Like so many of us, I have been blessed to be surrounded by wise and patient mentors. These folks had faith in me long before I had earned it. And some of my best (and earliest) business lessons came from my parents. They were my OG mentors! So, while there were many more, here are 5 business lessons I learned from my parents.
5 Business Lessons I Learned From My Parents
Lift The Heavy Stuff First
This simple lesson came from my Dad when I was young. I was probably 8 or 9 years old and my parents decided it was time to re-arrange the furniture. My dad asked me to help him and I was excited. I was young and felt like it was my chance to prove what “a big boy” I was. My dad went straight to the big couch in the room. He said “Always lift the heavy stuff first. After that, everything else will seem lighter.” This is great advice for moving furniture. And it turns out it is true in almost every area of our lives!
Control Your Responses
There are so many things that come at us on a daily basis…and much of it is out of our control. We just can’t control everything that happens to us or around us. We can, however, control how we respond to it. And in that space between the action and the reaction lies our power. The people I find to be most successful (and most thoughtful) seem to be the ones who can control their emotions and gain power over the space between the action and their own reaction.
What Do You Win By Winning?
When I was a very young salesperson I had a client that made a mistake on their own order. It was their fault. And I did not want to be responsible or take the blame for their mistake. But my mom pointed out that, while the mistake was their fault, I needed to maintain the relationship…and that was more important than being right. So I need to ask myself “What do I win by winning this argument?” Most of the time, the answer is “a broken relationship.”
When In Doubt, See the People
Yes…technology is great. We have the ability to reach out to clients via text, email, Snapchat, messenger, etc. There are so many ways to connect with customers and prospects. And yet, most of us feel less connected to each other. An old adage that I find to not only still be true, but more true, is we need to get in front of people. That is how real relationships are formed. Most communication is non-verbal. Now I will say that zoom (and those other video platforms) are great. They bridge some of that gap. But I find that the best meetings I have are still in person. When in doubt, see the people.
Be The Bright Spot
And when you are out and about working to “see the people,” make sure you bring some joy with you. Most of what we see in the world today is negative. Studies will tell you that 89% of what we see is a negative message. And with this year being an election year, I think that is probably low. So if you want to stand out in this crowded space, be the bright spot in people’s day. Push out positivity and joy. Make people smile. Give kindness. It’s free. This is a simple piece of advice that I find I am never upset that I follow.
So there you have it! Those are 5 Business Lessons I learned from my parents. I hope they provided you with some value as well. As always, we want to provide you with value. So if you want to create marketing campaigns (and appreciation gifts) that hit the TARGET, check out our TARGET marketing playbook here.
If there was ever a piece of business content that gets you ready to slide into the weekend, it’s Thirsty Thursday! On Thirsty Thursday, we try a mystery drink from a very cool piece of branded drinkware. We have no idea what is coming, so you get a true (and sometimes inappropriate) reaction to what we try! This time we discuss the amazing 22 oz Brumate Toddy with Fashion Colors from our pals at Hit Promo. Watch the latest episode now!
Why The 22 oz Brumate Toddy with Fashion Colors?
While the feedback on the drink each week can have mixed reviews, this piece of branded drinkware was universally loved! The Brumate Toddy with Fashion colors features several very cool positives. First, the colors really are fun. As you can see on the video, Jade, Briar and Kirby each have a different color. So you have some cool, “outside of the box” options when it comes to branding. In addition, the lid is sweet. It’s leakproof (as Briar proved in the video) and you can adjust it for right or left-handed drinkers.
As for the drink…well the reviews were mixed. Watch the video to get the full reaction. But in short, Jade does not like beer. It doesn’t matter what brewers put in it to make it “more fall.”
We hope you enjoyed this episode of Thirsty Thursday as much as we did. Until next time, stay thirsty!
Each Thirsty Thursday, we feature a cool piece of branded drinkware. To learn more… head to our shop here.
If there was ever a piece of business content that gets you ready to slide into the weekend, it’s Thirsty Thursday! On Thirsty Thursday, we try a mystery drink from a very cool piece of branded drinkware. We have no idea what is coming, so you get a true (and sometimes inappropriate) reaction to what we try! This time we discuss the Carabiner Handle Stainless Steel Mugs you can use on the go…and Dragons. Watch the latest episode now!
Why Check Out The Carabiner Handle Stainless Steel Mug?
Let’s just say that this piece is functional and affordable. The Carabiner Handle Stainless Steel mug is perfect for that camping trip, kayaking trip, or that person on the go. And when you get to higher quantities, you are looking at less than $5.
So yes, we have great drinkware every time. But you never know what we will be talking about. How did we start talking about Dragons? You will just have to watch the full episode now!
However, if you are interested in finding out more about The Carabiner Handle Stainless Steel mug (or any of the other drinkware we feature) check out our shop here.
Here’s a big thank you to our viewers for tuning in.
We hope you enjoyed this episode of Thirsty Thursday as much as we did. Until next time, stay thirsty!
Each Thirsty Thursday, we feature a cool piece of branded drinkware. To learn more… head to our shop here.
If there was ever a piece of business content that gets you ready to slide into the weekend, it’s Thirsty Thursday! On Thirsty Thursday, we try a mystery drink from a very cool piece of branded drinkware. We have no idea what is coming, so you get a true (and sometimes inappropriate) reaction to what we try! This week, we are drinking out of the Brig Tumbler from our pals at CPS/Keystone and ask ourselves “is this an alcoholic popsicle?”. So let’s not delay any further…watch the latest episode below!
Why Check Out The Brig From Keystone?
While we never know what we are going to get from the drink, the drinkware is usually consistent. And this week we drank out of the Brig…and it was solid. It’s a double-walled stainless steel painted tumbler and it caught our attention for a couple of reasons. First, it has a great heavy feel that screams “quality.” You know your coffee will be staying hot in this baby for hours. Second, we were caught off guard by the price point. This is a really nice piece for under $8! Oh…and as you will see in the video, the lid is perfect!
So if you are interested in finding out more on the BRIG (or any of the other drinkware we feature) check out our shop here.
Here’s a big thank you to our viewers for tuning in.
We hope you enjoyed this episode of Thirsty Thursday as much as we did. Until next time, stay thirsty!
Each Thirsty Thursday, we feature a cool piece of branded drinkware. To learn more… head to our shop here.
Our latest episode of Lessons from DMJ features an insightful interview with Mark Graham, the co-founder and chief brand officer at commonsku. Mark’s entrepreneurial journey is a testament to the power of customer care and team collaboration in building a successful business. From the humble beginnings of a startup to a stable business in the promotional products industry, commonsku’s growth story is nothing short of inspirational. In this article, we delve into Mark’s reflections on his journey, his emphasis on customer and colleague care, his advice on creating memorable events, and his thoughts on team growth and inspiration.
Mark’s entrepreneurial wisdom is a beacon for anyone navigating the tumultuous waters of business. His insights on the importance of not trying to control everything and finding a balance between focusing on details and letting go of unnecessary stress are particularly enlightening. As we explore Mark’s journey and wisdom, we hope to inspire you to take a customer-centric approach in your business, create memorable experiences, and build a team that’s rooted in respect and trust.
Reflection on the Growth of commonsku
Mark’s reflections on the growth of commonsku are a testament to the power of perseverance and adaptability. He recalls the journey from a startup to a stable business in the promotional products industry with a sense of pride and gratitude. The journey, as he puts it, was not without its challenges. One of the key lessons he learned was the importance of not trying to control everything as an entrepreneur.
Mark emphasizes that finding a balance between focusing on details and letting go of unnecessary stress is crucial for entrepreneurial success. It’s about understanding that perfection is not always attainable and that sometimes, good enough is indeed good enough. This balance, he believes, is what has allowed common skew to grow and thrive in a competitive industry.
The Importance of Taking Care of Customers and Colleagues
Mark’s philosophy on building a successful business is centered around taking care of customers and colleagues. He believes that the success of a business is directly tied to the happiness of its customers and employees. This means going above and beyond to ensure that customers are satisfied and that employees feel valued and respected.
He emphasizes the importance of creating a great business by taking care of customers and colleagues. This involves not only providing excellent products and services but also creating a work environment where employees feel valued and appreciated. According to Mark, a happy team leads to happy customers, and happy customers lead to a successful business.
Advice on Creating Great Events
Mark is not only a successful entrepreneur but also a seasoned event planner. He shares his advice on creating great events, emphasizing the importance of being a great host, focusing on guest experiences, and connecting attendees. According to him, a successful event is one where guests feel welcomed, engaged, and connected.
Being a great host, he says, involves anticipating guests’ needs and going above and beyond to meet them. Focusing on guest experiences means creating memorable moments that guests will remember long after the event is over. And connecting attendees involves facilitating meaningful interactions between guests, which can lead to lasting relationships and collaborations.
Growth of the Team at commonsku
Mark discusses the growth of his team at commonsku and the challenges that come with transitioning from a small team to a larger organization. He emphasizes the importance of respecting and trusting team members and giving them guidance without micromanaging. According to him, a successful team is one where members feel trusted and empowered to do their best work.
He believes that as a leader, it’s important to provide guidance and support without stifling creativity and initiative. This involves trusting team members to make decisions and take ownership of their work. It’s this trust and respect, he says, that has allowed the team at commonsku to grow and thrive.
Inspiring People
Mark draws inspiration from several people in his life. His business partner and wife, his parents, Denise Taschereau from Fairware, and Rena Nelson from Brandid are just a few of the people who inspire him. He credits these individuals for their resilience, creativity, and dedication, and for inspiring him to be a better leader and entrepreneur.
He encourages others to find their own sources of inspiration, whether it’s from family, friends, or industry leaders. According to him, inspiration can come from anywhere, and it’s important to stay open and receptive to it.
Conclusion
Mark’s journey and insights offer valuable lessons for entrepreneurs and business leaders. His emphasis on customer care, team collaboration, and balance is particularly enlightening. He encourages people to connect with him and commonsku on social media platforms and LinkedIn to continue the conversation and learn more about his journey and insights.
As we conclude, we hope that Mark’s wisdom inspires you to take a customer-centric approach in your business, create memorable experiences, and build a team that’s rooted in respect and trust. Remember, success in business is not just about making profits, but also about making a positive impact on customers and employees.
Marketing, a crucial component of any successful business, is often met with dissatisfaction from both the C-suite and the marketing teams themselves. This dissatisfaction, a long-standing issue, is often a result of the lack of organizational planning in marketing. Unlike other disciplines, such as engineering and logistics, marketing has not fully embraced the benefits of mature organizational strategies. In this “lessons from DMJ,” we discuss these challenges and introduce the FAPI marketing framework as a potential solution.
The FAPI marketing framework is a sequential process that addresses the entire marketing process. It emphasizes collaboration and participation from all departments. The strategy stage, known as the “frame,” sets the parameters and boundaries for marketing activities. However, implementing this framework is not without its challenges. It requires a cultural change within the organization, commitment from the leadership team, and a clear understanding of the marketing pillars and objectives. This article will delve into these aspects and more, providing a comprehensive understanding of the FAPI marketing framework.
Dissatisfaction with Marketing
Marketing dissatisfaction is a pervasive issue that affects both the C-suite and the marketing teams. The C-suite, or the executive level of a company, often expresses dissatisfaction with the performance and results of marketing efforts. This dissatisfaction stems from a variety of factors, including the inability to measure marketing effectiveness, the lack of alignment between marketing and business goals, and the perceived high cost of marketing activities.
On the other hand, marketing teams also face their own set of challenges. High churn rates, or the rate at which employees leave the company, are common in marketing departments. This can be attributed to the high-pressure environment, the lack of clear goals and objectives, and the constant need to prove the value of marketing to the rest of the organization.
Marketing Lagging Behind Other Disciplines
Marketing, as a discipline, often lags behind others in terms of organizational management. Unlike fields such as engineering and logistics, marketing has not fully embraced the benefits of mature organizational strategies. This lack of organizational planning in marketing can lead to inefficiencies, misalignment of goals, and ultimately, dissatisfaction from both the C-suite and the marketing teams.
There is a pressing need for more attention to be paid to organizational planning in marketing. By adopting a more structured approach, marketing teams can align their activities with the overall business goals, measure their effectiveness more accurately, and ultimately, increase satisfaction levels within the organization.
Introduction to the FAPI Marketing Framework
The FAPI marketing framework is a sequential process that addresses the entire marketing process. It is designed to bring structure and organization to marketing activities, thereby addressing many of the challenges faced by marketing teams. The framework emphasizes collaboration and participation from all departments, ensuring that marketing activities are aligned with the overall business goals.
The strategy stage of the FAPI marketing framework, known as the “frame,” sets the parameters and boundaries for marketing activities. This stage is crucial as it provides a clear direction for the marketing team and ensures that all activities are aligned with the overall business objectives.
Challenges in Implementing the FAPI Framework
Implementing the FAPI framework is not without its challenges. It requires a cultural change within the organization, with everyone, from the leadership team to the frontline employees, needing to embrace the framework and its principles. This cultural change is often the most difficult part of implementing the FAPPY framework, as it requires a shift in mindset and a commitment to a more structured approach to marketing.
Leadership commitment is crucial for the successful implementation of the FAPI framework. Without the support and buy-in from the leadership team, it can be difficult to drive the necessary cultural change and ensure that the framework is embraced throughout the organization. Furthermore, creating a culture of organizational planning in marketing can be a challenge, as it requires a shift from a more ad-hoc approach to a more structured and planned approach.
Starting with the FAPI Framework
To start implementing theFAPI framework, it is important to assemble a team of functional leads and managers. These individuals will play a crucial role in driving the implementation of the framework and ensuring that it is embraced throughout the organization. They will also be responsible for defining the marketing pillars and strategic objectives, which will serve as the foundation for all marketing activities.
Before diving into execution, it is important to establish clarity and set solid foundations. This involves clearly defining the marketing pillars and objectives, setting the parameters and boundaries for marketing activities, and ensuring that everyone in the organization understands and embraces the FAPPY framework.
The Architecture Stage of the FAPI Framework
The architecture stage of the FAPI framework involves tactical planning, forecasting, resource allocation, and team structure. This stage is crucial as it turns the strategy into a blueprint for execution. It involves planning the specific marketing activities, setting Key Performance Indicators (KPIs), and deciding on the budget allocation.
The shape of the marketing team is also determined during the architecture stage. This involves deciding on the team structure, roles, and responsibilities, based on the objectives and the industry. By clearly defining the team structure, roles, and responsibilities, the marketing team can operate more efficiently and effectively, thereby increasing satisfaction levels within the organization.
Investing Time and Resources in the FAPI Framework
Implementing the FAPI framework requires a significant investment of time and resources. However, this investment is necessary to establish clarity and processes, which are crucial for successful execution. By investing time and resources in the beginning, organizations can ensure that they have a solid foundation for their marketing activities.
Establishing systems and processes is also crucial for effective marketing. These systems and processes provide a framework for the marketing team to operate within, ensuring that all activities are aligned with the overall business objectives and that the effectiveness of marketing activities can be accurately measured.
Conclusion
The FAPI marketing framework provides a comprehensive solution to address the challenges and dissatisfaction in marketing. By emphasizing collaboration, setting clear objectives, and establishing solid foundations, the FAPI framework can help organizations improve their marketing effectiveness and increase satisfaction levels within the organization. It is a powerful tool that can transform the way organizations approach marketing, leading to improved results and increased satisfaction levels.
