10 Leadership and Management Tips for All Around Success

One of our BIG THINGS here at BBS is the continual growth and development of our people. With such growth and development, each member of our team is able to fine tune their leadership skills as well! 

In thinking of leadership as a quality that we look for in potential candidates, I came across an article that discusses 10 Leadership and Management Tips for All Around Success.

Who doesn't want to be successful right?

Here are the 10 Tips...

1. Move forward by looking backward. How would we learn anything if we didn't look back at both our mistakes and the mistakes of others?  In addition, we can also look at what we have done well or what has worked for other people. Learn from those around you and find out from your peers how effective your management/leadership style is. Make adjustments where needed.
2. Lead by example. There is clearly a difference between a boss and an employee but at the end of the day they are both representing the company name. Due to this equal representation, as a boss or Manager you should behave as you wish your employees to behave.
3. Surround yourself with the right people. A cohesive work environment is essential to productivity. Any work environment will certainly consist of a mixture of different backgrounds, experience and personalities - be sure that this is the right mixture.
4. Stop the blame game. Part of being in a managerial position is the ability to delegate! Delegating obviously means that these people will then have partial responsibility for that task but at the end of it YOU are ultimately at fault. Stop wasting time in blaming others, take responsibility and fix what needs to be fixed
5. Cut your losses early. No matter how much you like a person, not everyone is a good fit! You may recognize this in the early stages of the hiring process but often times it's discovered a little later on. It's never too late to cut your losses, leave on a good note but don't let that one person spoil the rest.
6. Invest in yourself and your people. Any successful organization will invest back into their business - be it revamping the lobby, getting new computers or even adding to a department...investing back into the company will help with its success.
7. Build on strengths. Too many people focus in identifying and improving upon weaknesses. Where this certainly can be beneficial, don't you think it would also make sense to build on ones strengths as well? Focus on areas of strength, this will be a great asset in the long run.
8. It’s better to be respected than love. As a great leader you must be respected. Indeed, everyone generally enjoys being liked (as a Manager) but as a leader we are sometimes put in a situation of having to make difficult decisions and not always being adored. What happens when your desire to be liked interferes with your ability to lead? There needs to be a balance between being liked and being respected in order to be an effective leader.
9. Your success depends on the success of others. This concept holds very true in our business model. Here at BBS, we work in a highly team oriented environment so if one person is suffering we all suffer. When it comes down to it, although we recognize and reward individual efforts, the outcome of the whole team is what's important. Make that shift from "I" or "me" to "we."
10. Find a coach or a mentor. Having that someone or a few 'someones' to guide and coach you is so helpful when navigating your way through just about anything! Take advantage of learning from your peers and soak up all of the knowledge that they have to offer!
 

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http://www.tlnt.com/2011/01/25/top-10-leadership-and-management-tips-for-all-around-success/

Hard Work Pays Off! #Leadership

 A BIG CONGRATULATIONS out to Eddy, Sean, Mario, Ahmet AND Chris for demonstrating what hard work looks like!

 Welcome to LEADERSHIP guys, keep showing us what you can do!

.HARD WORK PAYS OFF.

8 Hot Facebook Marketing Tips For Small Businesses

ONLINE MARKETING IS CRUCIAL TO GROWING YOUR BUSINESS!

Here are some tips on how to make sure that you are getting the most out of your company Facebook page...

Have a strong theme for your Facebook page

Focus on one main theme that is cohesive with your company's mission statement and overall image. Representation of your company should be clear and concise.

Understand the purpose of your Facebook marketing strategy 

Rather than just shoot for higher traffic to your page, try to aim for a specific number. Pick a number of likes to serve as a goal and try to get to that mark by a certain date. Setting a goal not only makes you work harder proves to be more satisfying when your goal has been reached!

Target the right prospects with your marketing

Obviously the main point of any company Facebook page is to market a brand. Higher traffic to a page typically yields higher pull and visibility on Google searches. However, if all this effort is put into marketing efforts be sure that you are targeting the right audience when doing so.

Create value in your posts

No one wants to look at a boring old Facebook page with no personality! As mentioned before, have you Facebook page reflect your company well but throw a little personality into and make your audience want to know more.

Interactive posts will attract comments

Encourage interaction with your audience on your company Facebook page. The easiest way to do this is to create interactive posts, ask questions or opinions. Positive interaction with your target audience is key!

Market to your existing audience

Equally as important as expanding your audience, it is also important to market to your existing audience as well. Even if they have liked your page your posts may not actually organically reach them. To get around this disconnected you may think about tailoring some posts specifically to those that aren't reached or invite them to ad your to their interests list.

Pay attention to FAKE Facebook fans

A high amount of Facebook likes is clearly something that most companies strive for as a part of their online marketing campaign. Although I do recommend increasing your amount of likes, be conscious of the idea that many people will like a page and never look at it again. Due to this circumstance try to get people to like your page that will actually pay attention to it afterward!

Maintaining a constant Facebook density

Featured on the admin panel of a company Facebook page you have the 'people talking about this' stat. This is basically what is referred to as 'talk density.' This applies to not necessarily people that have liked your page but to people that continue to talk about it. Get people to 'check in' when they arrive to work or encourage them to share the page with their friends.

http://www.medianovak.com/blog/business-tips/8-hot-facebook-marketing-tips-for-small-businesses/

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Forbes Great Tips on How to End Your Work Day

Equally as important as how to start your work day, finishing your day right is also key. As Forbes writer Jacquelyn Smith explains, there are a few things you should do at the end of each work day in order to increase productivity for the next. 

Check over your to-do list for that day and don't leave until each thing is crossed out.

Prepare for the following day by establishing a new to-do list and checking over your schedule so that you know what to expect when you begin your day.

Touch base with your boss or Manager and other co-workers to make sure everyone is on the same page and is ready to meet deadlines and such.

In order to best maximize your time at work, save those non-peak hour tasks for the end of the day when you are not competing with phone calls, emails or texts.

Tie up any loose ends as to not leave things to finish up in the morning and make sure your work space is clean and tidy so you may start with a clean slate tomorrow!

Lastly, you want to really end the day right by turning everything off (BE GREEN!), leave on a positive note and say goodbye while checking your stress at the door -- > GO HOME!

http://www.forbes.com/sites/jacquelynsmith/2012/08/28/14-things-you-should-do-at-the-end-of-every-work-day/2/

Forbes Best Ways to Begin Your Work Day

~HAPPY MONDAY~

If you are going to put the hours in every day at work wouldn't it make sense to get the most out of it?

Forbes author Jacquelyn Smith, discusses 14 Things You Should Do at the Start of the Work Day in order to increase productivity and simply start your day off well!

Obviously everyone knows to arrive to work on time but what also helps is to literally take a deep breath and give your self a few minutes to prepare for the day ahead.

Organize your day to eliminate any unwanted distractions; having a plan and sticking to it will yield results!

Be sure to begin each day as a new one, a clean slate. In addition to this keep your attitude in check - attitudes are contagious so be conscious of the one that you give off --> BE POSITIVE!

If you are going to be at work, actually be there...be present and functioning!

Check in with your colleagues for a few minutes in the morning to set up goals and make sure everyone has a game plan for the day ahead.

Be sure to have a clean work space. Not being able to find things or focus because of clutter is just yet another possible distraction that you can prevent.

Speaking of distractions, don't allow your inbox be a constant distraction through out your day! Respond to urgent emails first thing in the morning and check your voice mail. Get these urgent things done and out of the way at the start of your day.

Now that all of your urgent tasks are done and out of the way, take advantage of this! Allow your head to clear and utilize its productivity and creativity!

One of my personal favorites, take a mid morning break! Go for a walk around the building, run across the street and grab a coffee, do anything but just make yourself take a break. When you come back you will feel clear headed, rejuvenated and ready to tackle the rest of your day!

 * . START YOUR DAY OFF RIGHT. *

http://www.forbes.com/sites/jacquelynsmith/2012/08/24/14-things-you-should-do-at-the-start-of-every-work-day/

11 Tips For New College Grads

It is absolutely essential to save save save as a recent college grad!

Coming out of school most college grads don't have a lot of money in the bank (for various reasons) and are then greeted with those pesky school loans that most of us know and love...

When that diploma hits your hand the last thing that anyone wants to think about is paying for the last four (or so) years!

In hopes of preparing college graduates for this situation, Kerry Hannon of Forbes outlines tips on how college kids can be proactive in saving their money after graduation.

"Financial Wisdom."

1. Buy some books on the basics of how to save and manage money. There are plenty of people in this world that know way more about financial planning than you...

2. Establish a budget to serve as guidelines for your spending/savings habits. This will allow you to see where you can afford to make cut backs and just how much you are spending on random things.

3. Despite your pride, move in with your parents after graduation! The best way to save money is to not have to pay rent...parents aren't really all that bad.

4. and 5. Debt can prohibit anyone from pursuing something that they wish to pursue. Avoid this set back by either not having debt all together or to at the very least reduce your debt ASAP.

6. Even though you may think you won't need it, set up an emergency fund because you really never know when it will be useful. A good emergency fund is about 6 months worth of what you would need to pay your bills.

7. If you do have any extra money, invest it! Money that just sits there will not yield anything, invest a small amount and you see a large return!

8. and 9. If your new job offers a 401k plan or some other means of retirement take full advantage of it. Once you put money in do not take it out! Again with this whole 'plan for the future' thing...if you save a little bit of money now from each paycheck just think of the amount that you will be able to retire with.

10. Similar to number 8, if you have the option of work sponsored health insurance - GET IT! It's one of the best steps that a person can take to insure a stable future, medical expenses are very costly.

11. It's okay to splurge A LITTLE on 'life experiences.' It could be a trip with some friends or even that Broadway show you've been dying to see. It's okay to treat yourself once in awhile to something that you will remember for the rest of your life! Memories are priceless...well sort of.

.Save Now.

http://www.forbes.com/sites/nextavenue/2013/05/29/11-essential-money-tips-for-new-college-grads/

BBS Loves Blue Ribbon BBQ!!

BBS was lucky enough to win a client sponsored luncheon catered by Massachusetts own, Blue Ribbon BBQ!

Our Sales Reps really demonstrated their ability and desire to work hard and were rewarded (as they should be) with an outstanding southern style BBQ lunch for the entire office.

Thank you to our reps and to Blue Ribbon BBQ for making it all possible!

For the full story, click here. 

College Grads Need Jobs Too!

We all know how tough it is for recent college graduates to find a job in today's market. Aside from the slower market in general, many people just out of college experience difficulty finding a job because of their 'lack of experience.' 

This is why it is important when looking for a job to maximize your chances of landing that dream position, or even  that job to simply get your 'foot in the door.' Working your way up is a great way to start.

The market is fierce so any advantage is highly beneficial.

Now that it is 'move in season' for colleges nation wide, the issue surrounding college kids finding a job when they graduate is one that's difficult to not think about. 

Listed below are 10 things New College Grads Must Do Now To Snag A Job.

Hands On Learning Opportunities

At the end of the day, reading a text book or writing a paper is not what matters most; what matters is experience. Employers would clearly be more inclined to hire someone that has experience rather than someone who can regurgitate information. Internships, volunteering or shadowing are great ways to get the experience needed to give you a leg up on the competition. 

Utilize Social Networking Outside of Facebook

Facebook is typically a first though when  talking about social networking. Great as it may be, it's not the only way, or even the best way to utilize the net. In present time, employers can easily Google a prospective employee prior to hiring them. Anything that you don't want a potential boss to see or better yet WHAT YOU DO WANT THEM TO SEE, change it! Update your Linkedin (yes you should have one) and either privatize or delete your Faeebook account...What will show up when your name is Googled?

Be More Than Just a Paper Resume

Show your talents to your future employers outside of just your resume. As previously mentioned, any advantage on your competition is great! When it comes down to it, resumes can all tend to look the same. What separates them are all the 'little extras.' Maybe prior to your interview when the person Googled your name they came across a Blog, academic paper or even Pinterest that stood out to them. It added more to your value than simply what is typed on your resume. These 'little extras' can set you apart and make you memorable.

Understand That Summers Are Not To Waste

For some, summers may be for going to the beach or grilling up some food. Of course we all like to have fun and relax during the summer time, be mindful of the fact that it is also a few great months to gain some more experience! Again, getting that advantage. While your competition is at a pool party you can be out getting that boost of experience with some great resume builders!

Expand Your Classes Beyond Just Your Major

Well rounded candidates are desirable to employers. Employers can appreciate an individual that knows a decent amount of knowledge about a few different subjects, at the very least being knowledgeable in various areas can help with conversation! Be daring. Sign up  for a different class. Expand your knowledge base.

Test Out Your Field With a Part Time Job

You can't actually know what you want to do unless you try it! So many people get their first experience in their field after they paid an absurd amount of money for four years to obtain that degree. I agree that a degree can be important in today's society but you may want to make sure that it's really what you want to do and try it out before you graduate. You wouldn't buy a car without test driving it first right?

Meet People- Networking Is Key

I cannot stress the importance of networking enough - NET WORKING IS KEY PEOPLE! With such a fiercely competitive market sometimes it really does come down to who you meet. Look into your Alumni community, reach out to professors in your department. Even if they don't know someone that could necessarily help you get a job, it's great way to get advice from people that are already in the career field that you wish you join. Meet people and ask them questions!

Know How To Talk About Yourself

Some people see talking about oneself as a bad thing. Although it can be at times, when searching for a job you have to know how to talk about yourself! Interviewers will ask you what your strengths and weaknesses are, what your coworkers would say about your personality or skill set. Be prepared for this type of questioning. Answer them and answer them well. Be confident (not overly so) and let them know what it is that you want. 

Ace An Interview

You only get the one chance so make it count. Prepare for the interview process itself and know your stuff about the company and position in which you are applying for. Employers will know right off the bat if you are one of those people that applied for 20 random positions or if you sought out their company specifically and really want the position. Ace an interview and you will be invited back for a second.

Be Open To New Opportunities

Lastly, as a recent college grad you should really be open to various opportunities. You may think that you know what you want to do for the rest of your life...but you could also be entirely wrong. Some people discover their career path by chance or by taking a chance on a new opportunity. It could turn out to be your dream job, or could simply become a learning experience. Possibilities are endless if you are open to them.

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http://jobs.aol.com/articles/2012/10/30/10-things-college-kids-must-do-now-to-snag-a-job-post-graduation/