Posted by Maria Keiser on September 15, 2011
Sometimes to get things done we need to bend the rules and make a little bit of noise.
Entrepreneurs take on a big risk to go it alone. Look at your creative self, dig down and see what you find. Some methods may seem unorthodox, or strange. Remember it is only strange the first time it is done. After that it becomes Americas favorite cookie. Toll House Cookie Story
Posted in decision making, effective leadership, goals, Keiserism | Tagged: business growth, entrepreneur, Maria Keiser, Michael Keiser, Peer advisory board, Peer Advisory Group, Roundtable, The E Circle, The Entrepreneur Circle | Leave a Comment »
Posted by Maria Keiser on September 3, 2011
Sometimes gifts come to you in the strangest form. I will go back to enjoying the conveniences of life shortly, but glad this week showed me another view.
Posted in Articles, goals, Maria Keiser, The E Circle, The Entrepreneur Circle | Tagged: Hurricane Irene, Maria Keiser, mike keiser, Peer advisory board, Peer Advisory Group, The E Circle, The Entrepreneur Circle | 1 Comment »
Posted by Maria Keiser on August 15, 2011
Planning a business is very much like planning a road trip without a map resources and working tools it makes it difficult to reach your destination.
Example:
Trip to Boston (Hartford CT – Boston MA)
Person 1 we will call her Doris: Doris Decides she is going to Boston, immediately jumps in the car and starts to drive. Twenty minutes into the drive she runs out of fuel and has to wait for AAA to help her. After that ordeal she realizes she is hungry and has to stop for food. Two hours into the trip Doris realizes that she doesn’t know where Boston is but knows that she will get there eventually. Four hours later realizes she is in New Jersey, asks for directions, stops for fuel, gets another bite to eat and arrives in Boston many hours later.
Person 2 we will call him Alfred: Alfred decides he wants to go to Boston. He sits down calls his sister to let her know he is coming. Before his journey he prepares a list of things to do.
By the time he has finished his to do list, Alfred realizes he is too tired calls his sister to let her know he will be there tomorrow. He is so exausted from the day before he oversleeps, and by the time he is ready it is once again too late to travel. Three days later he arrives at his sisters place only to turn around and go home, he used up his vacation days and must return to work in the morning.
Person 3 we will call her Mildred: Mildred wakes up decides she wants to go to Boston. She makes hotel arrangements with Expedia, packs a bag, and gets directions. She hops in the car, makes 2 stops the gas station, and the grocery store to get some food for her trip. Two hours later she is at her hotel talking with the consierge about things to do and where to get dinner.
Mildred will have the most productive trip of the three. She made a decision, put a plan together, took action, and then modified the plan when she arrived. Planning too much or lacking a plan in any situation can be detrimental to the success of your journey.
Posted in Business Planning, goals, Keiserism | 1 Comment »
Posted by Maria Keiser on August 11, 2011
Posted in entrepreneur, goals, Growing a Business, Peer Advisory, Peer advisory board, peer advisory boards, Peer Advisory Group | Tagged: business, business growth, entrepreneur, Maria Keiser, Mastermind, Michael Keiser, Peer advisory board, Peer Advisory Group, Roving Entrepreneurs, The E Circle, The Entrepreneur Circle | Leave a Comment »
Posted by Maria Keiser on August 11, 2011
Recently, I came across a query from Help A Reporter out that asked folks to comment on their experience of participating in a Mastermind Group (Peer Advisory Group). I sent this request out to a few of my members to ask them to respond to the query. To my surprise 8 of the 12 people granted my request to comment, and two were featured in the article. I feel very blessed and grateful to those who responded, Thank you.
Below is a snapshot of the responses and a link to the article that was published.
“We have a phenomenal group that meets up once a month. I have been able to gain some amazing knowledge from my group. Having other business owners from completely unrelated businesses, dealing with similar issues and hearing how they have overcome issues has been invaluable. Seeing an issue from different viewpoints can be eye opening and as long as you are open to listening can help in many ways. I network a lot outside of my group with other business owners. Having coffee or lunch is certainly a great way to get to know people and even help hash out ideas or current issues. Being in a group with multiple business owners who have no vested interest in your business is just a different level of power and opportunity.” Avi Smith-Rapaport President We Care Computers
I can’t speak for everyone in our group, but I’ve benefited from the group’s experience in multiple ways – one of the highlights was when I was presenting about a client report that I wanted to produce and forward to my clients. I was stuck on a section having to do with visually explaining to my clients how their data backups were running. I was very tied up in trying to get an exact answer to my question, while the group was almost unanimous in simply saying, keep it simple. Now, rather than trying to figure out complicated math formulas to come up with a number that no one cares about has been replaced by a green checkmark or a red x. Very simple – would have taken me months to figure this out without them.” Chris Meacham President Now It Works
“My Badger’s MasterMind Group has helped Jegas, LLC succeed by being our Pillar of Logical Scrutiny! We Risk together, Learn Together, and We Succeed Together…. that’s how our group operates.” Jason P. Sage President Jegas, LLC
“ I have been a member of our Roundtable for approximately three (3) years.
During that time, our revenues have tripled during a difficult economy. While our growth is certainly not entirely due to our Mastermind Group, it has certainly provided us the guidance, reassurance, and expertise to facilitate such growth.” Parker Elmore President Primoris Benefit Advisors, Inc.
“The E Circle is a “business” group that assists me in building my business and to focus on its future potential according to my needs and desires. It’s making me take me and my business more seriously, in a well needed way.” Tracy MacKinstry, MacKinstry Financial & Investments Educators Retirement Consulting.
The Entrepreneur Circle roundtable meetings have been a tremendous asset to my business. Simply knowing I have a group of professionals that I can turn to for their business experiences, support and guidance is extremely valuable. The monthly meetings help keep me focused and on track to achieve my goals. Whether you are involved in a new venture or have been in business for many years, I believe The E Circle will help you improve. Steve Bugg President Insurance Marketing Group
If it weren’t for my E Circle Roundtable I wouldn’t have focused on developing the cross-training and procedures my company needed to provide continuity in the event of sudden staff changes, unexpected death or failing health of the principle, or a disaster. My company is better prepared to handle the unexpected now as a result of E-Circle’s Business Analysis. Lorna Bolduc Principal, Accrete Group, LLC
“My Roundtable has provided an environment that allows me to continually think outside the box and then pursue those thoughts and goals with mutual support and accountability. We drastically improved our marketing programs and substantially grew our firm in our first year as E-Circle members. I strongly encourage any business person to make this commitment a priority item in their business plan.” Bill McCloskey Stateline Senior Services
Posted in Articles, effective leadership, entrepreneur, goals, Growing a Business, Mastermind, Peer Advisory, Peer advisory board, peer advisory boards, Peer Advisory Group | Tagged: business, business growth, entrepreneur, Maria Keiser, mastermind groups, Michael Keiser, Peer advisory board, Peer Advisory Group, Roundtable, The E Circle, The Entrepreneur Circle | 2 Comments »
Posted by Maria Keiser on December 30, 2009
Thank you Dallas Cyr (True Asset Financial) for sharing this link
Posted in goals, self help, self-discipline | Tagged: focus, The E Circle, The Entrepreneur Circle, will smith | 1 Comment »
Posted by Maria Keiser on November 24, 2009
No one can master all of the issues demanding attention from a business owner today. There are just too many issues and they change too fast for one person to stay current: marketing, employment issues, IT issues, changes in competition, and sales, just to name a few.
Where are you currently getting your ideas and solutions?
Who do you talk to when you have to make an important decision? Who helps you through your difficult challenges?
Peer Advisory Boards are a carefully selected group of people that will provide for you:
- Accountability
- Brainstorm ideas ·
- Introduce new concepts
- Work through business challenges in a secure confidential environment
The Entrepreneur Circle will host an introductory session to answer your questions regarding participation on our Peer Advisory Boards and how they may help you grow your business.
Event Details:
When: Friday 12/18/09
Where: 500 Winding Brook Drive 2nd Floor, Glastonbury, CT 06033
Time: 8:00 – 9:30 AM
For more information on The Entrepreneur Circle please visit us at www.TheEcircle.com or Check out our Video Brochure
“The Entrepreneur Circle has provided an environment that allows me to continually think outside the box and then pursue those thoughts and goals with mutual support and accountability. We drastically improved our marketing programs and substantially grew our firm in our first year as E-Circle members. I strongly encourage any business person to make this commitment a priority item in their business plan.” Bill McCloskey Founder of Stateline Senior Services
Posted in collaboration, decision making, effective leadership, goals, Growing a Business, Mastermind, mastermind groups, Roundtable, The E Circle | Tagged: glastonbury chamber of commerce, Mastermind, Peer advisory board, Peer Advisory Group, The E Circle, The Entrepreneur Circle | 5 Comments »
Posted by Maria Keiser on September 28, 2009
In order for your Peer Advisory Board to be effective, 3 very important things need to occur:
This becomes a delicate balancing act. In order for true change to occur all three must take place.
com·mu·ni·ca·tion (k -my n -k sh n)
n. 1. The act of communicating; transmission. 2. a. The exchange of thoughts, messages, or information, as by speech, signals, writing, or behavior .b. Interpersonal rapport.
lis·ten (l s n) intr.v.
1. To make an effort to hear something 2. To pay attention; heed
ac·tion ( k sh n)
1. The state or process of acting or doing 2. Something done or accomplished; a deed. 3. Organized activity to accomplish an objective 4. The causation of change by the exertion of power or a natural process
Communication is relevant for both the individual presenting his/her situation and the board members contributing to him/her.
The Presenter should be clear on his or her objectives and outcome. They should come to the meeting prepared to state his/her challenge or opportunity. We recommend that the presenter write out their situation, then meet with someone from their board (buddy) to help them clarify the issue at hand. Preparation in advance allows the most success for the presenter. Once the presenter has presented their issue, their job is to listen, create an action plan, and take action. Without action, the presenter will not be able to affect change, and attain results.
It is essential that the group come prepared to help the presenter create an action plan. They should also come with the understanding that the presenter is the focal point of the discussion and may start to feel overwhelmed, defensive, or uncomfortable if they are given too much information or advice. We find the best results occur when the board communicates through sharing experiences, and asking questions. It is also important for the board members to intently listen to the presenter through their verbal and non-verbal clues. It is the job of the Board participants to support and help the presenter feel secure enough to present their situation. The group is not there to judge the presenter or “fix” the problem. They are there to listen and provide useful information so that he/she may form their own plan of action on their terms. We have been given advice and told what to do our whole lives, we have a book shelf full of books, and have had encountered many folks that are more than willing to tell us how we should do something. In my experience the true change comes from the personal decision to take the action, the best action plan is the plan created by the individual. Therefore it is the responsibility of the board to help the presenter create his/her own action plan, and hold them accountable to take the necessary steps.
All parties come to the table with the intention to help one another grow, change and see their business in a different way. This can and does occur when the parties involved come to the table ready to communicate, listen, and take action.
Next time we will discuss the importance of assigning roles.
Previous entries
Posted in Articles, business, Business Planning, collaboration, decision making, effective leadership, entrepreneur, goals, Growing a Business, Mastermind, mastermind groups, Peer Advisory, Peer advisory board, peer advisory boards, Peer Advisory Group, The E Circle, The Entrepreneur Circle | Tagged: collaboration, decision making, Leadership, Maria Keiser, Mastermind, Michael Keiser, Peer advisory board, peer advisory boards, Peer Advisory Group, peer advisory groups, The E Circle, The Entrepreneur Circle | 5 Comments »
Posted by Maria Keiser on September 3, 2009
Summary: If you would like to build a company that is not dependent every day upon the owner, marketable for sale, and generates personal wealth: then growth is the answer. Business growth is always the lowest risk option when compared to now growth or retracement. The first challenge is generating your first million dollars in revenue.
To Listen click links below
Posted in business, Business Planning, collaboration, decision making, effective leadership, entrepreneur, goals, Growing a Business | Tagged: business growth, entrepreneur, Horizon Services Company, Leadership, Ted Hsu, The E Circle, The Entrepreneur Circle | 3 Comments »
Posted by Maria Keiser on August 20, 2009
We have been providing the step by step guide to creating your own peer advisory board. This post is dedicated to commitment. The last post was dedicated to choosing the members of your board
To recap, a Peer Advisory Board is a team of carefully selected team of like-minded peers that will provide for you:
A team is a group of people that work together to accomplish something. What would a baseball team be without someone at first base? How could a football team function without it’s quarterback?
The Peer Advisory Board is no different. Without all members present, the group cannot accomplish it’s mission. All members are critical to the success of the meeting. The group was deliberately chosen to provide insight, experience, and wisdom to each other. Without them, everyone will miss out, including the member not present. Each member has a role to play at the meeting. The presenter (individual with the challenge) is looking to the group to provide information to help them create a solution. Without their team, they won’t have the benefit of collaboration. The other members of the group also benefit from the presenter and feedback shared at the meeting. If anyone isn’t present, that person’s contribution is missed.
How do you create a committed team?
There are 2 ways:
First, upon conception of the group, each person you choose must understand what they are committing to and the value of participation. Some red flags would be someone who tells you that they can’t predict their schedule and they will do the best they can. Or, “I’ll be there unless I have a chance to meet with a prospect.” These are not qualified board members. Every member needs to be at every meeting. Reschedule when a conflict arises, rather than conduct the meeting without them.
Second, fulfill on the value of the group. Stick to the agenda. Begin and end on time. Keep conversations on track. Assign responsibilities to other members in the group and make sure members come to the meeting prepared.
A committed group will thrive and grow together. When commitment isn’t present, the group will eventually lose interest and cease to exist.
Next time we will discuss the importance of the pre-set schedule.
Posted in Articles, business, Business Planning, collaboration, effective leadership, entrepreneur, goals, Growing a Business, mastermind groups, Peer Advisory, Peer advisory board, peer advisory boards, Peer Advisory Group, Roundtable, self-discipline | Tagged: business growth, Leadership, Maria Keiser, Mastermind, Michael Keiser, peer advisory boards, Peer Advisory Group, The E Circle, The Entrepreneur Circle | 10 Comments »
