Jeff Cassman, Author at Jeff Cassman

The 5 Skills Managers Must Master

David Dodson has an MBA from Stanford. He worked for McKenzie and Company. But he discovered what every manager knows, “… credentials are not skills.”

You learn about skills in books. You develop skills in the trenches. Dodson’s new book, The Manager’s Handbook, is for people with dirt under their fingernails.

The top 5 skills managers must master:

1. Build the team.

A manager’s success depends on others. If you still think it’s all about you, you’re doomed to exhaustion. The higher you go the more you depend on others.

Hire for outcomes.
Provide instant feedback.
Use 360-degree feedback.
Coach people.

2. Set priorities.

“If you were to succeed at only one thing and ignore everything else, what would that be?” Dodson
A person without priorities is driven by urgent trivialities.

Set KPIs (Key performance indicators.)
Generate a list of opportunities. Now cross almost everything off the list.

3. Guard time.

“It’s not enough to be busy. So are the ants. The question is, “What are you busy about?” Thoreau
A great month is built on a series of great days.

Dodson writes, “The creativity and insights that transform an organization seldom happen in the slivers between answering emails and responding to routine requests. They require uninterrupted blocks of time, free from low value transactional work.”

Time tips:

Check messages less often.
Shorten meetings.
Use the Eisenhower Matrix to guard time.

4. Seek and take advice.

Surround yourself with advisors. Look for…

Experience.
Pattern recognition. You repeat past frustrations until you notice what keeps coming back.
Time to give advice that stings on occasion.

5. Obsess over quality.

“Do what you do so well that they will want to see it again and bring their friends.” Walt Disney

Quality drives price.

Note: The manager’s top skills are connected to each other.

Which management skill is most relevant to you today? Why?

This post is based on my conversation with David Dodson and his new book, The Manager’s Handbook.

Purchase, The Manager’s Handbook. It’s practical and actionable.

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This Trait Is A Sign Of Good Mental And Physical Health

People with this trait are more likely to be in both good psychological and good physical health.

People with a stronger sense of purpose in life are more likely to live healthily — both mentally and physically.

According to research, the reason may be that purpose in life banishes the natural conflict people experience when trying to make healthy choices.

Purpose in life can come from work, family, a sense of self or other broad aim or goal being pursued.

Feeling purposeful contributes to the feeling that life is meaningful:

People who feel life is meaningful are more likely to be in both good psychological and good physical health.
People who feel life isn’t meaningful are more likely to be depressed, to require therapy and even feel suicidal.

Dr Yoona Kang, the study’s first author, said:

“Purpose in life has been robustly associated with health in previous studies, but the mechanism through which life purpose may promote healthy living has been unclear.”

For the study, 220 people with sedentary lifestyles answered a survey that asked them how much they agreed with statements like:

“I have a sense of direction and purpose in my life”
“I don’t have a good sense of what it is I’m trying to accomplish in life.”

They were then shown messages urging them to get more exercise.

While reading these messages, their brains were scanned.

The results showed that people who had more purpose in life had less activity in brain regions related to processing conflicts.

In other words, a generalised purpose in life made people argue with the statement less.

Sure enough, they were also more likely to accept that doing a little more exercise was a good idea.

Dr Emily Falk, study co-author, said:

“We conduct studies both to understand how different kinds of health messaging can help transform people’s behaviors and why some people might be more susceptible than others.

This study does a nice job starting to unpack reasons why people who have a higher sense of purpose in life might be more able to take advantage of this messaging when they encounter it.”

The study was published in the journal Health Psychology (Kang et al., 2019).

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Barbie Movie Boosts: How the Barbie Movie Redefined Brand Marketing

In 2023, the renowned toy company Mattel, famous for creating the iconic Barbie doll, faced challenging times amidst a competitive market. However, a recent development has the potential to reshape the company’s trajectory and revitalize its brand presence: the release of the much-anticipated Barbie movie. This article explores how this cinematic venture has impacted Mattel’s stock performance and discusses the potential implications it may have for the company’s survival.

Overview of Mattel & the Barbie Brand

Mattel is a globally recognized toy company that has been a pioneer in the industry for decades. Established in 1945, the company quickly rose to prominence with its innovative and beloved toys. However, its most iconic creation, the Barbie doll, was introduced in 1959.

Barbie became an instant cultural phenomenon, capturing the imagination of millions of children worldwide and setting a standard for fashion dolls. Over the years, Barbie has undergone various transformations, adapting to changing times and promoting diversity and inclusivity.

Despite these efforts, Mattel faced challenges in recent years, struggling to keep up with digital entertainment and other competitors.

Mattel’s Struggles & Stock Performance

In the early 2020s, Mattel experienced various setbacks that impacted its financial performance and stock value.

With the rise of digital toys and entertainment options, traditional toy manufacturers faced stiff competition. Mattel’s revenues were affected as children’s play patterns shifted toward online gaming and virtual experiences.

The company also faced difficulties with supply chain disruptions and rising production costs. These challenges culminated in a decline in Mattel’s stock performance, raising concerns about the company’s ability to stay relevant in an evolving market.

Mattel Reports First Quarter 2023 Financial Results

Mattel’s Second Quarter 2023 financial results will publish on Wednesday, July 26, 2023.

The Barbie Movie: A Cinematic Triumph

To rejuvenate the Barbie brand, Mattel embarked on an ambitious cinematic venture – the release of a Barbie movie on July 21, 2023. The movie promised a fresh take on the iconic doll, featuring a compelling storyline and modern themes to resonate with today’s audiences.

Leading up to the premiere, even Google got all dolled up for this star studded movie of the summer, turning shades of pink for the brand’s famous color scheme. As the film hit theaters, it garnered widespread praise from both critics and viewers alike.

The film exceeded all projections, grossing an impressive $155 million during its opening weekend in domestic markets and an additional $182 million internationally. The movie’s tremendous start was fueled by $22.3 million in previews on Thursday, making it one of the top 25 all-time preview performances and securing the highest opening of the year.

Comparing Barbie’s performance to other recent releases, it outshined the Super Mario Bros. Movie, which had a…

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The Beginner’s Guide to DBA vs. LLC

Our top recommendation for people looking to create a new DBA or LLC is ZenBusiness, because it is a fast and affordable business formation service. Register your business today starting at $0 plus state fees.

You might be wondering whether you should register your business as a DBA or an LLC. It really isn’t an either/or choice.

While both options allow you to do business under a different name—one that’s different from your legal one—an LLC is a corporate business structure whereas a DBA is just a nickname for your already established business.

In this DBA vs. LLC article, we’ll detail the nuances of both acronyms to help you understand how they work and when to use them.

Top Business Formation Services for DBAs and LLCs

You can use my top recommendation, ZenBusiness, to register a DBA or form an LLC in about 5-10 minutes. It is the best business formation service we found after reviewing the most popular options:

What are DBA and LLC?

Before decoding basics, let’s define and understand what we mean by a DBA and an LLC.

What’s a DBA?

DBA is an acronym for “Doing Business As.”

It’s a fictitious name, trade name, or assumed name that you can use to operate under a name different from its legal name. For instance, my legal name is Lars Lofgren, but I can operate my marketing business as QuickSprout—provided I file for a DBA. Starting a DBA permits me to do business as a sole proprietor or an LLC.

Mind you, filing a DBA won’t create a business entity. But it’ll allow you to operate under a different name than your personal name. Think of it as an official registration of the business name you use to run your company.

Moreover,…

HOW TO OVERCOME NEGATIVE THOUGHTS

It’s natural to obsess over one bad thing and forget many good things. One problem, like one drop of poison, has the power to pollute everything.

Life is better than it seems for negative people.

Negative thoughts create a small box.

Negative thoughts:

Obsession over one negative quality clouds your judgment.

Suppose you have a team member who consistently arrives five minutes late for meetings. They’re great with people, highly skilled, and serve clients well.

Where would you be without Mr. Five Minutes Late? Does he bring value? If yes, stop obsessing over one negative quality.

What if timeliness is a hill you want to die on?

Because I said, “Stop obsessing over one negative quality,” you may have assumed I meant forget all about timeliness. ‘All or nothing thinking’ holds leaders back.

Rise above one-thing-thinking:

One way to stop obsessing over negative thoughts is to take specific action.

1. Obsess about honor and gratitude as much as you obsess over fixing problems.

2. Force yourself to think about the big picture.

3. Try a ‘just for today’ approach.

Just for today, let go of nagging Ms. Can’t-You-Show-Up-On-Time. Nag her tomorrow. Just for today, notice her value and contributions.

4. Explain your expectations and ask, “What can you do to arrive on time?” Listen for specific behaviors. “Try harder,” isn’t an answer.

5. Meet with Ms. Tardy 10 minutes before the meeting to discuss something else.

6. Schedule 50-minute meetings. Don’t force people to be late for their next appointment.

7. Don’t ask, “Why are you late?” Why questions invite excuses that force you to become an accuser.

Bonus: Make a list of all the positive contributions of Little Mr. Can’t-Show-Up-On-Time. Work to improve your own attitude.

Obsessing over negative thoughts:

Closes minds.
Distracts from positive behaviors.
Results in unbalanced judgment.
Makes you small.

What are your suggestions to stop obsessing over negative thoughts?

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How Magnetic Pulses Alleviate Severe Depression In 5 Days (M)

Transcranial magnetic stimulation or TMS can be beneficial for people whose depression does not respond to other treatments.

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Top 8 Best Merchant Cash Advance Services

Want to jump straight to the answer? The best merchant cash advance service for most businesses is Fundbox or PayPal Working Capital.

Managing cash flow is a challenge for many small business owners. Consider this—82% of businesses fail due to cash flow issues, and 84% of small businesses aren’t profitable until the fourth year.

Merchant cash advances offer a virtual lifeline for businesses with cash flow troubles. Alternative financing is a viable option for businesses that need money quickly without meeting rigorous qualification requirements.

The Top 8 Best Merchant Cash Advance Services

Read on to see our reviews of the top eight merchant cash advance services and learn how a cash advance works and how to choose the best one for your needs.

Fundbox – Best Merchant Cash Advance For Startups

Good for entrepreneurs and startups
Borrow as little as $1,000
Up to $50,000 without collateral
Credit score of at least 500

Try it today!

Most merchant cash advance services target relatively established businesses, making it difficult for new business owners to qualify. Fundbox has some of the lowest requirements to be eligible for a business line of credit.

You can borrow as little as $1000, which is perfect for solving day-to-day petty cash shortfalls quickly. You can also borrow up to $50,000 without collateral or a personal guarantee.

However, you will need to provide a personal guarantee and blanket lien for amounts exceeding $50,000. The maximum amount for borrowing is $150,000 with Fundbox.

Fundbox merchant cash advance services get started homepage. Continue reading

Leadership and Self Awareness – Mark Sanborn

Cultivating Self-Awareness: An Essential of Effective Leadership

Introduction:

As a leader, I firmly believe that self-awareness is the cornerstone of effective leadership. In today’s fast-paced and ever-evolving business landscape, leaders who possess a deep understanding of themselves can navigate challenges with clarity, make informed decisions, and inspire their teams to do the same and achieve success.

Yet according to Gitnux, “Self-awareness is an important skill to have to be successful and happy. Unfortunately, statistics show that only 10-15% of people are truly self-aware, while 85% believe they are more aware than they actually are. Additionally, roughly 50-70% of people have a significant blind spot which can negatively impact their relationships and leadership skills.”

Korn Ferry says nearly 80% of leaders have blind spot. That’s not particularly surprising since most of us have blind spots, regardless of our roles. But a blind spot in a leader has a greater ripple affect, often impacting the people they lead.

The Importance of Self-Awareness:

Self-awareness is the ability to introspect and recognize our own thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. It empowers leaders to identify their strengths, weaknesses, values, and blind spots. By being conscious of our own impact on others, we can build strong relationships, foster a positive work environment, and make mindful choices that align with our vision and goals.

Types of Self-Awareness:

Emotional Self-Awareness: This type of self-awareness involves recognizing and understanding our own emotions. Leaders who possess emotional self-awareness can manage their emotions effectively, remain calm in challenging situations, and respond empathetically to their team members’ needs. By being attuned to our emotions, we can create an environment where open communication and trust flourish.
Social Self-Awareness: Social self-awareness refers to understanding how we are perceived by others. Leaders with social self-awareness have a keen sense of the impact of their words, actions, and body language on those around them. By honing this skill, we can adjust our communication style, build rapport, and inspire loyalty and collaboration within our teams.
Strengths and Weaknesses Self-Awareness: Recognizing our strengths and weaknesses is crucial for effective leadership. Leaders who possess this self-awareness can leverage their strengths to drive success and seek support or delegate tasks that align with their weaknesses. By understanding our limitations, we can foster a culture of continuous learning and improvement within our organizations.

Developing Self-Awareness

Here are some of the most important tools for developing self-awareness.

Reflection and Meditation: Carve out dedicated time for introspection and self-reflection. Engage in mindfulness practices or meditation to quiet the mind and gain deeper insights into your thoughts, emotions, and motivations.
Feedback: Actively seek feedback from trusted colleagues, mentors, and team members. Encourage honest and constructive feedback to gain a comprehensive view of how your actions impact others.
Journaling: Maintain a journal to capture your thoughts, experiences, and lessons learned. This practice can help you identify patterns, recognize triggers, and track your personal growth as a leader.
Assessments and Tools: Utilize various self-assessment tools, such as…

The Vitamin That Prevents Type 2 Diabetes Developing

High dosage of this vitamin can help prevent diabetes developing, a new study has found.

High doses of vitamin D for prediabetic people can increase glucose metabolism, which in turn slows down the disease’s development.

The action of insulin in muscle tissue improved when vitamin D3 was given to newly diagnosed diabetes patients, the study found.

Researchers used a dosage of 5,000 IU per day over a 6-month period, which is about 5 to 10 times more than the recommended daily vitamin D intake.

There are different types of Vitamin D: the two major forms are vitamin D2 or ergocalciferol, and vitamin D3 or cholecalciferol.

According to a new CDC report, more than 100 million U.S. adults are now living with diabetes or prediabetes.

Prediabetes is linked to higher blood glucose levels than normal.

Prediabetes is a fast growing problem that, if not treated, can lead to type 2 diabetes in 5 years.

Type 2 diabetes can cause serious diseases including kidney failure, nerve damage, cardiovascular diseases and blindness.

People at increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes can have low levels of vitamin D.

The effect of vitamin D in prediabetes or new diabetes patients was recently studied by Dr Claudia Gagnon and colleagues from Université Laval in Quebec.

They measured glucose metabolism and markers of insulin function before and after six months supplementation with vitamin D and found that insulin sensitivity was significantly improved.

High insulin sensitivity makes our cells use blood glucose more efficiently and so blood sugar will decrease in the body.

People who are not sensitive to insulin suffer from a condition called insulin resistance (IR), a factor that leads to type 2 diabetes.

Dr Gagnon says:

“The reason we saw improvements in glucose metabolism following vitamin D supplementation in those at high risk of diabetes, or with newly diagnosed diabetes, while other studies failed to demonstrate an effect in people with long-standing type 2 diabetes is unclear.

This could be due to the fact that improvements in metabolic function are harder to detect in those with longer-term disease or that a longer treatment time is needed to see the benefits.”

She adds:

“Type 2 diabetes and prediabetes are a growing public health concern and although our results are promising, further studies are required to confirm our findings, to identify whether some people may benefit more from this intervention, and to evaluate the safety of high-dose vitamin D supplementation in the long term.

Until then I would suggest that current vitamin D supplementation recommendations be followed.”

The study was published in the European Journal of Endocrinology (Lemieux et al., 2019).

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The Beginner’s Guide to Being Your Own Registered Agent

If you’re running a business that requires a registered agent, you might be tempted to take on the responsibility yourself. At first glance, being a registered agent seems simple, since you’re really tasked with monitoring the mail and receiving state correspondence for your business.

But this position comes with significant responsibility, and if you make mistakes, you could land your business in financial or legal trouble – or both.

Before you decide to be your own registered agent, it’s important to understand just what’s involved and what you’ll need to do to position yourself for success.

Top Rated Registered Agent Services to Improve Being Your Own Registered Agent

If you want to improve being your own registered agent, you’ll need a registered agent service. Here’s the best options.

You can read our full reviews of each registered agent service here.

Quicksprout.com's complete beginner's guide to being your own registered agent.

What is a Registered Agent?

If you decide to operate your business as an LLC or a corporation, you’ll need a registered agent. The registered agent helps to connect your business and the state and is responsible for accepting state documents on behalf of the business and ensuring that the business stays compliant with the state law.

Some businesses choose a third-party business to act as a registered agent, but it’s also possible to be your own registered agent, as long as you follow some specific requirements. There are pros and cons to being your own registered agent, though, so it’s important to make sure that this is the right choice for both you and your business.

The Basics of Being Your Own Registered Agent

To become your…