By Jean Kristensen
5
22 ratings
The podcast currently has 18 episodes available.
As entrepreneurs, we often focus on landing our dream clients. But what happens when we land a client and they don’t respect our payment deadlines?
In today's episode, I discuss why corporations and government agencies should offer minority and women-owned businesses the same level of respect as employees when it comes to meeting payments. Later on in the episode, I also delve into mental health as an entrepreneur and coping with fear (if you don’t address fears as they arise, they can become a magnet for negativity).
There is no price tag for wellbeing and the purpose of this episode is to really urge you to take care of your mental health.
Find me on my website and social media:
Website | Facebook | Twitter | LinkedIn
Music courtesy of:
https://www.free-stock-music.com
On today’s episode, I discuss the direction and rebranding I am taking JKA in and why I have decided to make this change. I also share some great opportunities for minority women-owned businesses in the northeast region (that can transform the trajectory of your business!)
Find me on my website:
https://www.jeankristensenassociates.com
Music courtesy of:
https://www.free-stock-music.com
In today’s world, our to-do lists are never ending. We are wearing multiple hats while trying to be the best at everything. Many of us are finding ourselves stretched thin while working from home, surrounded by distractions.
On today’s episode, I discuss my top tips for time management that have made an enormous difference in my work life and personal life. Over the years, I have learned some crucial skills for time management by working with top-level coaches worldwide.
We have all been placed in a situation where what worked in the past isn’t working anymore. By taking a moment to organize your to-do list, delegate when you can, and being kind to yourself, you will be able to manage your time effectively so that you can live the life you want.
Find me on my website and social media:
Music courtesy of:
https://www.free-stock-music.com
On today's episode, my guest is Dan Luthi, COO of Ignite Spot Outsourced Accounting. We discuss the importance of keeping your business' finances in order, focusing on the particular needs and struggles small businesses have faced this year. Dan shares his insights about what business owners should consider when choosing an accounting company—though much of his advice about researching a company's practices, expertise, and security can apply to hiring any company to do business with you.
We cover much more in this 45-minute conversation, and it's essential listening for any business owner, so I am incredibly thankful that Dan joined me today to share his expertise. See below for links on contacting Dan or myself for more information.
Connect with Dan:
Find me on my website and social media:
Music courtesy of:
https://www.free-stock-music.com
In this episode, I wanted to share some information that MWBEs should keep in mind about strategic planning over the remainder of 2020 and leading into 2021. I didn't want to leave anything out, so there is a lot to cover here, which I break down into the following sections:
Find me on my website and social media:
Music courtesy of:
https://www.free-stock-music.com
Just because how we do business today is different from a year ago doesn't mean we shouldn't still strive to be successful—it's just that the way we get there is different. In this episode, I share my top tips for running a successful business and adapting to our changing world.
Find me on my website and social media:
Music courtesy of:
https://www.free-stock-music.com
Today I'll be talking to you about procurement readiness. Many small businesses—especially those dealing with the government— may be in a slow period right now, which is an optimal time to make sure you and your business are in a good place to move forward and adapt as needed.
Procurement readiness covers a lot of ground, and one of the critical aspects of preparation is to run a diagnostic on your business. By this, I mean checking your finances and lenders and re-evaluating all those small recurring costs, such as your memberships and subscriptions. Ask yourself if these services are essential for—and adding value to—your business.
There are plenty of other aspects to consider for readiness, such as assessing your team for productivity and efficiency and ensuring operational policies and procedures are in place. It's a prime time to update your forecast and growth plan and look for ways to strengthen your business, such as by aligning with other small businesses for support.
Finally, I'll cover several remaining vital aspects of procurement readiness: Strategy, efficient communication, keeping an eye on your tax filings, accountability, and investing in key areas for your business, such as equipment, technology, or training. I hope you find this show helpful, so please reach out and let me know if you have any questions.
Find me on my website and social media:
Music courtesy of:
https://www.free-stock-music.com
This week my guest is Taryn Hughes, a certified Compassion Fatigue Therapist (CFT) and CEO of Forest Hughes & Associates. We have a lengthy conversation about Secondary Traumatic Stress and Compassion Fatigue and the challenges that business owners and individuals are experiencing in the current climate.
Taryn explains signs to look for to identify if you or those around you are experiencing forms of Secondary Traumatic Stress. These signs include common symptoms and behavior changes, its effects on workflow, interpersonal relationships, and how it impacts people at work and at home.
She also shares her expertise in dealing with stress, from small tips to high-level advice on connecting with others as we all work through this monumentally stressful time together. We hope you glean some useful information from this show, and you can learn more about Taryn and her company Forest Hughes & Associates, via the links below.
Connect with Taryn & Resources:
Find me on my website and social media:
Music courtesy of:
https://www.free-stock-music.com
By now, most of us have adjusted to having or attending virtual meetings, but not all meetings are equal in terms of efficiency. Today I will talk about standards, best practices, and guidelines for virtual meetings – including deciding whether a meeting is even the right decision for a given discussion.
My guidance covers eight main areas:
1 - Platform and training: There are several products for virtual meetings out there besides Zoom. When you're the one hosting a meeting, it's up to you to research the best options for your team, in terms of ease of use, security, and more. Once you make your choice, communicate this decision to your organization. Be sure to train your teams on the product so everyone can work efficiently. Create use policies and training materials, so expectations are clear.
2 - Learn to say no if needed: It's become common for "Let's have a Zoom meeting on this" to be people's first thought, but there's only so much time in the day. Just like you would weigh the need for a meeting in person, think about the outcome of meetings before immediately saying yes.
3 - Audit your tech: Look at the technology you're using for meetings. Is your internet connection still sufficient, now that you rely on it more than ever? Is your PC up for the additional virtual tasks you need it to be? Look at what you have and upgrade your hardware if it would improve your ability to connect with team members and clients.
4 - Decide when a meeting is needed: Similar to #2, we've quickly learned that a virtual meeting isn't always required. When the meeting is with a large group within your team or with clients, it's usually helpful for people to see each other, and a virtual meeting is the most efficient. But if a decision can be reached with a short phone call or email, you'll save everyone time by opting out of a meeting.
5 - Have a plan: Knowing exactly what a meeting will be about going in is best for everyone. Create an agenda that includes who will be attending, plus the goals, purpose, and structure of the meeting, and send it to everyone in advance.
6 - Learn screen sharing best practices: Screen sharing is helpful, but it can slow down a meeting if not used correctly. Make sure anyone who plans to share their screen closes unnecessary apps, disables notifications, and is ready to present the moment the share begins. But even before that, decide if screen sharing is even needed. Can these materials be shared in advance instead? Knowing when to use screen sharing properly will make for more productive meetings.
7 - Socializing still matters: Virtual meetings aren't only for doing business. Especially if your team members are used to seeing each other in person, having the option to socialize with each other is very important for team morale. Whether this means hosting virtual happy hours, sharing stories, or introducing people to a new pet, giving people this outlet is good for everyone.
8 - Take notes: Finally, you want to make sure everyone leaves the meeting with a clear understanding of the outcome. Whether you take them yourself or delegate to an assistant or other meeting attendee, well-written notes of action items should be distributed to attendees after the meeting concludes.
Find me on my website and social media:
Music courtesy of:
https://www.free-stock-music.com
In this episode, I cover some critical steps to get you started selling your services to the government. The process begins by understanding that city, state, and the federal government release procurement forecasts, an annual list of what they're buying and planning to spend for the coming year. Educating yourself about what the government is planning to spend and on what is vital knowledge.
I'll touch on six main steps of making sure your business is ready to offer services to the government:
Step 1 - Be clear on what goods and services the government is buying.
Step 2 - Housekeeping: Learn the rules of engagement, which websites you will need to register on, and generally make sure you meet the criteria for doing business.
Step 3 - Learn how the government does business (examples included).
Step 4 - What happens when you connect to clients and the need for follow-up strategies.
Step 5 - Finding new ways to communicate your message and offerings.
Step 6 - Once you know your audience, have a strategy to reach your goals, such as adapting your sales style to meet current conditions, such as more visual marketing, use of technology, and more.
Find me on my website and social media:
Music courtesy of:
https://www.free-stock-music.com
The podcast currently has 18 episodes available.