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Check out these samples of great MOGA management techniques and tips in the following published articles written by Mary Elston.
April 2017
Emotions , whether sweet or sour, impact our existence wherever we go — personal, professional and everything in between. How do you harness and manage your emotional intelligence in a business setting to help you become more successful? Discover what it takes and how you can take it on in this article which spells out … “The Value of Managing Your Emotions: Do you control your feelings or do they control you?” Reprinted with permission from Soundings Publication, LLC.
February 2017
It happens so fast — that first impression you leave on others. Just how fast is it? And how can you make the most of that important initial imprint you have only one chance to make? For that matter — why should you even bother? (Hint: you should) Learn the answers to this and more in my article: “Those fateful first three seconds: How to enhance the impression you leave on others” Reprinted with permission from Soundings Publication, LLC.
October 2016
Talk, talk, talk. Whether communicating via social media, over the phone, or (eek!) face to face (so old school!?), we are constantly talking with others. What makes some people worth listening to more than others? What separates the mundane conversation from one that is mesmerizing? Find out responses to these questions plus additional insights in my article: “Great communicators don’t just talk: Some tips for turning your remarks into more than conversation” Reprinted with permission from Soundings Publication, LLC.
June 2016
One of the realities of work life which may be unpleasant for many people is dealing with office politics. What if I gave you a way to more easily navigate political pitfalls and made it simple to remember as well? Wait no longer, you’ll find this and more in my article: “Plotting a Plan for Managing Office Politics” Reprinted with permission from Soundings Publication, LLC.
April 2016
When people are interacting on a business or personal level conflicts are bound to occur. But what if conflicts are taking place more often then they should? Get ahead of conflict by checking preferred behavior when it comes to communicating, listening and collaborating. Find out how in the article: “Got Conflict? Three Behaviors to Check”
Reprinted with permission from Soundings Publication, LLC.
October 2015
Many managers consider themselves to be great communicators but are they really? In fact, if you ask employees to comment as to how well their leader communicates the majority will respond with a rating of average at best, with many providing a score of “poor.” What about those supervisors who are superb at sharing information? What are they doing right? They are applying the three C’s for “Communicating Like a Leader” — click here to discover the details.
Reprinted with permission from Soundings Publication, LLC.
July 2014
You can’t sit back and wait for new markets to appear like money falling from heaven — you have to go find and build them. How do you get started? Take a look at my easy, back of the envelope Five P Formula for building your next big market opportunity in this article: “Sizing up opportunities: From Potential to Profit”
Reprinted with permission from Soundings Publication, LLC.
May 2014
As you manage your business, department or team you’re giving your employees regular bits of wisdom and guidance through meetings, one on one conversations and written exchanges. What about the messages you aren’t deliberately communicating but workers are hearing loud and clear anyway? That’s called influence — and whether you’re aware of it or not — the strength of your influence can instead be a weakness if it’s not consciously managed. Find out more in this overview: “You’re an Influencer: Hone this Vital Skill” Reprinted with permission from Soundings Publication, LLC.
March 2014
You’ve heard it before but did you really hear it all? It’s one of the most life-changing abilities you can nourish and grow and nearly everyone needs to become better at it. What is it? Listening! How listening elevates your ability to become an incredible manager is even more telling. Learn more in this article: “Listening’s True Value is What You’ve Learned” (email us at “Contact us” tab for a copy of this article)
Reprinted with permission from Soundings Publication, LLC.
December 2013
When looking for what lies ahead it’s a great idea to look back at where you’ve been in the past and who and what you’ll need to help you move into the future. It also means preparing to take the future head on with a thorough, judicious plan. As one of the essential keys to success, your planning process must include three important components. Find out what they are and more in this overview: “Account for Tomorrow in Setting Today’s Goals” (email us at “Contact us” tab for a copy of this article)
Reprinted with permission from Soundings Publication, LLC.
October 2013
Ever wonder what is the number one attribute of the truly successful, highly admired leader? Humility. Yes — humility. While it may be
surprising, it makes a great deal of sense once you understand the reasons behind it. Learn why humility is such an important leadership quality in this discussion:Â “Successful Practices of Genuinely Humble Leaders”
Reprinted with permission from Soundings Publication, LLC.
August 2013
Comfort zone or challenge? Managers make decisions as to how to run their business or team every day. Are you making the same decisions month after month, year after year and finding you’re stuck in your comfort zone? You’ll discover great insights for challenging yourself, generating more success and moving away from the clutch of your comfort space in this article: “Learn to Recognize When Its Time to Stretch Yourself”
Reprinted with permission from Soundings Publication, LLC.
June 2013
The boating market — or any market — isn’t what it used to be. What are the changes and who should be targeted as the marine market evolves to a new state? Hint: It involves changes every major market must consider as baby boomers continue to climb into their later years and retire. What changes are looming on the horizon? Find the details here:Â “Target Kids, Minorities as Boating Crowd Ages”
Reprinted with permission from Soundings Publication, LLC.
April 2013
Whether it’s a hurricane, one hundred year flood or an overwhelming blizzard that paralyzes a city, exemplary crisis management is something which must be planned and practiced. In this piece, leadership qualities which make all the difference during a crisis are fairly straight forward but not always in play. Discover the details covering seven leadership capabilities required during times of extreme circumstances: “Seven Qualities We Seek in Leaders During a Crisis”
Reprinted with permission from Soundings Publication, LLC.
February 2013
Generating new ideas is part of being a manager and a successful business participant. But how do you keep your creating juices flowing? A number of simple yet amazingly effective options are yours for the taking in this article: “Take Care of Your Brain: Your Reward? More Ideas
Reprinted with permission from Soundings Publication, LLC.
December 2012
BYOB or Bring Your Own Beer has been around for years. Now it has a new cousin — BYOD — Bring Your Own Device. The new normal
is mobile access for individuals and employees as well. Find out what managers need to know to get their BYOD strategy in gear by taking a look at this great guidance: “Plot a Strategy to Reach Mobile Device Users”
Reprinted with permission from Soundings Publication, LLC.
October 2012
As cost cutting and related efficiencies have permeated the business landscape, many managers are leading leaner teams. With this in mind, when the opportunity develops to hire an additional resource, managers must be more judicious than ever to hire the right candidate. Discover traits you’ll want your new employee to have in this article: “Eight Characteristics to Look for When Hiring”
Reprinted with permission from Soundings Publication, LLC.
August 2012
I noticed it in the super market. A colossal display of chocolate cookies that represented something besides the potential for a massive sugar rush. It was a new approach … a slow economic shift which appears to be taking its turn in the recovery line. As a manager, what are you doing to increase your chances of being a part of the upswing? You’ll find three essential tactics to put into play — and encouragement that includes cookies and a big glass of milk — in this article: “Time to Quit the Foxhole: Buyers are Coming Back”
Reprinted with permission from Soundings Publication, LLC.
May 2012
Average isn’t adequate anymore. For those who want to survive and pursue an upwardly-oriented career path, above-average capabilities are now required. A college education is part of the equation as well. What difference does it make in the long run? Learn more about why being above-average in the business world — whether as a manager or any other employee — is now more important than ever: “Above-average Management and Employees Required”
Reprinted with permission from Soundings Publication, LLC.
March 2012
Can face to face be replaced? Not anytime soon. But working remotely is a great option for many employees in a variety of business circumstances. Before you make a managerial decision regarding when and for whom a virtual work program should be put into place you’ll want to consider a number of factors. Check out the details in my article:  “Going Virtual: Managing in the Work-at-Home-Era”
Reprinted with permission from Soundings Publication, LLC.
January 2012
What’s your technology profile look like? As a manager, are you keeping up to date with technology trends that will maintain your
competitive business posture and keep customers coming back? What app do you need for that? Ask your customers, listen and take it from there. Find more technology need-to-knows in my article: “Don’t Let Technology Leave You in the Dust”
Reprinted with permission from Soundings Publication, LLC.
November 2011
“Don’t touch the iPad with your sticky fingers.†That’s the comment I heard from a nearby parent as his young family finished their Sunday brunch. I had to smile. To some extent, micro managing is part of parenting but when it’s part of your management style it’s a sign of uappealing management traits. Take a look at three management styles and consider which one is yours in the article: “What’s Your Style? Take an Honest Look”
Reprinted with permission from Soundings Publication, LLC.
September 2011
Stress is everywhere, particularly when it comes to being a manager in today’s market. Deliberately and skillfully manage the stressful, surf-like nature of the market, and you’ll be better positioned to keep your business above the water, not under it. Learn how to deal with it in my article: “Smooth the Ups and Downs by Managing Market Stress”
Reprinted with permission from Soundings Publication, LLC.
July 2011
Ever wonder how managers decide to start their own business and take the entrepreneurial leap? How do innovators find the risk-taking
fortitude needed to turn new ideas into marketable products? There’s a certain way entrepreneurs think that can be used to the advantage of every manager. Find out more in my article: “Successful Entrepreneurs Focus on Opportunities”
Reprinted with permission from Soundings Publication, LLC.
May 2011
Market reversals and challenges have impacted nearly every industry in the country in the last couple of years. For many, the often unexpected and always feared consequence of a slow economy is losing their job. Once you’re hit by a layoff your even tougher job begins — finding a new job. How do you get started? What’s the best approach for getting noticed in a sea of hopeful candidates? Find out what strategic and essential steps you must take if you’re thrust into searching for employment in a tight job market in my article:: “Job Searches Require a Full-Court Press.”
Reprinted with permission from Soundings Publication, LLC.
February 2011
Are you the manager who has been hanging on through market ups and downs waiting for great sales revenues from a few years ago to make
a magical reappearance? Guess what? It’s not going to happen. Today’s reality tells us most consumers now have a new spending mindset which means carefree, high priced spending is no longer an option. This means a new business model is the new reality as well. Discover how to begin putting a fresh business approach into action and the benefits it can bring in my article:Â “Consumers Have Changed; Adjust Your Expectations.”
Reprinted with permission from Soundings Publication, LLC.
December 2010
Even with signs of improvement here and there, market melancholy continues to hang on. With this in mind, how do you maintain an upbeat team attitude and manage in a way that keeps employees enthused and engaged? In this article you’ll find six ideas you can use to give our group a regular shot of encouragement and energy. Whether you’re an introvert or extrovert, you can ignite and excite your management efforts and keep your team pumped! Learn how in my column: “Give Your Team a Daily Dose of Positive Energy.”
Reprinted with permission from Soundings Publication, LLC.
October 2010
Is your business or team you manage feeling a bit too comfortable? Have you taken the time and effort in the last year to look around and see if you’re missing opportunities simply because the “old routine” is still working for you? In this article, you’ll learn ways to punch change up and push you into a fresh game plan for yielding business benefits you didn’t know you were missing. Read about it in this article: “Rethink Your Game Plan — Become a Change Champion.”
Reprinted with permission from Soundings Publication, LLC.
August 2010
Feeling a little pudgy or sluggish around the waistline — or budget line? As a manager there are always places where budgetary fat creeps in and before you know it costs are higher than you thought. Discover out how to trim your budget and business down to a leaner model by checking out this article: “A Light and Lean Business Model Yields Fat-Free Results.”
Reprinted with permission from Soundings Publication, LLC.
June 2010
When revenue is tight in an even tighter market, many managers wonder if they should continue to invest in trade show attendance. Who should go if anyone? Figure it out faster with my article covering “The Five P’s for Managing Trade Show Participation.”
Reprinted with permission from Soundings Publication, LLC.
April 2010
Tapping into needs and emotions are part of selling almost everything. Especially when buyers are spending more conservatively, it’s important to
manage and influence emotional factors involved in discretionary spending and, in so doing, gain a happy feeling in your cash register. Find out how emotions behind buying decisions can make the difference between thinking and inking the deal. There are three factors to manage and keep in mind when you discover how to: Tug on their emotions to help seal the deal.
Reprinted with permission from Soundings Publication, LLC.
February 2010
Everyone is ready for a market rebound except the market. Since projections tell us 2010 will be another soft year for revenue;
as a manager, how do you continue to keep managing strong and moving ahead? For long-haul challenges, effective leadership means
applying stamina required for a marathon — not a sprint. This means solid, basic management principles are worthwhile reminders
for staying the course and working your way toward long range goals. Here are five core management morals to keep you going …
Reprinted with permission from Soundings Publication, LLC.
December 2009
Continued soft market conditions mean the recession isn’t quite over yet. For some managers this also means layoffs are still taking place. How do you handle the difficult task of laying people off in a manner that takes extreme stress and emotions into account? In this article, you’ll find four essential factors to apply when you’re the manager who is tasked with the heavy duty challenge of letting people go.
October 2009
Every manager knows the Internet is an important marketing medium, but do these same managers have programs in place to quickly respond to email inquiries and sales leads generated through their business websites? Most do not! In this article you’ll find out how to manage customer email to your revenue advantage with a look at … Email DeRail, Email Trail and Email Sale. Discover what you’re missing and what you need to do to “establish an email train and close the sale.â€
Reprinted with permission from Soundings Publication, LLC.
August 2009
For many, the market is still slogging along. Take advantage of the lull in activity by checking where your business is and where you want it to be. This means taking a good long look at your management “MAP†— money assets and people. It’s straightforward and applies to all managers who are looking for a great way to clean out their management closet and get ready to kick some booty when the market improves … read it now!
Reprinted with permission from Soundings Publication LLC.
June 2009
Where is your market and who are your customers? How do they find you? More and more they are looking for you virtually, on the web, and when they do you need to make sure your virtual front door and website are open and inviting. Check out how to do it in this article: Knock, Knock — Who’s at Your Virtual Front Door?
Reprinted with permission from Soundings Publications, LLC.
April 2009
Tight market conditions make a manager’s job even more demanding. What’s the best way to manage right when the market is tight? Here you’ll find straight forward, get-it-right tips from a boat show that show you how to successfully manage your way through the economic storm.
Reprinted with permission from Soundings Publication LLC.
February 2009
Goal setting is something winners do on a regular basis. When market conditions change, how do you shift gears and alter goals to maintain a healthy bottom line? Even more important, what goals have you set in the first place? This article explains how the winners in today’s market place will be those who can quickly shift goals and make the most of market changes.
Reprinted with permission from Soundings Publication LLC.
December 2008
How you manage your business relationships and reach can make a big difference in your success. In this article, you’ll find four ways to look at relationships and refresh your approach and priorities for making relationships count. Absorb the details in “Grow and Nurture Your Business Relationships for Better Returns.â€
Reprinted with permission from Soundings Publication LLC.
October 2008
Layoffs used to be a random occurrence but lately they’ve become a regular reality. How do you reduce forces and still get the work done? This article shows you three techniques for getting work accomplished with a leaner team. Read “Leaner Workforce After Layoffs? This Will Help Get the Job Done.â€
Reprinted with permission from Soundings Publication LLC.
August 2008
Management support for employees can take just as many forms as the benefits it generates. In this article, you’ll want to take a look at how one manager’s support positively impacts his staff in big ways that include dealing with dramatically fluctuating gas prices. Find out how “Solid support for employees boosts morale and cuts turnoverâ€.
Reprinted with permission from Soundings Publication LLC.
April 2008
Good sales people are hard to find … or are they? While inhaling the sights, sounds, food aromas and water craft options at a boat show, I gained hands on input as to where the best sales people are hiding. In some cases, it was in plain sight. Discover how you can find and make great sales people in the article “Looking for Good Sales People? You May Not Have to Look Far ..â€
Reprinted with permission from Soundings Publication LLC.
February 2008
What’s the best way to manage when an executive makes an exit? You have weathered leadership departures during your career, but how many departures left you the leader in charge on an interim or long term basis? Check out how to manage the turmoil, anxiety and vulnerability that often comes with leadership changes in this article that explores the impact of executive departures.
Reprinted with permission from Soundings Publication LLC.
December 2007
Worthwhile Staff Meetings Can Make a Big Difference. Do you regularly plan productive, quality meetings with your team? Or do you just let staff meetings happen when it’s convenient or pressing issues make it a mandatory event? Read this article and learn how to to plan and hold staff meetings that are crisp and effective.
Reprinted with permission from Soundings Publication LLC.
October 2007
Use Morale Boosters to Keep Staff Happy, Productive Every manager recognizes the negative effects that poor morale can have, including reduced productivity and sales. What if you’re the manager responsible for turning things around? Find out how to be the ‘manager of making things better’ and not the ‘leader who lets things fester.’ Take a look at super ways to replace morale busters with the right morale boosters!
Reprinted with permission from Soundings Publication LLC.
August 2007
How to Handle the “L†Word Managers Dread — Layoffs Have you ever been laid off? Or as a manager, have you ever had to lay someone off? From both sides of the desk, layoffs are difficult for everyone. Find out three ways to handle the layoff challenge with sensitive, yet professional leadership style. Read about managing layoffs in the article: “How to Sensitively Carry Out the Dreaded Layoff Directive.â€
Reprinted with permission from Soundings Publication LLC.
June 2007
Boost Your Odds for Success — Set Goals and Get Going! One of the secrets to success is setting goals for success in the first place. In this article, you’ll learn four goal setting steps that can make a big difference in how successful you can be. Read all about goal setting in the article: “Boost Your Odds for Success ..â€.
Reprinted with permission from Soundings Publications LLC.
April 2007
Think employees can read your mind? You may be managing as if you do. Find out how to stay in touch with your team, communicate effectively and keep everyone tuned into expectations that translate into great performance! Explore the importance of communicating with your team in the article: “Keep employees informed, they can’t read your mindâ€.
Reprinted with permission from Soundings Publications LLC.
