Blog

Whether you’re on an interview for a new job, going for a promotion, or pitching services to a new client, there’s always some questions you should ask yourself and the interviewer to meet your goals and the goals of the organization. In ANY interview situation, you...

When I started my own business, Orange Leaf Consulting, I was fortunate to have built a small clientele. But I knew I’d need more clients if I wanted to reach my goals. (You know I’m a fan of planning for your goals!). How do you get more clients? Find people who need...

Recently, a friend of mine was talking with a bunch of new college grads. She’s a small business owner, a marketing and communications consultant, who works with multiple clients. When she explained her job to the graduates – who were nervous but excited about...

I thought I was born to be a college professor. I went to grad school, got a Ph.D. in Communication and then taught courses in public speaking, interpersonal communication, leadership – you name it. Then how the heck did I end up being the First Lady of Sales?

One of the best skills you can develop is how to give someone options in order to get a YES. We all like to have options. No one likes to be told what they like, what they don’t, what they want, what they will do, what they won’t. We like choices.  Here’s an...

Feeling like your business is running like a well-oiled machine? You are always listening for a client's need. All your hard work has paid off, your network is immense, your client base is diverse, your staff is happy and hardworking, and most importantly, profits are...

Have you ever noticed how some of the best sales relationships happen organically? There is something so satisfying and exciting about developing a new client when you weren’t even looking! My friend Lucas owns his own consulting company. He found he really needed to...

Recently, my friend attended a seminar about goal setting. Naturally, it included the idea of having S.M.A.R.T. goals (more about that in a bit), but also how to refine those so you don’t get burnt out, overwhelmed or stuck in a rut. And that’s exactly why she went to...

Recently my friend was in an argument with her teenager. She wanted her daughter to stop watching so much YouTube and read. The teen pushed back, arguing and asking why. My friend was tired and used the dreaded phrase, “Because I said so!” Ugh… that’s never effective...

I once worked with someone who couldn’t handle the answer, “No.” It was a lot like dealing with a child. One day I literally saw her stomp, raise her voice and throw a book! She then spent the rest of the day trying to “rallying the troops” and get other employees on...

I listened to a very interesting conversation between friends last Friday evening. We had all come off a very busy week with another one looming on the horizon. One friend asked, “Does anyone want to go shopping tomorrow?” The first response was, “No, I’m going...

How many of you cringe when you hear the word ‘sales’? Or hesitate to tell someone you are a salesperson because you are certain they will picture you in fake white leather shoes, plaid pants, butterfly color, and slicked-back hair? Maybe it is because you once bought...

When Terry first started her own business, she knew she would need to start with her own network first. Friends are your best network! But, the idea of asking her friends for help rattled her. She felt uncomfortable, like she was putting them in an awkward spot....

If a friend needed help you wouldn’t think twice about helping right?! So why do you have such a hard time asking when you need some help! Here’s how to ask your friends and allies for a helping hand.

What is the difference between hearing and listening? They are basically the same thing, right? Actually, not even close! Hearing is simply perceiving sound by the ear. It requires no effort.   Listening requires an intentional decision to participate in what you...

My friend Jeff is a great salesperson. He spends time really getting to know his clients and finding out exactly how to best meet their needs. People love him! He has no shortage of returning clients and a steady stream of referrals.  The problem? He is great with...

When I started my own business, I needed a plan - and that included asking for advice. Not just a long-range plan but the daily grind plan. So often we can get caught up on strategic planning that the daily schedule gets lost. And as I’ve already talked about, I...

Asking for help can sometimes feel like you are exposing your weak spots, and nobody wants to appear needy or incompetent.  But guess what? That pressure you feel at the thought of asking for help is not related to your abilities. It is caused by your fear! Fear of...

Do you find yourself wanting to fight the culture of “doing things the way they’ve always been done”? Do you have great confidence in your abilities and aren’t afraid to hear the word “no”? The Intrapreneur loves a challenge. Competitive atmospheres inspire and...

There is a current trend causing more damage to your life than you might think. It can suck your energy, take away your motivation, and ultimately hinder your success. What is this dangerous trench? Getting stuck in the familiar.    Whether it’s at work or in your...