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Second, talking to and listening to the customers, vendors, and employees has a historical track record of enviable success. Study after study reveals the fascinating insights discovered from personal interactions. Successful business people and entrepreneurs know that the physical act of talking to a person is a non-negotiable component of success.

Businesses have mission statements, values statements, and policies and procedures to follow in making decisions. Likewise, individuals have personal goals, preferences, ingrained ethics, and hereditary values that come into play when faced with decisions. These constitute your plumb line. Problems arise, however, when your plumb line becomes a pendulum.

The phrase “abundance of caution” is easily one of the most regrettable phrases resulting from the Covid-19 pandemic. It has been overused. It has been excessively used to cover poor management. And, as the quote above demonstrates, it has been misused to compensate for fear and poor decision-making.

Why humor works? Part of it is that shared laughter accelerates a feeling of closeness and trust.

Carol Dweck, the psychologist behind the book Mindset: The New Psychology for Success, is quoted: “By [using the word “yet”] we give people a time perspective. It creates the idea of learning over time. It puts the other person on that learning curve and says, “Well, maybe you’re not at the finish line, but you’re on that learning curve and let’s go further.” It’s such a growth mindset word.”

Whether your goal is to elicit trust, form stronger business relations, intimidate an opponent, or dominate during negotiations, eye contact is one of your most valuable tools.

What is the question you want an answer to?  Don’t ask the question that gives you the answer you want but gives you the response you need.  And be prepared to drill down to get specifics.  For the most part, our fellow business people are prepared to provide details when asked.

Thinking big requires us to think in general terms, use vague slogans, and avoid specific details.  No details are to be found anywhere in these big picture plans.
Although they will never admit it, many “big ideas” fail because they do not consider the small details of how the big plan will happen. This is why we need to think small.

Germany Kent, an American Hall of Fame media and communications professional, is quoted saying: “Relationships matter.  The roles people play in your life will influence you, so get serious about who you allow to affect you.  Nurture those relationships in your circle that foster success and happiness, and continuously position yourself among change agents and thought leaders.”

What Is the Hard Part?

The answer to this question is whatever the most important thing is right now. It is what is the very next step that must be taken right now to move you closer to your ultimate goal.