(Time to read this Blog is about 3 minutes)

Before we get to the main topic, here are a few things to get you thinking or smiling:

1. My Biz Quote of the week:
   “Hiring someone after just one interview is like asking someone to marry you on the first date.  You don’t know them well enough yet.”
   …Donald Cooper.
    
2. Quick Biz Tip:
   Don’t waste your money on a salesperson until you know exactly what message they will deliver.
    
   Before you hire a salesperson, make sure you know exactly what clear value message they’ll be delivering when they work with prospects, or existing customers.  What is your compelling value story?  What makes you the clear ‘wise choice’ for your customers and prospects?
    
   If you can’t answer those 2 questions, you may be wasting your money on hiring a ‘messenger’ who has no clear and compelling message to deliver.  So, first, get clear about what value message will ‘grab’ your target customers, clearly differentiate you from your competitors, make you famous and grow your bottom line.  Then, go out and hire the best person to deliver that message credibly.
    
3. Fun facts about Qatar. The small Middle Eastern country of Qatar, located on the Persian Gulf, is the world’s 3^rd largest exporter of natural gas. It’s ruling family has been in power since 1868.  Citizens make up only 10% of the population, while non-citizens (foreign workers) are 90% of the population.
    
4. Not-so-fun-fact from a Gallup Survey: In a 2024 Gallup Survey, 52% of employees stated that they did not know what they were expected to achieve…and how those achievements are being measured.
    
   What does that number look like in your business?
    
5. Is your exercise equipment stealing and selling your personal info?  A new Consumer Reports investigation has found that internet-connected bikes and treadmills from companies like Peloton and NordicTrack, and home gym systems like Tonal and Mirror can collect, share and sell your personal workout data – weight, age, heart rate, health info and your contact info to companies that make critical decisions about you.

Now, to this week’s important topic:

Are you avoiding ‘uncomfortable conversations’?

You can’t run a business or department just by being a ‘Good News Bear’.  There’s often a need for uncomfortable conversations and, sadly, many business owners and managers avoid having these uncomfortable conversations with Team members who aren’t performing, are hurting the culture, or are downright toxic. 

Some avoid uncomfortable conversations with business partners, or family members in the business, to deal with issues that need fixing.  Some avoid uncomfortable conversations with suppliers who are letting them down, or customers who have become unprofitable predators.  Some avoid uncomfortable conversations with themselves about their abilities, management style, priorities, or succession & exit.

Ignoring problems just makes things worse.  And, when those problems, subsequently, become so bad that even you can’t ignore them, we often lash out in frustration, which turns problems into disasters. 

Make a list of those uncomfortable conversations that need to be had in your business and your life, with whom you must have them, and when you commit to have them.  Then, think carefully about how you’ll start the conversation and the outcome that’s needed.

That’s it for this week…

Live brilliantly and be kind to each other!       

Donald Cooper 

Donald Cooper speaks and coaches internationally on management, marketing, and profitability.  He can be reached by email at donald@donaldcooper.com in Toronto, Canada.