(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:
   “When it comes to dealing with change, we have 3 options available:
   1. We can be the architect of change.
   2. We can embrace the change created by others…or,
   3. We can be the victim of change.

The best way to thrive in an uncertain future…is to create the future!  What does that look like in your business?”
…Donald Cooper.

2. Quick Biz Tip:
   Are you building and using a million-dollar database?
    
   One of the most important things you can do is to build and effectively use your database.  In fact, depending on what type of business you’re in, you should probably have 2 or 3 databases:  A ‘customer’ database, a ’prospect’ database and a ‘media, blogger and key influencer’ database.
    
   Then, through a weekly, monthly or quarterly E-Newsletter, blog or email blast, send folks valuable information, helpful tips, or friendly reminders.  This is the most cost-effective way to add value, build relationships and grow your business.
    
   Very few businesses have a database of media folks, bloggers and key influencers.  Having one and using it to get others talking about you will help make you famous.  ‘Famous’ is good.
    
3. US east coast Dockworkers strike ends after just 3 days. A 62% wage increase over 6 years has ended the dockworkers’ strike at 36 US east coast Ports.  But many other issues remain and must be resolved by January 15^th, or there will be another strike.
    
   The other big issue is ‘automation’.  The Union wants to limit the use of technology to make US Ports more efficient.  But, here’s the thing. US Ports are among the least efficient in the world.  No American Port is in the ‘top 50 most efficient Ports, globally’.  The most efficient US Port is Charleston, South Carolina…and it’s number 52 globally.
    
   The last time US Dockworkers went on strike was in 1977 when they resisted the use of metal containers for trans-ocean shipping. Prior to that time, individual cartons were shipped and had to be handled one at a time.  There was at the time an ‘understanding’ that dock workers had the right to steal a certain percent of merchandise from each shipment…and sealed metal containers made that impossible.
    
4. Many young people are taking ‘mini-retirements’. Here’s another indication of the very different attitude about work and life among young people.
    
   A growing number of young people are saving for mini-retirements, during which they take time off to travel and enjoy life while they’re still young. For them, the idea of hitting pause on their careers and retirement savings during their prime years is worth it to avoid burnout and make the most of life.
    
   Older employers, who think that today’s young people see work and life the same way they did at their age, make a big mistake.

Now, to this week’s important topic:

What or whom are you hiding from in your business?

Many business owners and managers are hiding from something.  In fact, I guess we’re all hiding from something in one way or another.

1. Some are hiding from ‘bad news’ by not paying attention to their financial statements. If you don’t understand your numbers…you don’t understand your business. Others are hiding from ‘bad news’ by not listening to their team and not encouraging ‘respectful debate’. 
2. Some are hiding from reality like their mediocre value proposition, new competitors, their obsolete business model, declining markets, or their own toxic culture. They’re hiding from the truth, they’re in denial …and it will kill them.  The beginning of wisdom is the recognition of reality.
3. Some are hiding from customers, either because they’re shy, or they don’t want to hear any negative feedback…or because they don’t give a damn.
    
   A very clever friend and former client of mine, a manufacturer and distributor selling to independent retailers, devotes 50% of his time to visiting customers to listen, to learn,  to ‘thank’ them and to honor them. He has appointed himself to be the ‘Chief Listening Officer’ in his business.  Who is the ‘Chief Listening Officer’ in your business?

4. Some are hiding from their employees by hiding in their office all day. They’re what I call ‘the invisible boss’. If you’re not ‘seen’, your team assumes you don’t care.  That’s just how it works.  A big part of your job is to be seen, to be available, to listen, to coach, to clarify, encourage and inspire…and you can’t do any of that by hiding.
5. Some people use the business to hide from their family, or from the world in general. The business has become their ‘neat fort’ where they feel safe, comfortable and in control. This is a terrible mistake.  We have customers at home too! 

When we listen to our customers, staff, suppliers, and our family, two wonderful things happen.  First, we learn from them and then, second, we honor them.  When we do not listen, we do not learn from them and we dishonor them. 

So, what or whom might you hiding from…how will you address that and when will you get started? 

That’s it for this week…

Stay safe…live brilliantly!       

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.