A 1-Question Interview...

We live and operate in a virtual world. In this world, we usually have to interview employees or contractors through Skype of through over the phone. Well, I have one question that will help you pick the right person to hire for your next ‘new hire’ quest – regardless of the position.

So, what is the question? “How is who you are now consistent or inconsistent with the person you were at 10 years old?” Now, look at how they answer the question more than the answer itself. Here’s why; the journey they are on is important. If someone where to say, “When I was 10 I thought I’d be an attorney but I ended up being a computer programmer”- you can ask what happened, get more insight as to thought process, ability to follow through on goals, ability to be distracted easily, schooling for computer programming, accomplishments, etc.

If you pay attention to the journey, the self-descriptions, and what they feel are ‘life events’ of importance between 10 and now- you will discover a lot about the potential new hire and their ability to mesh well within your company’s culture.

Trust me, this question works. A great way to see how effective it is is to simply use it on someone close to you before you use it in an interview. Ask your kids, parents, friends the same question. You will see how much information you gain and learn about them within the scope of their answer(s).

Until tomorrow,

Twyla N. Garrett

What type of business leader are you?

There are four main types of leaders. I compiled a lot of information on each type. See if you identify with any of the personality types below to discover what type of leader you are.
1. Do you love to help employees develop their long-term goals and also have them coincide with company growth? Do you love to mentor employees but find you spend to much time on people who don't want to be coached? If so, you're a coach leader. The key is to surround yourself with other people who love to motivate and be motivated.

2. Do you give your employees a lot of freedom? Are your employees very loyal to you as a result of this freedom? Do you sometimes find yourself dishing out praise even when it really isn't deserved? If so, you're a team builder! Surround yourself with people who are tougher than you have no problem dishing out the truth when needed.

3. Does everything and everyone have to be perfect? Do your employees really meet your high-standards? Do you love to micro-manage? If so, you're a general! It might be hard, but try to listen to the ideas more. You might hear a great one!

4. Do you focus on the big picture? Are you results driven? Do you love to show others how smart you are? If so, you're a visionary. Try not to explain to people what your vision is. Instead, have them help you get to your vision!

Have a great weekend! I'll blog more on Monday.

Twyla N. Garrett

The 3 Rules of Selling

You're going into business for yourself. Congrats. Before you start taking meetings, you are going to need to sell something. That's right. Start getting customer commitments as soon as possible. So, if you want to sell but don't know how- follow my lead.

Start with advertising what exactly sets you apart from your competition. What makes you different? If you have the same products as your competitors- consider what can make you different. Is your return policy better? Do you offer your customers better perks? Find your angle.

You should also know who you need to sell to. I once knew a guy who performed horrible as a sales person. It wasn't that he couldn't sell, it was that he didn't know who to sell to. Make sure you are always pitching to decision makers. Don't waste time pitching secretaries or even company owners. Pitch to the people in charge of buying and making decisions.

The last thing you should do is deliver the goods. The key to sales is repeat sales. If you do what you say you are going to do, are friendly and prompt- you should have no problem gaining your customers' loyalty. So, make sure you thank everyone for their business and provide the products and services when promised.

Twyla