Get out of your comfort zone!

Ahhh the dreaded comfort zone. What the heck is it and why does it have a hold on so many of us? Well, the dictionary defines a comfort zone as a place, situation or even a level where a person feels confident and comfortable. So, does that sound like where you are right now? Nice and comfy with a "If it ain't broke, don't fix it" attitude? By all means, if you are content that is fantastic! Maybe you aren't content, but just can't figure out how make a change. Many of us want bigger and better than what we have and it is up to us to go get it!

How often do you change up your routine and do something different? If you are looking to make positive changes in your life, which most of us are, you have to be willing to make changes. These changes do not have to be drastic, they can be as simple as visiting a different coffee shop or buying an item of clothing that is a color or style you might not usually buy. Maybe you want to start writing or blogging and just can't get started. You have to break the insanity cycle and make changes to reveal new possibilities. Now simply buying a coffee in a  different shop will not magically reveal the secrets of the universe, but it will force you to change the way you think and allow you to have a different experience. Granted, this is a simple example, but image what would happen if your change was to add 30 minutes of exercise into your daily routine. Do you think you would see a change for the better? I am willing to bet, yes! Quit being insane!

Did she just call me insane? Yep, I sorta did, but I am insane too and working on it daily. So, what is insane? We are not talking mental illness, so please do not misunderstand. The urban disctionary describes insane as doing the same thing over and over and expecting different results. You may have heard this saying throughout your life. I am guilty, as I suspect you are too, to an extent. We tend to form habits in our daily routines that are automatic and involve little thought because well, that just the way we roll. Once we find something that works we rarely want to deviate because of the fact it's working. But is it really?

If you aren't moving forward, it isn't working. If a car turns on, but won't drive, it's broke. Where is it? Idling, just sitting there with no progress, until what? We make a change and fix it. The same goes for everything else in your life. The only person who can change your path is you. Find what needs to be fixed and make a change. In order to do that you have to be willing to give some things up and adopt others that you may not have thought of before. Maybe you want to learn more about a certain subject, well then read a book or research online. Things at work not going the way you had hoped? Speak up and let management know your thoughts. You may be surprised at the willingness of other's to help you succeed if you just muster up the courage to ask.

Take it from me, breaking out of your comfort zone feels way better than you could have ever imagined.

I propose a challenge to all of you reading this, BREAK YOUR INSANITY! Do something different for a change. Put yourself out there and take a chance. Build your self confidence and overcome the fears you may have of doing something you wouldn't ordinarily do. Try and make someone's day in the process and allow yourself to succeed regardless of what the haters say!

Thanks for reading!

Customer Engagement...what's that?

Customer Engagement

"I don't understand, I have a great website why aren't I getting more customers?"

This is probably one of the most frequent complaints I hear. The meat and bones of it...engage with your customers! SEO is changing from Search Engine Optimization to Social Engagement Optimization. Even the biggest companies out there have people moderating their Facebook pages, forums, and the like. You have to try to convert those conversations to customers. When you get a new Yelp review, be it good or bad...RESPOND! Act as if that customer was right in front of you and respond appropriately to regain their business if possible. When people are commenting on your Facebook business page posts, respond to those too! 

Engage with your customers to let them know you are a live person who takes interest in their opinions and observations. If you do not have a Facebook business page, GET ONE! Whether people like it or not Facebook and Google is where people go when they want to find out more about a person. You have probably done it yourself. Over 2 billion people are on social media interacting worldwide. You have to give them a reason to choose you, and you have to get yourself in front of them as often as possible. How, you may ask? ENGAGEMENT! When customers get automated or canned responses it is a way less personal approach. Respond directly to them, use their name, and thank them for taking the time to share their views.

Even if you just take an hour out of your day and keep the communication going, you will be pleasantly surprised at the reactions. People want to be heard, which is why all these platforms exist, so when they speak, listen and give feedback. How do you know what your customers are thinking unless you ask? Be brave, post a Facebook post that asks, "How is our customer service in your opinion on a scale from 1 to 10? (10 being highest)" You will get the most honest feedback right there in real time. There are lots of ways to engage with customers, try a few and find out what works best for you. Keep in mind that posts with pictures and videos tend to get more engagement and are simply more eye catching than all text. 

Good luck and if you still need help reach out to me at www.mommyswamy.com 

How Ethical are You...Really?

How Ethical are You...Really?

           Let's talk ethics...Throughout a person’s lifetime many ethical issues will arise that make it difficult to know what decision is best for the given situation. Sometimes that decision affects a person’s morals or other beliefs and sometimes the decision affects those around us. In business, the decisions we make ultimately affect us, our co-workers, customers, and potentially our respective families. Businesses usually implement a code of ethics that is expected to be followed so all those directly and indirectly involved in the business can feel comfortable knowing management has taken the time to make sure people are treated fairly, and the business is run with honesty and integrity. This is shown through actions, not words. Some people "say" they act with integrity, but it's just because it sounds good, they would never admit their true beliefs, thoughts, or fears as the case may be. Regardless of what's said, if people act in a contradictory way, clearly their words were not a reflection of truth, not true integrity. Knowing a code of ethics exists makes customers and employees feel more comfortable knowing they will be treated fairly and their individualism will be recognized...that is, as long as the code is followed.

            When faced with an ethical issue it is best to use the eight steps of sound ethical decision making to arrive at an outcome that is well thought out and comfortable for all parties involved. It can be difficult to provide an unbiased decision based on the relationships formed in the workplace, where we spend the majority of our day. Many consider their co-workers extended family. These are good guidelines for any situation. 

Making sure to gather the facts is important because many times the facts are simply overlooked and can shed light on an easier decision in the end. Way too many managers THINK they know the facts, when indeed they have no clue what's going on in their own business. Too proud to simply ask, these types tend to act on hearsay...bad business! Get the facts! You will thank yourself later and save tons of headache chasing your tail.

Defining the ethical issue is also critical because then the issue at hand is understood and has been given detailed thought as to the possible ramifications. You cannot attempt to "fix" something if you have no idea what you are fixing. If I tell you to get in the kitchen and get to work, do you go in and start cooking or start on my remodeling project?  CLEARLY define your issue and it's root; combined with clear expectations you can rarely lose.

Identifying the stakeholders makes it possible to envision all the possible avenues that may be taken to solve the problem. Let's face it, every situation is different and should be handled as such. The needs, wants, and desires of the various stakeholders will be at the forefront in this process.

Possible consequences that may come from one’s decision are an important focus when trying to do what's "right." Sometimes when we see that the consequences may be unpleasant for ourselves or others we may be inclined to not take a certain route during the discovery phase, because we know what the outcome will be and want to sway in a different direction. Is it ethical? Maybe...

Being creative in this process helps to identify other possible outcomes that may have been previously overlooked. When you come to a decision, are you satisfied or do you think there could be other avenues to pursue? Get creative there is often more than one way to solve a problem.

Knowing the obligations and why they exist is useful to identify with one’s own values, principles, and character traits. Identify your ethical obligations and hold true to them. What are ethical obligations you might ask? Well, simply put it is something you do because it is the right thing to do and because if you didn't do it, you would be wrong. For example, feeding your pet (this is only a no-brainer for some people).

Considering one’s own character and integrity is important to keep in mind because it makes people think about what would happen if their decision were to be broadcast for all to see. This makes them question whether or not they would be able to stand by their decision with dignity. Are your proud of yourself for doing the right thing?

Finally, it's that gut feeling that will either make or break the final decision. Business owners today have to deal with such ethical issues as which employees they will have to lay off due to cutbacks because of the current economic crisis. Some managers have to deal with issues like which tenants they might have to evict from their properties because of non-payment or other ramifications stemming from the current economic condition as well. There are also times when management must make decisions within the company that require even the best employees to be unhappy like policy changes or changes to benefits. These and many other ethical dilemmas show their face to management almost daily and must be dealt with appropriately in order to maintain good working relationships, customer confidence, and company reputations. Managers struggle daily with the issues that come up and must take action that will eventually maintain their personal beliefs and uphold the company’s policies at the same time. This is quite a balancing act and does require some skill. With the economy being as bad off as it currently is there are many instances that arise where ethics can be in question and following the above steps can help make a more informed decision that considers all parties equally. Thanks for reading!