New Facebook Fan Page

Check out Axiom's Facebook fan page for some behind the scenes stuff and updates. Also check out this video wrap on the day. Also available on the fan page.

UStream bells and whistles

I setup UStream a couple of days ago to broadcast and save a staff meeting for some folks who couldn't make it into the office. It was actually very easy. I'm not sure about the daily use of something that let's you see what's going on in your CPA's office, but every once in a while we all get curious.

Live video by Ustream

Beware of the person who is “100% sure”

My mom came down to visit for the holidays and her car started acting up. We took it to a local shop and after an afternoon of diagnostic tests the mechanic told us he was "100% sure" what was wrong. Two days later we got it back and guess what? It still has the same problem.

This got me to thinking. Business owners are faced with a hundred and one diagnostic challenges every week. Sales are off the mark, productivity is down, web traffic isn't up to expectations...every day there is something that isn't quite right and it requires business owners to diagnose what is causing the problem and what needs to be done to fix it. Too often we get tunnel vision that keeps us from seeing the real problem. In business the cost of a missed diagnosis can be substantial, and the missed opportunity even more costly. Here are three rules for staying out of trouble.

1. Never commit yourself to a course of action without discussion. Take the time to say "I think this is what's wrong. What do you think?" Nine times out of ten there is either something obvious that another person can see or they can contribute something meaningful to your hypothesis. If you say "This is what's wrong!" you lock yourself into a course of action and often others won't try to change your mind even if they know you're wrong.



2. Sleep on it. My dad gave me this advice when I was a teenager and it has saved me from many an embarrassment. There are studies that show high achievers make quick decisions. I believe these folks are vastly outnumbered by successful manipulators who have learned to get people to make quick decisions. If it can't wait until tomorrow it may need to wait forever.



3. Get the goods on paper. Find data to prove or disprove your hunch. In subjective situations use the "pros and cons" method to weigh different options. Whatever you do get it on paper. Exhaust your options. Think outside the box. Brainstorm. This takes discipline and that's why most people don't do it. Anyone can make a snap judgment with no data, no support for conclusions and little thought for alternatives. Don't get lazy.

“This Economy”

I run into people every day who are freaking out over "the economy". It's become a little annoying to have every thought or idea preceded with "Well, you know, in THIS economy..." Which economy? Oh, you mean the economy that allows anyone with $100 and an idea to start a new corporation? The economy where anyone with a computer and a pulse can become an international retailer? Or do you mean the economy where just about any question, informational tidbit or professional resource is only a mouse click away? Which one is it?

Three or four years ago I would listen to people complain and say things like "It's tough out there. Everyone's getting into my business. These guys don't know what they're doing. They're inexperienced, but anyone can hang out their shingle and qualifications don't matter. They're just after the money. And my equipment, it's falling apart. I can't afford the new stuff because all the suppliers have jacked up their prices. The customers, they don't get it. We're all backlogged and they think they're the only person in the world I have to worry about."

Fast forward to today. No one's getting into their business. In fact, those former competitors are knocking on their door asking for jobs. In many cases the number of competitors has dropped to the point that only the most experienced, most qualified are left. "Almost new" equipment is available for pennies on the dollar. Customers burned by poor service in the past are more understanding and more willing to communicate than ever before. You would think these business owners would be in heaven.

But no, now it's "the economy." I'm not saying business is easy. I'm not disputing the fact that we are in a recession. I'm simply saying "Things change!" They always do. It's one of those certainties you can count on, like bankers having more holidays than the rest of us and three year-olds telling strangers their breath stinks. Don't fight it. Understand it and use it.

The fact is entrepreneurs need change to attain the growth rates and return on investment they are looking for. Change motivates behavior. Change gives people a reason to act. Change makes differentiation easier. Change means people are already moving, you just need to guide them in the right direction. "This economy" is presenting a lot of people with opportunities. It may require that your business model be turned upside down. It may require that you redefine your customer. It may be that "this economy" requires YOU to change. And I think that is where the grousing comes from. The people most devastated by "this economy" are those who think they are owed something. They are the ones who think they shouldn't have to change. That, my friends, is called a choice, and it's what makes "this economy" one of the best in the world.

Giving Away Value: Sustainable business model or way of life?

The first part of the movie Jerry Maguire has the protagonist wrestling with purpose, his conscience and meaning. He thinks back to his mentor, Dicky Fox, who says, "The key to this business is personal relationships." Maguire goes on to write a personal mission statement that he distributes to his convention attending colleagues and is promptly fired from his job. The rest of the movie is mostly romantic drivel and rise-from-the-ashes career success. That part did not interest me near as much as the first part.

So here's the question: are you caught up in what you do? Or are you passionate about how you do it? There's a big difference. Jerry Maguire was a sports agent all the way through the movie, but he radically changed HOW he did what he did and found a lot more fulfillment. Funny thing, fulfillment. When you have it others notice. There's a scene at the end of the movie where Jerry, looking very fulfilled, is approached by Troy Aikman about becoming his agent. When people see what you have they want to be a part of it. It's exciting, and yes, down the road it can often be financially rewarding as well.

I believe fulfillment is about giving away value. Now, I didn't say it's about "earning" value or "delivering" value because those words connote a right to receive something in return. True value is given first and rewarded, maybe, second. There's a huge difference between the professional who gives away value and one who earns it. The first lives a life of fulfillment, some uncertainty and plenty of excitement. The second may generate more billable revenue, but he does so at the expense of those personal relationships Dicky Fox was so interested in.