Michele A Sfakianos LLC

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What’s your Dream? What’s Your Vision?

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Do you have a dream? Do you have a vision of what your life should look like? 

Is your dream still alive, or are you stuck in the day-to-day, “just surviving” mode? There are two major elements that make your vision effective: core values and core purpose. Core values refer to the essential and established building principles that you live by. This sets your dreams apart from others. Come up with three to five values that are central to who you are. Here are some questions that will help you determine your core values:

  1. Create a list of what you want in your life.
  2. Create a list of what you don’t want in your life.
  3. Do you know what you do and how you do it well?
  4. What are your personal values?
  5. What are the personal values that you want others around you to have?

Your core purpose clearly defines the reason for your existence. 

  1. How is your health?
  2. How are your relationships going?
  3. What does your heart tell you?
  4. How is your financial status? 
  5. What gives you the greatest joy?

Once you determine your core values and your purpose, it is then that you should create a vision board. A vision board is a tool used to help clarify, concentrate and maintain focus on a specific life goal. Literally, a vision board is any sort of board on which you display images that represent whatever you want to be, do or have in your life. 

The vision of your life is the foundation on which your present and future stands. It is a foundation of the present because it gives you the map and the fuel you need to start realizing and acting in the right way to fulfill your vision of the future.

Business Etiquette to Live By

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Business Etiquette to Live By

  1. Live by the Platinum Rule: treat others the way YOU want to be treated.
  2. Never judge; go into every business deal with an open mind.
  3. Be upfront and honest in all business dealings.
  4. Be on time (or early) and come prepared.
  5. Follow through. If you promise something, deliver it. Hold yourself and your colleagues accountable.
  6. Maintain consistent and timely communication about all negotiations. Open communication will eliminate most conflicts.
  7. Give others your complete attention when they are talking.
  8. Silence your cell phone during meetings; this includes luncheons and meetings with colleagues and vendor partners.
  9. Express gratitude. Thank people for their business in person and/or with a handwritten note.
  10. Incorporate “please” and “thank you” into your vocabulary.
  11. Introduce yourself, shake hands and make eye contact.
  12. Don’t say anything in email, text or instant messaging that you wouldn’t want everyone in the industry to see.
  13. Remember names of people you do business with and address people by their name in conversations.
  14. Be flexible and accommodating.
  15. Don’t interrupt; let the other person finish talking before you speak.
  16. Never assume anything about anyone.
  17. Never discuss a transaction with a colleague, a client or a customer. You never know who might be within earshot.
  18. Don’t merge political, social or religious beliefs with your business marketing.
  19. Keep your social media image professional.
  20. Dress professionally.

5 Steps to Building Relationships

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Whether you are seeking to build an extraordinary personal or business relationship, concepts are the same:

1. Take the hit.

A customer gets mad. A vendor complains about poor service. A mutual friend feels slighted. Sometimes, whatever the issue and regardless of who is actually at fault, some people step in and take the hit. They’re willing to accept the criticism or abuse because they know they can handle it–and they know that maybe, just maybe, the other person can’t.

Few acts are more selfless than taking the undeserved hit. And few acts better cement a relationship.

2. Step in without being asked.

It’s easy to help when you’re asked. Most people will. Very few people offer help before  they have been asked, even though most of the time that is when a little help will make the greatest impact.

People who build extraordinary relationships pay close attention so they can tell when others are struggling. Then they offer to help, but not in a general, “Is there something I can do to help you?” way.

Instead they come up with specific ways they can help. That way they can push past the reflexive, “No, I’m okay…” objections. And they can roll up their sleeves and make a difference in another person’s life.

Not because they want to build a better relationship, although that is certainly the result, but simply because they care.

3. Answer the question that is not asked.

Where relationships are concerned, face value is usually without value. Often people will ask a different question than the one they really want answered.

A colleague might ask you whether he should teach a class at a local college; what he really wants to talk about is how to take his life in a different direction.

A partner might ask how you felt about the idea he presented during the last board meeting; what he really wants to talk about is his diminished role in the running of the company.

An employee might ask how you built a successful business; instead of kissing up he might be looking for some advice–and encouragement–to help him follow his own dreams.

Behind many simple questions is often a larger question that goes unasked. People who build great relationships think about what lies underneath so they can answer that question, too.

4. Know when to dial it back.

Outgoing and charismatic people are usually a lot of fun… until they aren’t. When a major challenge pops up or a situation gets stressful, still, some people can’t stop “expressing their individuality.” (Admit it: You know at least one person so in love with his personality he can never  dial it back.) People who build great relationships know when to have fun and when to be serious, when to be over the top and when to be invisible, and when to take charge and when to follow.

Great relationships are multifaceted and therefore require multifaceted people willing to adapt to the situation–and to the people in that situation.

5. Prove they think of others.

People who build great relationships don’t just think about other people. They act on those thoughts.

One easy way is to give unexpected praise. Everyone loves unexpected praise–it’s like getting flowers not because it’s Valentine’s Day, but “just because.” Praise helps others feel better about themselves and lets them know you’re thinking about them (which, if you think about it, is flattering in itself.)

Take a little time every day to do something nice for someone you know, not because you’re expected to but simply because you can. When you do, your relationships improve dramatically.

To find out more ways to build relationships with others, contact me for your next coaching session.