Archive for August, 2008

In a few weeks, Robert and I are going to address a topic that dozens of people have asked us to address (in one way or another): “What should an entrepreneur do when a top performering employee leaves the business to pursue other opportunities?”

The way an entrepreneur deals with this challenge sends a very strong message to several key stakeholders such as employees and customers. So, tune in later in September for the BusinessCast episde “What to Do When Top Performers Leave“.

Also, tune in next week for BusinessCast episode #73 – Hockey Lessons for Business (Part 2). We pick up where we left off with former President and CEO of the Calgary Flames, Ron Bremner . Ron weaves compelling stories from his days when he served as the force behind the Flames — working to get the team out of a deep crisis.

Finally, make sure you check out the BusinessCast Podcast ‘Blog Review’ Episode where we outline how you can get some practical business books for free!

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There’s been alot of discussion in the Toronto press recently about business communications. That’s because two local organizations, who have been faced with very public catastrophes, have been dealing with their own crisis in such drastically different ways.

One company — a food manufacturer and distributor — has taken a decisive stance and made every effort to reach out to the press. They are re-assuring the public that they are ‘taking charge’ of the situation. While people’s lives have been lossed as a result of a breakdown in their work processes, the company isn’t shying away from taking responsibility. On the other hand — a petroleum wholesaler/distributor — has limited its conversation to the public through its lawyers. Their silence has caused outrage in some residential communities and they’ve been villified in the court of public opinion.

On two recent BusinessCast Podcast “Blurbs” (available only through iTunes), Robert and I review a handful of key messages that you — as a business leader — should provide to the press when you are faced with a public crisis.

In such situations, you should also act in the following ways:

1) Be Clear – Have a concise and jargon-free message. Repeat it. Be confident and honest. And, remember that any misleading or ambiguous statement that you provide will come back to haunt you.

2) Be Fast – Reach out to all relevant stakeholders as soon as possible. This typically includes clients, prospects, investors/shareholders, suppliers and the media. And remember the most often neglected set of stakeholders during a public crisis: your employees.

3) Be Strong — Your ability to run your business — hence your business’ longevity — will be associated with the confidence with which you deal with your public crisis. This provides you with an opportunity to demonstrate your decisiveness, courage, ability to empathize (if the crisis harms people) and determination to set things right.

*NOTE: We’ve just started the “BusinessCast Business Resource Give-Away”. Listen to the BusinessCast Podcast posted on August 31 for details how you can get some of the latest business books absolutely free!!*

Remember: Subscribe to the BusinessCast Podcast at iTunes

Robert and I have been in discussion with the good folks at McGraw-Hill. We asked them for a number of exceptional business books that we could pass along to you – our loyal BusinessCast Podcast listeners and BusinessCast Blog readers.

We were able to secure copies of some first-rate, practical and leading-edge business resources. Topics of books we secured include various aspects of: marketing, finance, human resources, operations, people/project management and leadership.

Over the next few weeks, we’ll identify the books — either in this blog or in the BusinessCast Podcast – and let you know how you can get them from us for free!

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Every entrepreneur instinctively understands the power of good stories.

In fact, chances are you’ve been inspired by a compelling story. Furthermore, the fact that you’re succeeding as an entrepreneur demonstrates that you, or one of your team, have some ability to tell stories.

The truth is that a good story can inspire your staff or capture the imaginations of prospects and customers. Well-told stories shape how people think about you and your brand. And, stories — when originating from the right source — told at the right time and to the right audience, can spur dramatic action.

Here are a few resources to help you hone your story-telling skills:

1. Podcast Episode: How to tell the story about you – one-on-one – to prospects and other likely audiences

2. Podcast Episode: How to tell stories regardless of the venue or number of audience members

3. PDF: Examples of Strong business stories

4. Book: The Leader’s Guide to Story Telling

In a few weeks, Robert and I will devote a special BusinessCast podcast episode on ways to help you become a more effective story teller.

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Over the years, The Society of Internet Professionals (S.I.P.) in Toronto, Canada has built a reputation for hosting practical ‘how to’ events that help small business entrepreneurs, leaders and managers leverage the power of the Internet — for purposes of promotion, business development, increasing operational efficiencies, etc.

Next month, S.I.P. will be hosting The Business Face of Social Networking - which elaborates on one of the most popular topics explored on the BusinesCast Podcast blog over the last few weeks: Social Media/Networking.

More information on The Society of Internet Professionals.

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