion of an existing venture, or searching for future clients. All communication formats, from personal conversations to videoconference meetings, telephone calls to email correspondence and even online social media chats, can help to polish your communication ability and contribute to your advancement in the professional sphere.

There is another communication format that delivers significant benefits and you should not ignore it—public speaking. If you aim to raise your profile in your business community, position yourself as an expert and thought leader and expand your professional network, recognize that public speaking will not only contribute substantively to your business agenda, but also showcase you as a leader. Public speaking enhances professional credibility and trust as it increases business growth potential. Public speaking is a competitive advantage that you can attain.

Step up to the podium

Public speaking is a valuable soft skill that you can make one of our strengths. In the public imagination, public speaking is associated with standing on a big stage and facing an audience of hundreds—a sometimes frightening prospect for many of us. However, public speaking is more often the domain of mere mortals—classroom teachers, speakers or moderators on panels, podcast guests and featured speakers at conferences and other events—and those who introduce those speakers. You can build your public speaking proficiency by taking on any of those public speaking roles.

Strong communication skills build networks and reputations that attract prospective clients, potential business investors or partners and may bring other business opportunities to your door as well. The key to public speaking is to clearly and confidently communicate your vision, value and unique offer to people who matter and whose support and cooperation you need— your team, investors, clients, or community. Developing your public speaking chops can be a game changer. While many skills matter in business, this one may be the most influential.

Public speaking skills suggest leadership ability

Engaging public speakers are perceived as more competent, likable and persuasive by their audiences; exceptional verbal communicators are likely to be perceived as experts and an authority in their field. According to a 2017 study published by the University of St. Thomas, Minnesota, public speaking skills are associated with leadership ability, credibility and influence in professional settings.

Once you’ve demonstrated the ability, and the courage, to stand in front of a group of people and clearly and convincingly present relevant information, that is, tell your story, your plan and your track record, with confidence and passion, you will likely gain the respect and trust of audience members. That respect and trust will establish you as an authority and has the power to persuade many of your audience members to follow your call to action and hire, buy, invest, partner, or support you or your concept. Even now in the age of virtual meetings, to mount the stage and communicate your ideas, thoughts and unique offer in a relatable manner will set you apart from others.

When you speak engagingly and confidently, you naturally attract people. You become memorable and people want to connect with you. A reliable and supportive business network isn’t built by handing out business cards — it’s built by making connections and bringing value. When you speak at conferences or other meetings, the value you deliver to audience members is amplified and you are able to create connections at scale. Each public speaking venture results in a growing network of people who trust you and want to work with you.

Know Your Audience

Enable yourself to deliver clear, valuable and relatable information by ensuring that you are apprised of the audience’s understanding of your topic and what it means to them. For example, avoid using niche acronyms that are acceptable when speaking to those who are highly engaged or have deep knowledge of the subject, but are largely not in the lexicon of those who are interested observers, but not experts. Understanding the perspective of whom you’re speaking to helps you communicate your talking points more effectively.

Furthermore, be mindful that your body language and other forms of non-verbal communication can say more than words. Pay attention to your posture, facial expressions and tone of voice. Refrain from frowning, maintain a pleasant facial expression that communicates your engagement with the topic and the audience and keep good eye contact by looking at audience members seated in different parts of the room. Let your posture communicate your confidence by straightening your spine, relaxing your shoulders and standing with your feet at about hip distance apart, to take on the so-called power stance that radiates both authority and comfort, without appearing aggressive.

Prepare for your speech

Some of you are “natural” public speakers, but most need lots of practice to attain the confidence that makes one effective. Here are some tips to improve your public speaking skills:

  • Be confident – Confidence makes you appear more credible and likable.
  • Be authentic – Speak naturally, don’t over-rehearse or memorize and let the real you be present.
  • Use voice modulation – Vary your tone and pace to stay engaging.
  • Keep it short and digestible – Attention spans drop after 20 minutes.
  • Tell stories – Storytelling creates an emotional connection and makes messages memorable.
  • Use repetition – Reinforce key ideas by repeating them clearly—tell your audience what you’ll say. Tell them what you have to say. Conclude by summing up what you told them.
  • Practice with intention – Rehearse like you’re live to build confidence and flow but do not try to memorize.

Thanks for reading,

Kim

Image: © freepik.com. University of Maryland Global Campus

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Summer Reading 2025

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Professional development is like getting regular exercise and maintaining a balanced diet—a gift you give to yourself as you strive to become a successful business owner. When thinking of professional development, conferences sponsored by professional associations or skills building courses held at a college may come to mind but think again—professional development is available in a variety formats. Among the most accessible and affordable methods to obtain professional development can be found in books.

Reading has traditionally played an important role in the development of successful business owners and leaders. When you open a book, a world of ideas, information and insights will be there to enlighten you. You’ll find lessons and experiences that can be critical to your growth as a business owner and leader, shared by authors who give first-person accounts of how they overcame challenges and found success. The books you read can teach you how to sharpen your business acumen and use your newfound proficiency to propel your business forward. The practical knowledge contained in a typical business-themed book can result in your discovery of actionable insights that can become competitive advantages, from refining your decision-making prowess to bolstering your effectiveness when working with teams.

In today’s fast-paced and endlessly-evolving business landscape, continuous education is not only beneficial, it’s essential; but in the age of information overload, it may be difficult to find time to read when you devote the majority of your time to operating your business. Furthermore, you may feel too overwhelmed by the process of researching and identifying topics that will be most useful or interesting to you—the business books genre is a wide field. With those realities in mind, I am happy to share with you a selection of books curated to appeal to Freelance consulting professionals and also business owners or leaders. I hope that one or more titles will interest you. First, here are suggestions that may help you find time to read this summer (and beyond!).

  • Schedule. Like scheduling time for any important task, specifying your reading time will help you choose a convenient time and make it easier to honor your commitment to professional development. Consider reading after dinner, to lend a “relax and unwind” vibe to your reading. You may find the 8:00 – 11:00 PM time slot, three or four nights a week, a great way to wrap up your day.
  • Formats. Especially if your commute is 45 minutes or longer, or your fitness routine is self-directed and not in a class format, consider listening to audio books and/or podcasts as your method to obtain professional development. When in transit or working out, insert your headphones and tune in to an interesting book or program that expands your knowledge, builds skills and enhances your performance as a business owner or leader.
  • Topics. There are many business-themed titles published each year, but it is inevitable that only a select few will appeal to you. Reading book reviews of titles that grab your attention—in the business section of your local newspaper, in the Wall Street Journal or other nationally known newspaper, in Kirkus Reviews , or Goodreads—to winnow potential reading choices as you discover and evaluate titles and authors that may appeal to you and maintain your motivation to read and learn. Below are 10 books to cue up on your Summer 2025 reading playlist.

Company of One: Why Staying Small Is the Next Big Thing for Business (2019) Paul Jarvis

Online-tech veteran Paul Jarvis, whose A-list clients include Microsoft and Mercedes Benz, describes the advantages of running a “company of one,” whether as an independent Freelance professional or as an autonomous, corporate employee. Jarvis has most emphatically not bought into the “grow or die” ethos and prefers instead to operate as a “lean and agile” entity. Jarvis explains how running your one-person shop enables you to both achieve a work-life balance that works for you and, just as importantly, enables you to avoid the need to navigate a potentially suffocating corporate hierarchy and sometimes poisonous office politics. In your little empire, you can work efficiently. Jarvis has learned that smart entrepreneurship isn’t about size—it’s about building a better business that works for you.

 Company of One details a refreshingly original business strategy that’s focused on a commitment to being better instead of bigger. Jarvis has discovered that staying small results in maintaining the freedom to pursue more meaningful pleasures in life as you avoid the headaches and complications that are inherent in traditional growth-oriented business. With this groundbreaking guide, you’ll learn how to set up your shop, determine your desired revenues, manage unexpected crises, keep your key clients happy and find self-fulfillment as you do.

Competing in the Age of AI (2020) Marco Iansiti and Karim R. Lakhani

Here’s a book that is an excellent resource for business owners and leaders whose organizations currently use, or are considering, Artificial Intelligence powered tools in their operations. The authors have produced a useful guide to the realities of doing business in today’s digital landscape and present actionable insights into how introducing AI-driven operating models can enable businesses to achieve scale and scope at an unprecedented rate.

Iansiti and Lakhani show how reinventing a business entity around data, analytics and AI removes centuries-old constraints on scale, scope and machine learning advantages that have traditionally restricted business growth. Recent examples of companies such as Amazon and Google demonstrate how AI-driven processes vastly improve the ability to scale, when compared to traditional data analytical processes, and allow massive scope increase, enabling companies to straddle industry boundaries and create powerful opportunities for machine learning—to drive ever more accurate, complex and sophisticated predictions that make business strategy becomes a new game.

The authors also outline the inherent risks associated with AI and offer recommendations for rethinking current operating models; they also examine the responsibilities that the introduction of AI requires of its users. Finally, Iansiti and Lakhani are transparent about the potential societal impact of AI and point out the potential for algorithmic bias, privacy concerns and cybersecurity threats, along with the need for responsible AI development and governance.

How To Talk To Anyone About Anything (2021) James W. Williams

James W. Williams has written a refreshingly honest, easy-to-follow guide to meeting and greeting and initiating conversations that’s tailor-made for an era when many meetings and even networking opportunities are regularly held in virtual format. As a result, the only avenue to connect with colleagues and attempt to parlay fleeting interactions into deeper connections is hobbled by a computer monitor. Engaging communication skills are increasingly recognized as a powerful and influential competency. 

While some are born with a silver-tongued gift of gab for many, communication aptitude must be developed and nurtured. Williams’ advice is likely to bolster the social acumen of even the most shy and introverted among us, the wallflowers who feel overwhelmed or uncomfortable when attempting to navigate business-slash-social gatherings. If you’ve ever felt awkward in the midst of a meet & greet, or unsure of what to say after an introduction has taken place, this book will show you how to access your communication potential and learn to become a confident conversationalist.

How to Talk to Anyone About Anything provides a user-friendly roadmap that will enable you to practice, grow and eventually shine in social and professional situations. Active listening, small talk and storytelling are situations that the author discusses, as is how to develop the fine art of appearing approachable to your fellow guests when you’re standing alone and wondering if you’ll talk with anyone. Readers will appreciate the many good examples that provide teachable moments and make this book ideal for professionals and social learners alike. Williams’ book is a great soft-skills business resource, that will be a great help to those who struggle with small talk, pitching to clients, or relationship-building within your team. The insights are perfect for occasions where first impressions and informal conversations can open the door to business-enhancing or career-building opportunities.

10X Is Easier Than 2X (2023) Dan Sullivan with Dr. Benjamin Hardy

Call this book a must-read for ambitious business leaders. When the mission is to level up business growth, here are insights that give an eye-opening perspective on how to achieve exponential, rather than incremental, growth. This no-nonsense read can give business leaders and owners actionable insights into scaling their businesses rapidly, leveraging technology and resources more effectively and positioning their entity to stay ahead—of the competition and customer tastes—in a rapidly evolving marketplace.

Businesses leaders often aim to achieve progress, for example, and may focus on doubling their results year over year. However, Sullivan and Hardy argue convincingly that aiming for tenfold growth is not only feasible but also more practical and rewarding. As they see it, going for 10x requires letting go of 80% of your current life and going all-in on the crucial 20% that’s relevant and high-impact.

Readers will find practical strategies and mindset shifts that inspire you to break through limitations and achieve exponential growth. The authors emphasize the power of thinking bigger, setting audacious goals and taking massive action. For business owners and leaders, this approach is invaluable as it encourages innovation, pushes boundaries and fosters a culture of continuous improvement.

Acting Up: Winning in Business and Life Using Down-Home Wisdom (2019) Janice Bryant Howroyd

“Never compromise who you are personally to become who you wish to be professionally” is the core message offered by author Janice Bryant Howroyd, who grew up in a family of 11 children. Here she discusses the principles and techniques that she used to build a multinational staffing agency. The author guides readers through questions of leadership, risk-taking, developing confidence and networking, among other topics.

Howroyd also emphasizes the significance of data-driven and strategic business decisions as she simultaneously encourages readers to take a holistic approach to making the most of both their professional and personal lives. The author addresses as well the topic of diversity from the perspective of a black female entrepreneur and urges readers not to define her by demographics. In sum, Howroyd shares in her book the values she lives by and continues to represent: that of a leader who works for good, for growth and for innovation, for her family values and for the same ideals upon which she founded her company—that success is transferrable.

The 1-Page Marketing Plan (2018) by Allan Dib

“The most common way small business owners decide on this (marketing and advertising) is by looking at large, successful competitors in their industry and mimicking what they’re doing. In reality, this is the fastest way to fail and I’m certain it’s responsible for the bulk of small business failures.” Now you know why this book is included in the reading list!

In The 1-Page Marketing Plan, serial entrepreneur and marketer Allan Dib reveals a marketing implementation revolution that makes creating a marketing plan uncomplicated and fast—it’s literally just a single page! By creating and implementing that one-page wonder, you’ll have an effective marketing plan that you can put into motion. Dib understands that small business owners (and Freelance professionals as well) trying to jumpstart their marketing often don’t have adequate resources—money, time, or expertise—provided by employees or Freelance consultants—that big businesses do. The author has devised a credible alternate path that shows how you can create a basic marketing plan to help steer your business in the right direction and, as Dib himself says, puts you on “the fastest path to money”.

Reset: How to Change What’s Not Working (2025) Dan Heath

Reset offers a guide to fixing what’s not working in your business operations—in systems and processes, organizations and companies and even in our daily lives. Author Dan Heath provides real-world stories and actionable insights that can empower you to create lasting change in your organization—and maybe in your life, as well.

What if you could somehow learn to unlock forward movement and achieve the progress that matters most to you, without the need for more resources—like money and connections? Heath shows how, with the same relationships you have and the same financial resources you can access, it is possible to reconfigure the circumstances and bring dramatically better outcomes to your life. Yesterday, you were stuck. Today, you can reset.

The author explores a framework for getting unstuck and making beneficial changes that matter. Heath says that the secret of success is to find the leverage points—places where a bit of effort can yield a disproportionate return. Do that and you can rearrange your resources and activate those pivotal points. Heath also points out that to even experience the feeling of progress can be a leverage point that can accelerate the arrival of the positive change you desire.

The 48 Hour Start-Up: From Idea to Launch in One Weekend (2016) Fraser Doherty

This can’t be done, you say? Well, author and serial entrepreneur and Scottish citizen Fraser Doherty MBE (who was awarded the honorific title Member of the Order of the British Empire for his achievements) begs to differ. In his book, Doherty provides actionable advice on how to identify and shape a viable business idea that is ready to launch in only two days. Doherty’s reasoning behind the 48-hour deadline is simple—he argues that prospective entrepreneurs (aka wantrepreneurs) spend too much time and energy obsessing over the “perfect idea”. The time they waste waiting for the “perfect idea” to appear is time that could be used refining and adapting that business idea for customers who could actually use it.

The book is helpful with the initial decisions that aspiring entrepreneurs must consider when starting a business. In his considerable experience, Doherty has found that launching a business does not have to involve complicated financial projections, elaborate presentations, or extraordinary innovation. A simple, well-executed idea is what it takes to launch and sustain a successful enterprise and Doherty has done it more than once—the first time while still in his teens. 

Doherty also emphasizes that before you invest significant time and resources, quickly reality-test your idea with potential customers and conduct basic market research. The process will help you gauge market demand for your product or service, assess your main competitors, identify and address potential problems early on and, in general, refine your product or service based on the uncensored feedback received from potential customers.

Good Strategy Bad Strategy (2011) Richard Rumelt

It is a given that developing and implementing strategy is the primary task of a leader—whether military leader, business leader, baseball manager, or tennis coach. The definition of a good strategy could be expressed as a specific and coherent response to—and approach for—overcoming the obstacles to progress. A good strategy works by harnessing and applying power where it will have the greatest effect. Yet, author Richard Rumelt asserts that there has been a growing and unfortunate tendency to equate Mom-and-apple-pie values, fluffy buzzwords, motivational slogans and financial goals with “strategy.”

Rumelt displays an astonishing grasp and integration of economics, finance, technology and history to expose and clarify the often-muddled thinking that is the foundation of too many so-called strategies and his book details a clear way to create and implement a powerful action-oriented strategies that will be effective in the real world.

The book helps readers to recognize and avoid the trap of bad strategy and guides them to adopt good, credible, action-oriented strategy that honestly acknowledges and responds to the challenges that businesses encounter. Rumelt cautions readers that strategy should not be equated with ambition, leadership, vision, or planning; rather, strategy is a coherent, action-backed plan supported by a rational argument.

Rumelt emphasizes that strategies are often confused with goals and visions and points out that a plan is what sets strategies apart from goals and gives you a clear idea of what is necessary to succeed. To evaluate and decide which strategies are suitable for your organization, the author says it is necessary to confirm whether you have the resources to implement your strategy and, in addition, ensure that your strategy fits with your current situation. The actions need to fit with your present circumstances and work together to give you the best possible advantage. After this, you’re well on your way to a faultless strategy implementation.

The Courage To Be Disliked (2018) Ichiro Kishimi and Fumitake Koga

Strictly speaking, this book is not a business book. One might consider it as an accelerator that gives the determination to push forward with a desire to launch a business entity or achieve other important goals. Kishimi and Koga present their book as a dialogue between an older philosopher and a young man. Over the course of five enlightening and thought-provoking conversations the philosopher, who happens to draw from the theories of Alfred Adler, a late 19th- and early 20th- century psychologist and thought leader in that discipline (along with Sigmund Freud, Carl Jung and B. Fred Skinner), explains to his pupil how each of us is able to determine our own life, free from the shackles of past experiences, doubts and the expectations of others. The wisdom that the philosopher reveals is deeply liberating and enables his pupil to develop the courage to change and to ignore the limitations that others, or even the pupil himself, may use to control him.

The result is a book that is both highly accessible and profound in its importance, yet it is not without controversy; certain of authors’ premises you may find shocking or, at least, unrealistic. Still, the book is, at its core, about reclaiming your power and using it to shape the life that is meaningful to you.

Thanks for reading,

Kim

Image: ©Beli_photos

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Remember My Name

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Face2Face networking has undeniably made its post-pandemic comeback, bringing with it the persuasive energy of body language—sparkling eyes, friendly smiles and warm handshakes—that paves the way to successful networking. The goal of networking is to meet people and build relationships and for that reason it is important to all working professionals, from Freelance photographers to physicians, ballet dancers to bond traders. Meeting professional peers, in particular potential clients or employers, is integral to your professional life and that is especially true for business owners and the independently employed.

When you think of networking organized events may come to mind, such as those hosted by neighborhood business association, chambers of commerce and professional associations but in reality, networking can successfully take place in any environment, from the golf course to a dinner party hosted by a friend. While networking can happen in either business or casual environments, the process requires good manners and a good attitude and you want to get the basics right. One networking basic you’d be wise to get right is remembering the name of the person you’ve just met.

Or maybe the two of you met six months ago but one thing is certain—if you want to make a good impression, remembering that person’s name is one of the best ways to do it. However, many of us are not good at remembering names.

“What’s in a name?” asks Juliet Capulet in Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet. Plenty. When someone remembers your name, it communicates the value that person has assigned to you and is, as you know, a great compliment. Keith Ferrazzi, author of the New York Times bestseller Never Lead Alone (2024) and founder and CEO of Ferrazzi Greenlight, a research and consulting firm based in Los Angeles, who also presents a course on networking and relationship-building, advises that most of all, you should decide to care about remembering names, “If you make a conscious decision that you are going to remember names,” he explains, “it’s because you care about the people you meet and you will immediately become much better at doing it!” Here’s how you can reinforce your memory for names and give a good start to establishing relationships that are the purpose of your networking activities:

1. Listen and repeat
When meeting someone for the first time, pay close attention. Your goal is to create conditions that help you remember the name of the person you’ve had the good fortune to meet. Make the most of this networking opportunity by turning on your listening skills and focusing your attention as the introduction takes place. Look your new acquaintance in the eyes and smile, to acknowledge his/her presence. Your first opportunity to say his/her name is when you reply to the introduction, “I’m happy to meet you, (name).” This action is an important step toward reinforcing the name in your memory as you greet the new acquaintance.

Now that networking has begun, shut down competing claims on your attention, such as the sudden awareness that the prospect you’ve been chasing for six months is at the buffet table. Instead, start a line of small talk about the event; you might ask what motivated your new acquaintance to attend and if s/he has attended the event previously? During the pleasantries, as you learn something of his/her professional background, listen for socially appropriate opportunities to repeat the name. You might even invite him/her along to the buffet table as you chat. Who knows, your new acquaintance may be a colleague of the prospect you’d like to connect with and being in the company of this individual will work in your favor. That is the essence of networking, is it not?

2. Associate and anchor
Create if you’re able, an association for the name of your new acquaintance. As the two of you talk, you may discover common acquaintances or business or social affiliations and these commonalities can be used to help you remember his/her name. Charan Rangathan, a neuroscience professor at the University of California at Davis and author of the New York Times bestseller Why We Remember (2024), advises us to “… be intentional about remembering what matters.” Being intentional means taking active steps to remember what is noteworthy and relevant and allowing yourself to forget or ignore what is unimportant. 

Rangathan emphasizes that the secret to intentionally remembering a name is to make an association between the name and the face. “When you tell me that you find it hard to remember a person’s name, what you’re really saying is you can’t remember the association between the name and the face,” he says. In other words, you can recall a name, and you can recall a face, but you must make an effort to link the two. Simply repeating a person’s name isn’t enough–-the link between name and face is what matters.

Furthermore, Ranganath notes that, “…the more background information you have about a person, the name becomes easier to attach to the face.” So, as noted above, segue into a conversation and move toward organically building a relationship with your new acquaintance. Practice his/her name by using it once or twice more in the conversation as you get to know each other.

3. Admit when you forget
If a name slips your mind, don’t panic—just acknowledge the lapse graciously by asking, “I’m sorry, I’ve forgotten your name; would you remind me, please?” No one will think less of you for doing so; in fact, it’s safe to assume that most will appreciate your desire to remember their name and begin establishing a relationship by reconfirming the first step—remembering that person’s name.

4. Name tag strategies

The humble and utilitarian name tag is a valuable tool for networking and making connections. The name tag is an icebreaker and facilitates introductions, which is the first step of relationship-building. Name tags announce your name, business or company name and your title, information that makes you relatable and invites others to get to know you. Second, name tags ensure that you’ll remember the names of those you meet, especially those you’d like to follow up with. Name tags can also serve a third purpose—if you’re able to arrive soon after the event door opens, once you’ve claimed your own name tag you can often survey name tags that are on the registration table, waiting to be claimed. You may be delighted to see the name of someone you’d like to meet or with whom you’d like to reconnect—and that person will arrive soon!

Name tags can get the ball rolling on introductions that might lead to building good relationships, but did you know that there is a correct way to wear one? This may not be at top of mind, but you’ve probably met a few people who wore theirs incorrectly and you might agree that it makes for an awkward situation. After all, the purpose of a name tag is to identify registered meeting attendees and allow fellow participants to see (and remember) one another’s names. Below are practical hints that guide name tag etiquette and make the meet & greet easier at your next networking event.

  • Wear the name tag on your right side, two or three inches below your collarbone, which positions it to be easily seen while shaking hands, when your right side will move forward and bring the name tag into view. Right side name tag placement makes it easy for those you meet to read your name tag without having to ask your name or strain their neck to read it. Name tags worn on the left side can make it difficult for others to see your name during the handshake.
  • Keep your name tag (or lanyard) visible at all times and wear it throughout the event, so that your name (plus company name and title) will be visible and perhaps spark an introduction and conversation. Take care not to allow your name tag or lanyard to become trapped beneath clothing or accessories; make sure that your jacket, sweater, necktie, scarf, or other items do not obscure your valuable networking resource.
  • When name tags or lanyards are not pre-printed and attendees must write-in their name, use lettering that’s large enough to be easily readable from a distance. If your writing is too small, people will have to squint or get uncomfortably close to read your name. Remember that your name tag is a personal identification tool that has the potential to play a role in building your business or career by facilitating introductions and promoting the development of relationships.

Thanks for reading,

Kim

Image: ©Zoonar (2013)

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2025 Can’t Miss Conferences for Freelancers

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The year 2025 has arrived and so, officially, Happy New Year! Shall we get down to business and press the start button on making this a very good year? Because the purpose of this diary is to pass along information intended to help you achieve your definition of a successful Freelance professional, I decided that professional development is the right topic to kick-off this years’ posts.

Professional development brings tangible benefits to every vocation, 1099NEC and W-2, and enables workers to acquire and incorporate new and relevant information and techniques. For example, you may be introduced to workflow methods that teach you how to work smarter— more efficiently and more productively by streamlining and simplifying processes that save time. In other cases, what you learn in a professional development conference may expand your business know-how and enhance your decision-making capabilities.

For those reasons and others, I’ve encouraged readers to consider attending conferences or other professional development programs. Continuing education, whether you find it in local professional or business association meetings, or regional and national conferences, are almost guaranteed to deliver useful benefits that can open your eyes and show you how to become a more productive, confident and successful Freelance professional.

Furthermore, along with the educational components as described in the conference agenda, the inevitable coffee-and-lunch break networking opportunities will allow you to meet fellow attendees, which at the very least can be an enjoyable experience. You might even meet someone, or reconnect with someone, who introduces you to a prospective client—or maybe you’ll make the introduction for someone (because generosity is good karma)?

In any case, many of you work from home, but still appreciate, and occasionally crave, face2face interactions, in particular those involve conversations that explore learning how to become more successful. Networking brings new colleagues and old friends into your life and may reward you with the discovery of a new and potentially lucrative and exciting opportunity, all as you receive a few pearls of wisdom from thought leaders in your industry.

My goal here is to give you some credible options, and also reasonable notice, of upcoming conferences where you’ll be sure to find useful professional development and worthwhile face2face networking opportunities. The search led to my discovery of Wisestamp, a company that creates business email signatures. I liked their list of seven 2025 national conferences that their team recommended and decided to share it with you. The Wisestamp team also developed a list of thoughtfully chosen questions you may want to ask yourself as you consider which conferences will best fulfill your agenda and fit your budget. See below.

Why attending a conference matters.

Attending conferences and other business-focused meetings can be very helpful to Freelance professionals, small business owners, or start-up entrepreneurs. You can expect to experience numerous tangible and intangible benefits, including:


1. Updates and implications of developing trends in your profession or industry.
2. Acquire new skills, upgrade existing skills.
3. Build your professional network.
4. Get energy, inspiration and pick up creative ideas while interacting with fellow attendees.

How to choose the best conference for you.

Consider these practical guidelines when evaluating which conference might best address your professional development goals:

  1. Support professional development goals. Every conference has a unique mix of topics and agenda focus (and sometimes, also a point of view to advance). As you might guess, the featured topic impacts who will be in the audience. That said if, for example, market research is the skill you’d like to improve, find a conference or other meeting that will cover the subject you’d like to learn.
  2. Check out reviews from prior year’s proceedings. Research conferences you may want to attend. To learn how they’ve impacted their audiences in the past, read reviews from participants and verify if what you’re considering is worth your time and money.
  3. Find out who attends. If you are attending a conference to further develop and hone your skills, make sure the speakers are well-respected in your industry. Also, since networking is key, contacting a conference organizer to inquire about attendee demographics will be worth your while.
  4. Budget for the right conferences. If your New Year’s resolution for this year is to curtail business expenses, you may still be able to attend a conference or other program that is meaningful to you. Plan spending to the best of your ability and every month, set money aside.

7 Great conferences in 2025

The Wisestamp team says their goal was to identify a sample of conferences scheduled for 2025 that can be expected to not only inspire and educate those who attend, but also provide an environment for developing meaningful connections and collaborations. With that in mind, the team evaluated the caliber of confirmed conference speakers, the quality of the information scheduled to be presented and the probable networking opportunities that should be available to those who attend. For more 2025 conference information, see WiseStamp.

1. B2B Marketing Exchange

  • Date: February 24 – 26, 2025
  • Location: Hyatt Regency, Scottsdale, Arizona
  • Price: $1,595 – $7,995

This conference is recommended for those who want a deep dive into the various marketing subtopics. Expect a great lineup of workshops and case studies. With 100+ speakers and 70 sessions spanning six tracks. The conference also includes an award-winning ceremony,“The Killer Content Awards” (AKA, The Finnys) for outstanding B2B marketers and campaigns. Previous speakers have included leaders from Google, Siemens, DemandGen, 3M and Oracle. #B2BMX Great for B2B marketers, CMOs, B2B Freelance writers and B2B strategists.

2. SXSW Tech

  • Date: March 7 – 15, 2025
  • Location: Austin, TX
  • Price: $795 – $1,895

The South by Southwest Conference & Festivals celebrates the convergence of the interactive, film and music industries. The main focus of the show is based on innovations and startups, including the size of 72,000 (including the music and art content). SXSW Interactive content is the most relevant to entrepreneurs and SMB owners.

3.  Startup Grind

  • Date: April 29 – 30, 2025
  • Price: $199 – $599
  • Location: Silicon Valley, CA

Startup Grind is an extraordinary event where 7,000 founders and investors, along with 200+ speakers, come together to participate in 100 sessions, workshops and investor Q&A sessions. This event will also feature 300+ exhibiting startups, setting a record for the decade.

Startup Grind is a unique combination of great content and remarkable people, all set in an incredible environment. The event introduces custom-built networking technologies, enhancing the experience for every attendee. Topped off with an unrivaled feeling of intimacy, the event is designed to ensure not only amazing business opportunities but also an awesome time for all participants.

The main focus of this event is on start-ups and SMB, making it the perfect venue for emerging entrepreneurs and seasoned investors alike. It’s an opportunity to connect with like-minded individuals, gain valuable insights and learn about the latest trends and practices in the startup world. With its emphasis on quality content and networking, this event promises to be an invaluable experience for anyone involved in the start-up ecosystem.

4. Social Media Week New York

  • Date: May 12 –14, 2025
  • Location: New York, NY
  • Price: $299 – $1,119+

Social Media Week New York is one of the world’s premier conferences regarding social media. The main topic of focus is social marketing, media and technology communications. The size is roughly 3000 people and 60% of attendees are aged 25-35. Special note: attendees under the age of 25 can enjoy a significant ticket discount.

 5. MozCon 

  • Date: TBA, June 3-4, 2025
  • Location: Seattle, Washington
  • Price: $999+

MozCon is a three-day conference that has only one track. If you’re seeking a conference that doesn’t require a ton of decisions making this one is for you. Here you’ll have many opportunities to gain actionable takeaways from sessions that dive into SEO, analytics, content marketing, social media and customer experience. The speakers range from in-house Mozzers to marketing industry leaders. The conference is a good fit for SEOs, content marketers, agency employees with a specialization in content, analytics specialists and marketing consultants.

6. WBENC

  • Date: June 23 – 26, 2025
  • Location: Denver, CO
  • Price: $2,000+

The 2025 WBENC National Conference is the world’s largest conference for women-owned businesses. Thousands gather to network and do business, all united by a shared drive to uplift women-owned businesses. This is where connections become collaborations, insights turn into innovations and big dreams meet limitless possibilities.

7. World Business Forum (WOBI)

  • Date: November 11 – 12, 2025
  • Location: Sydney, Australia
  • Price: $1,890 – $3,290+

Organized by WOBI each year in a different city across America, Europe, Asia and Australia. The World’s Business Forum is a two-day event that brings together thousands of restless minds who share the same passion for business. A blend of content delivered by CEOs, entrepreneurs, innovators, thought leaders, and creative minds. 1000+ people will attend.

Thanks for reading,

Kim

Image: © Forbes.com (2019)

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Be the Leader Who Gets Results

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Freelancers and other business owners step into leadership from the moment you begin operating as a self-employed professional who provides products or services to customers. You are motivated by the desire to advance the long-term success of your organization. You understand that you must be an effective, and perhaps also an inspiring, leader who provides a clear vision of your organization’s mission, values and goals.

The method that you perhaps instinctively choose to express your leadership role is known as your leadership style. Your style defines how you guide, motivate, manage, or collaborate with your team to implement strategies and execute tactics that achieve the goals, objectives, or deadlines for which you are responsible. Your go-to leadership style is based on your personality and life experiences and may be influenced by your organizational culture and the goals you will achieve.

While there are several commonly used leadership styles Daniel Goleman, a psychologist renowned for his work on Emotional Intelligence, notes that, “Being a great leader means recognizing that different circumstances may call for different approaches.” Research supports his opinion, indicating that highly effective leaders recognize that circumstances may compel them to adapt their leadership style in response, be it changes within the team, a shift in organizational dynamics, or fluctuations in the business environment. Leaders who know how to get the best results understand that they must be sensitive to the composition of their team, understand the relevance of the goal that must be achieved and, most of all, they possess the agility to adjust their leadership style as needed.

As Goleman emphasized, “The most effective leaders switch flexibly among the leadership styles as needed…[They] don’t mechanically match their style to fit a checklist of situations — they are far more fluid. They are exquisitely sensitive to the impact they are having on others and seamlessly adjust their style to get the best results.” Below are leadership styles that may be useful for you.

Charismatic Leadership

The leaders of this style are expert communicators and possess a level of personal magnetism that inspires trust and loyalty and enables them to persuade others to follow their lead. They radiate warmth, sincerity, intelligence and authenticity; they inspire, excite and spark loyalty among team members. Well-known charismatic leaders include the Dalai Lama, the late Queen Elizabeth II of Great Britain and former President Barack Obama. For those who have that irresistible aura, this style is associated with social activists, motivational speakers and religious or political figures—leaders who need to inspire and gain the devotion of their followers.

Key characteristics

  • Charismatic leaders are very confident in their approach. They have a very influential personality and are not known to harbor self-doubt or second-guess their decisions.
  • They embody the values, beliefs and motives of their team and they believe deeply in the abilities of team members.
  • They have high expectations, are often highly competent and become a role model for team members.
  • Creates a sense of positive change.
  • Motivates and inspires the team.
  • Encourages teamwork and collaboration.

Coaching Leadership

This style of leadership believes in teaching and mentoring team members, to put them on their path to excellence. They are usually experts in their field of interest and are great communicators. This type of leadership is most effective with younger, inexperienced teams. By providing constructive feedback, setting clear goals and offering guidance, coaching leaders aim to empower their teams to overcome challenges and excel in their roles. This approach is particularly beneficial for long-term organizational growth, as it invests in individual team members’ skill development and career advancement.

While coaching management can bring substantial benefits to an organization, notably increased team member satisfaction and improved performance, it may pose challenges in situations where
immediate business needs demand swift and decisive actions. Moreover, the necessity of mentoring and professional development require a leader with patience. Works best for teams whose members need to be trained thoroughly to achieve peak performance.

Key characteristics

  • Coaching leadership works best with people who appreciate guidance and mentoring and are willing to learn from their leader.
  • Leaders should be ready to spend time and energy coaching and grooming team members to develop their competencies and improve their performance.
  • Empathy and trust are the pillars of this style of leadership.
  • Encourages innovation.
  • Gives team members constructive criticism.
  • Gives team members opportunities to become future leaders.

Autocratic Leadership

Autocratic leadership is the boss-centered approach to leadership. This leader controls the show. S/he follows a top-down approach to communication and it can be said that s/he doesn’t so much communicate as issue commands. Autocratic leaders make all decisions and expect team members to comply. They don’t collaborate because they are not seeking input from the team. Instead, they evaluate matters from their own perspective.

Autocratic leaders are often not interested in team bonding that begins with socializing and may include team-building activities. This leadership style typically exists when there is considerable lack of trust within the organization, which may explain why the leader, or those whom s/he represents, has the power to make all the decisions. This style may be the most pragmatic approach when consensus is not possible and the leader is required to make judgment calls.

Key Characteristics

  • Highly structured environment.
  • Facilitates quick-decision making.
  • May be useful where conflict is present.
  • Restricts creativity and innovation.
  • Can lead to low morale within the team.
  • Not suitable for companies that promote a collaborative culture.
  • Leaders may lack agility, or the ability to adapt or pivot.

Laissez-faire Leadership

Laissez-faire is a French term that in English means allow to do and the core of laissez-faire leadership is non-interference. Also known as Delegative Leadership, practitioners of this style adopt rather a hands-off approach. Laissez-faire leaders provide minimal direction and allow team members to work independently and without much oversight.

These leaders are likely to delegate much of the decision-making responsibility to the team, enabling them to take ownership of their work and make decisions independently. The laissez-faire leader is likely to spend most of the time focused on his/her own work rather than monitoring the team and in so doing cultivates trust and empowers team members to take control of their own tasks and projects.

This leadership style can be particularly effective in situations where team members are highly skilled, experienced and self-motivated and require minimal supervision. Works best if the leader has a group of people who already excel at their skills and team members thrive in an environment of independence, where they can hone their own leadership skills. 

Key characteristics

  • Considerable trust is given to team members.
  • Team members have great autonomy, which promotes creativity and innovation.
  • Employees get ample room for personal growth
  • Learning and professional development are encouraged.
  • Team members have the freedom to work in their own way.
  • There is no micromanagement
  • Faster decision-making.
  • Constructive feedback is a vital component of this leadership style.

Servant Leadership

The servant leader operates on the idea of service as the defining ingredient of leadership. The needs of team members are prioritized over his/her own and the focus is on supporting and empowering them so that they can achieve professional growth and development. Servant leaders provide guidance and support and actively seek out opportunities to help team members to succeed.

This style can lead to higher employee engagement, better job satisfaction and employee retention and an improved organizational culture and sense of community. Servant leadership is particularly effective in environments where team members have felt unsupported or undervalued. By putting their needs first, servant leaders can help build trust and respect and create a positive work environment.

At its core, servant leadership promotes ethical decision making by creating a culture and encouraging values where all participants will be inclined to make decisions based on what is right for everyone involved, rather than what will benefit a select few. This leadership style fosters an environment where creativity and problem-solving thrive as team members feel empowered to suggest new solutions and build upon each other’s ideas. Use this style when you lead a diverse team, where personalized management for team members is necessary.

Key Characteristics

  • This style has a high degree of awareness toward the team. Leaders of this category are great listeners. It gives them a better understanding of the team’s strengths and weaknesses.
  • Great for building respect, trust and loyalty.
  • Helpful in building a solid company culture.
  • Promotes ownership and responsibility.
  • Increases employee morale and confidence.
  • Builds trust and loyalty within the team.
  • Team members feel valued.

Transformational Leadership

Transformational leadership theory emphasizes the leader’s ability to inspire and motivate their team members and incite them to put aside their own self-interests for the greater good of the organization. Transformational leaders inspire team members by way of their vision, charisma and intellect, as they promote innovation. These leaders aim to motivate their team to transform systems, processes, or products and build a more successful and sustainable future for the organization.

This leader makes the team feel that all are fully on board with the cause of promoting the innovate vision and mission and will work hard to bring excellence. This feeling brings purpose that encourages bonding, loyalty to the organization, fellow team members, the leader and creates a sense of belonging. Transformational leaders give team members opportunities to explore different ideas and approaches and encourage them to let their creative juices flow.

The relationship between leaders and staff can help the organization, according to those who incline toward this style. As they see it, effective leaders inspire workers to go above and beyond what they believe they are capable of. Leaders develop a vision for their team members and motivate them to realize it.

Employee morale is raised and inspired by transformational leaders, which helps them perform better at work. These managers encourage staff members by their deeds rather than their words because they specialize in setting an example. Use this style in rapidly growing companies and in fast-paced or ever-evolving industries when business requires constant innovation and moving ahead of the crowd, from high fashion to high tech.

Key characteristics

  • The leader must set the example.
  • Give interaction a high priority.
  • Encourages team to self-manage and be proactive in their work.
  • Be open to new approaches and concepts.
  • Take chances and make difficult choices.
  • Works well when a new approach and fresh ideas are needed.
  • Can take the leader and team members outside of their comfort zone.
  • Encourages professional and personal growth of the leader and team members.
  • Encourages creativity.
  • Encourages change.
  • Maintains a focus on the big picture.
  • Regular feedback is essential.

Thanks for reading,

Kim

Image: Courtesy of the Neues Museum in Berlin, Germany. Nefertiti (1370 – 1330 BC), reigned as Queen Consort of Egypt 1353-1336 BC. She was the Great Royal Wife of Pharoah Akhenaton (born Amenhotep IV, 1379- 1336) who reigned in the 18th Dynasty of Egypt circa 1353 – 1336 BC.

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10 Titles: Business Reads Summer 2024

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Summer is the perfect time to dive into books you may have learned about earlier in the year, but were too busy to read. During the typically less hectic days of summer, you might also be inclined to browse a bestseller list or two, in search of authors and topics that are new to you and seem like a good fit in the here and now. Reading is always an adventure!

I am happy to continue my summer reading list tradition, started in these posts in 2011 as a way to encourage professional development (yours and mine). I hope you’ll find one or more books here that not only enlighten, inform and inspire you as you live your entrepreneurial journey but also, I hope you discover books you’ll enjoy.

1. Build a Better Business Book: How to Plan, Write and Promote a Book that Matters (Josh Bernoff, June 2023)

Acquiring a reputation as a thought leader confers great status In the business world, delivering to the holders of that position a highly respected brand reputation and considerable influence and renown. In addition to building a lucrative business, perhaps one that services A-list clients, entrepreneurs have also discovered that a business book is a powerful brand-enhancing tool that can elevate you to the position of thought leader.

A well-written business book will establish your authority in your field, can grow your customer list and bolster business revenue, is likely to attract good PR and may even open doors to unexpected opportunities. “Business books are a way to propel thinkers to prominence,” author Josh Bernoff shared. The power of a well-written business books is that it can become a catalyst that elevates the author to new heights of recognition.

https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/build-a-better-business-book-josh-bernoff/1143149280

2. Clear Thinking (Shane Parrish, October 2023)

While it is not possible to directly teach anyone how to think logically, exercise sound judgment, or make good decisions, author Shane Parrish provides in his book actionable tactics that will encourage the development of those skills, so that you can use them effectively when confronting what matters most in your life. Parrish has written a guide to recognizing life’s pivotal moments and learning how to take the best path forward. He also discusses how to avoid cognitive biases, behavioral default modes that he calls instinctive thinking—reflexive thinking patterns woven into human nature. If you fall back into default mode thinking when embroiled in a high-stakes situation, instinctive thinking will undermine your ability to make wise decisions.

https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/clear-thinking-shane-parrish/1142907883

3. Big Bets: How Large-Scale Change Really Happens (Rajiv Shah, October 2023)

Shah is president of the Rockefeller Foundation and was administrator of the U. S. Agency for International Development (USAID) during the Obama administration. Here he presents an innovative blueprint for creating large scale change that’s been inspired by his involvements with some of the largest humanitarian projects of our time, from helping to vaccinate 900 million children at the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation to the race to stop the spread of the deadly Ebola virus in West Africa. As we witness a world that’s embroiled in many vexing crises, it is easy to become cynical about the ability to find and implement practical remedies that are capable of bringing about substantive, positive change; in frustration, many throw up their hands in defeat.

Shah eloquently and passionately argues against such cynicism.  He distills his real-world strategies for positive creating change, pointing out that big bets have a surprising advantage over cautious ones: a bold vision can attract support, collaborations and fresh ideas from key players who might otherwise be resistant.  Shah presents the playbook and thus the power to fight, work and innovate our way to a better, more just future. This awesome read will make you more hopeful about the world and your own capacity to change it in big ways.

https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/big-bets-rajiv-shah/1143030232

4. The Daily Entrepreneur: 33 Success Habits for SMBs and Freelancers (S.J. Scott and Rebecca Livermore, October 2014)

Entrepreneurship can be exciting; it can also be stressful, frustrating and filled with challenges. Most aspiring business owners and Freelancers are motivated by a strong desire to achieve financial freedom, but reality may not live up to the expectation. Even highly successful entrepreneurs encounter challenges that are not entirely dissimilar from those that you face. The difference is that successful entrepreneurs have found ways to defeat their challenges. Their secret? They’ve cultivated specific daily habits that give them the wherewithal to overcome and prevail. 

Scott and Livermore attest that the power of developing beneficial habits is an indispensable ingredient of creating success. The authors claim that if you study the lives of highly successful business leaders the problems they’ve faced are common to most – if not all – entrepreneurs.

While successful business owners often have the same fears and limitations as you, they’re able to take consistent action because they’ve trained themselves to do so. You can give yourself an advantage by developing the habits used by entrepreneurial super-stars–-Entrepreneur Success Habits—and make them part of your routine. Scott and Livermore offer 33 examples of beneficial habits designed to position you to conquer your obstacles and achieve meaningful goals.

https://www.walmart.com/ip/The-Daily-Entrepreneur-33-Success-Habits-to-Take-Your-Business-to-the-Next-Level-S-J-Scott-and-Rebecca-Livermore/5857134450?wmlspartner=wlpa&selectedSellerId=101558808

5. Virtual Freedom: How to Work With Virtual Staff (Chris Ducker, April 2014)

Entrepreneurs typically assume that they must do everything themselves—they are the boss and also the sales rep, HR manager, marketing copywriter, operations manager, data analyst and so on. Author Chris Ducker, an outsourcing expert, knows how Freelancers and small business owners can obtain much-needed help and also manage the costs of doing so. Entrepreneurs holding modest financial reserves will discover that virtual employees can enable them to create high-functioning teams to help support, sustain and grow their enterprise.

Ducker presents a step-by-step guide that every entrepreneur needs to build his or her business with the asset of working with virtual employees. Focusing on business growth, the author explains every detail you need to grasp, from figuring out which jobs you should outsource to finding, hiring, training, motivating and managing virtual assistants. This book is the ultimate resource of the knowledge and tools necessary to build your dream business with the help of virtual staff.

https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/virtual-freedom-chris-c-ducker/1116852690

6. Build the Damn Thing: How to Build a Successful Business (Kathryn Finney, June 2022)

Here’s a book for aspiring entrepreneurs striving to create an enterprise in a world that has overlooked and underestimated them, the essential guide to knowing, breaking, remaking and building your own rules of entrepreneurship in a start-up and investing world designed for and by the “Entitleds.” Visionary venture capitalist and pioneering entrepreneur Kathryn Finney has written a battle-tested guide for entrepreneurs who the establishment has left out.

Finney, an investor and start-up champion, explains how to build a business from the ground up, from developing a business plan to finding investors, growing a team and refining a product. Leaving no stone un-turned, she not only empowers entrepreneurs to take advantage of their unique networks and resources, but also arms readers with responses to investors who say, “great pitch but…”

https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/build-the-damn-thing-kathryn-finney/1140221664

7. Trust Me, I’m Lying: Confessions of a Media Manipulator (Ryan Holiday, July 2013)

A revealing look into the 21st century media ecosystem that exposes how the practices and incentives of online media and the 24-hour news cycle work to polarize their audiences by stirring up controversy, fear and anger. Author Ryan Holiday is a veteran marketer and publicist whose media manipulation tactics centered on maneuvering blogs in service of his PR clients. He exposes the inner workings of a modern media machine in which financial incentives make it impossible for the version of reality depicted in the media to come close to resembling the truth.

The tactics Holiday confesses to might make your skin crawl. They involve deliberate provocation, bribery, impersonation and complete fabrication. If you are an author yourself, or a marketer, entrepreneur, or entertainer, for example, you are on a mission to get your message out to your audience; be advised that your fellow competitors for media attention are using the unsavory tactics Holiday describes. Understanding the process is a good way to understand the mechanics of media. You can use this knowledge to consider telling your story in less nefarious ways.

https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/trust-me-im-lying-ryan-holiday/1111395738

8. How to Make Money: An Honest Guide to Starting and Building a 6-Figure Successful Business (Nafisa Bakkar, February 2023)

How do I start a business on a budget? How do I find my first 100 customers and make my first $100,000?How do I build a network and get my business noticed? Whether you want to transform a fledgling side-hustle into a full-time endeavor or simply have an idea that’s keeping you up at night, this is the ultimate blueprint for building a successful enterprise.

With no network, no capital and no previous experience, author Nafissa Bakkar created her business from scratch and then went on to help hundreds of aspiring founders to do the same. In her book Bakkar shares honest, inspiring and game-changing entrepreneurial advice. From how to nail your sales strategy and branding message to learning how to build a network, the author spills the tea on business culture and questions everything you think you know about the business world.

https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/how-to-make-money-nafisa-bakkar/1144513521

9. 100 Proven Ways to Acquire and Keep Clients for Life (C. Richard Weylman, March 2024)

Every successful business can credit its success to long-lasting client relationships, but what secret sauce persuades clients keep returning to your company? Freelance consultant C. Richard Weylman addresses the question in his client success management book. In it, the author that maps out how to optimize the client experience your company provides as it reveals best practices that ensure clients will feel valued. Each chapter examines effective ways to utilize empathy, thoughtfulness and assurance to deliver a satisfying and memorable client experience that encourages repeat business and a favorable brand reputation.

Embarking on a B2B consulting agreement with a Freelance expert or multi-person company can be stressful for many clients; communication may not be clear and the client may feel that his/her needs are not being heard. Freelance consultants can neutralize client doubts or anxieties by continually demonstrating to your clients that you are the right provider for them.

https://www.target.com/p/100-proven-ways-to-acquire-and-keep-clients-for-life-by-c-richard-weylman-hardcover/-/A-90005323

10. Grit: The Power of Passion and Perseverance (Angela Duckworth, August 2018)

Why do some people succeed while others fail? Psychologist Angela Duckworth informs those who strive to succeed, be they ambitious entrepreneurs, determined athletes and others, that the secret to outstanding achievement is not always talent or intelligence, but rather a blend of passion and persistence that she calls grit. Duckworth identifies grit as a personality trait that motivates and sustains perseverance, hard work and goal-setting and she maintains that grit can surpass talent and intelligence when working to achieve success.

Duckworth sees present-day culture as entirely too enthralled by the allure of talent and intelligence. Her observations show that an obsession with talent pushes other valuable characteristics and behaviors to the wayside and causes us to inadvertently send the message that those often unacknowledged characteristics and other factors don’t matter as much as they do. In the book, the author explores the elements of grit, where it comes from, how it drives success and how you can develop it.

https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/grit-angela-duckworth/1122569881

Happy 4th of July to my American readers and thanks to everyone for reading!

Kim

Image: ⓒ Ekua Holmes Precarious (2018)

Professional Development , , Leave a comment

Make Feedback A Building Block of Success

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When you’re working on an important project, it’s almost certain that at some point you will ask a colleague or mentor whose expertise you respect and character you trust to look over your work and give an appraisal. Another pair of eyes often sees what you don’t and can help you get beyond your blind spots and produce your best work.

The process is called feedback; it is the reaction to or evaluation of a performance. Feedback that is well presented has the potential to help you recognize your strengths and weaknesses; it provides valuable self-awareness that supports improved skill sets or professional development. Feedback is a form of criticism that can illuminate what you do well and what would benefit from improvement. Feedback inhabits several formats, from a job performance review to a casual conversation with a colleague or mentor. Insightful and timely feedback can alert you to problems capable of tarnishing the outcome of your important project and direct you to potentially more suitable solutions.

Asking for feedback on your work, or even your tennis game, might trigger an awkward moment, for yourself and/or the person you ask. Feedback is often experienced as intensely personal and can be uncomfortable for many people, whether on the giving or receiving end. Recipients of feedback sometimes become defensive, a reaction that makes it less likely that those asked to evaluate a colleague’s work will deliver an unvarnished assessment.

So, the “feedback” given by those who like you is often carefully couched and politically correct, a milquetoast response that’s designed to neither discourage you nor hurt your feelings—a bucket of hot air, in other words. These people may be reluctant to give your work a candid assessment because they want to encourage you and maintain a good relationship with you. Haters, on the other hand, when giving feedback are certain to be either passive-aggressive undermining or will shred you—the hater agenda is always to wound, if not destroy. Both scenarios fall short of delivering actionable advice.

Whom to ask and when

Giving useful feedback is an art, providing a third-party, presumably objective, assessment that confirms what you’re doing well and helps you recognize what needs a correction. Useful feedback is candid and guides you to achieve your personal best. When considering a request for feedback, it is essential to consider the source. Valuable feedback is both honest and astute, meaning you must ask someone who has the expertise to understand what you’re doing, the ability to recognize the strengths and/or weaknesses in your performance and possesses the mentoring skills to swiftly and tactfully guide you to the right path.

Potential sources of practical feedback include colleagues who know your work and with whom you regularly interact, including your boss or a mentor. Freelance consultants might consider reaching out to certain of their clients to solicit feedback. While clients may not be as familiar with your responsibilities and priorities as are workplace colleagues or managers, it may be beneficial to consider a client’s perception of you. Furthermore, client feedback can help you better understand how to attract potential new clients, resolve client concerns and encourage repeat business.

According to Dan Heath, author of Upstream: The Quest to Solve Problems Before They Happen (2020), the ideal time to request feedback is when your work —project, important task, or presentation, for example — is 50% to 60% complete. “Asking for feedback earlier in the process gives you the mental space to really re-think, if necessary,” Heath explained.

Ask for specifics

It is in your interest to make the feedback ask a win-win—not only comfortable for the person you approach, but also a demonstration of respect and instructive for yourself—by expressing the request in a way that is less about inviting an opinion and more about adding value. You do that by being specific.

Unfortunately, most feedback requests are handicapped from the start because they are too broad and general. Is there any wonder why the outcome of the typical feedback ask is one person’s opinion rather than discerning and actionable insights? Author Dan Heath is also a fan of specific feedback requests and he sees vague asks as tending to produce weak and ineffective responses. For example, if he were to ask someone, “What did you think of my book?” they would be more likely to say something positive to spare his feelings. Instead, Heath suggests asking pointed questions.

Rather than asking, “Could you give me some feedback?” provide some guardrails for the feedback you’d like to receive. After you’ve identified someone who has the know-how to advise you in this subject, you would then frame your request to position that individual as an expert adviser who can add value. Now, you’ve set up both yourself and the dispenser of feedback as partners in a constructive interaction.

Finally, when looking for feedback on a particular project, think about what you really want to know. For example, if you’re creating a presentation, do you want a critique of your story and how informative and engaging your content is? Or do you want to know if your slides communicate the story and your data visuals are relevant and easy to interpret? The more specific your questions are, the more useful the feedback will be.

When you are clear about they type of feedback you’d find most helpful and the value that feedback could provide, you will likely receive information that’s pertinent to what you’re actively working to confirm and/or improve. From a learning perspective, this provides actionable insights that you can apply immediately.

If you are a golfer, you can put the word out to your LinkedIn connections in your area and arrange a weekend golf outing. It’s no secret then that golf is a very popular sport in America — according to the National Golf Foundation, over 40 million played both on and off-course. Golf’s popularity is especially prevalent in business communities. No matter what industry you are in, there is a good chance your company or management at the company are involved with the game of golf in some fashion. If you are looking for a secret weapon to building connections in your job, networking through golf is the way to go. 

Thanks for reading,

Kim

Image: © Shutterstock (2019)