Entrepreneurial Skills You Can Learn From Your Kids

Originally published on SolTrickey.ca

Entrepreneurs are constantly required to learn, improve, evolve, and learn again. Often this means that they must seek and accept guidance and inspiration from each person they encounter be they co-workers, superiors, or peers. But there’s one group of people entrepreneurs tend to miss in their quest for valuable lessons: their children. Surprising though it may be, there are actually numerous lessons we can learn from these tiny humans living in our homes. Here are five skills I’ve learned from mine!

Enthusiasm
Kids always seem to be enthusiastic about the things they want. They have no problem showing their smiles and using their body language to communicate how excited they are for an idea, activity, or life in general. Kids have the ability to light up a room with their presence. Imitating this zeal could help to improve your attitude and the way you are viewed within your company.

Passion
People are moved by those who are passionate about their beliefs. Kids tend to give their whole hearts over to whatever it is they are interested in at the time. Emulate this behavior and you just might find that embracing your passions is far more beneficial than inhibiting them. They are, after all, a pathway to success.

Negotiation
Perhaps my favorite trait that all entrepreneurs should learn from kids is the art of negotiation. Anyone who has ever tried telling a child “no” is familiar with their fierce dedication to a cause they believe in. In their world, no doesn’t necessarily mean no. It just means “not yet” or “not like this.” If you can learn to take the refusals in your corporate life as “try agains,” you may find that you open infinitely more doors than you would if you had settled.

Friendship
There is a lot of value in making friends. This is especially true in the world of business. Building relationships with the people you interact with on a daily basis is a fantastic way to promote trust and create connections that could be useful later on. Kids that aren’t shy tend to befriend everyone they meet just because they have something interesting to say. Treat each new introduction this way and see what kind of relationships you can nurture!

Honesty
If you’ve ever done something remotely odd in front of a child then you’ve noticed their complete lack of filter. Kids say whatever they want whenever they want and they are unapologetic about their viewpoints. While you shouldn’t speak every word that comes to mind in a professional setting, you should capitalize on your authenticity. Be honest without being hurtful. Speak up when you feel strongly about something important. You may find that this particular approach is appreciated by your peers and superiors.

Make strides in your entrepreneurial life by utilizing life experiences as learning opportunities. Look to kids for some powerful lessons on how to be a stronger, more positive influence in your company. Use the tactics listed above, and any other strategies you’ve learned from children, and position yourself for better success in your career now and in the future.

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3 Tips to Avoid Entrepreneurial Burnout

Originally published on SolTrickey.ca

Ask any entrepreneur how they got where they are today, and odds are you’ll be in for a riveting tale of both feats and failures. The cutthroat world of ideas rarely makes room for a success story without first tossing out a heartbreak or two.

Occasionally, the heartbreak holds out until after success has been achieved. This sudden sad story might be the result of entrepreneurial burnout.

Unlike regular career burnout, which is typically caused by “lack of autonomy, engagement, motivation, or passion,” entrepreneurial burnout is often the result of excess passion, lengthy periods of solitary time, and extreme uncertainty. Entrepreneurial burnout is a very real problem affecting at least 25% of entrepreneurs according to this Harvard Business Review study.

So, how do you prevent yourself from experiencing symptoms of too much work and not enough stability?

3. Take a step back

As entrepreneurs, you are passionate about what you do, and you should be. But sometimes that passion translates to nearsightedness when it comes to business endeavors. It’s a good idea to hold back some of that excitement every once in a while. Think about other things that you are passionate about. Reminding yourself of other interests helps to take the pressure off of the one currently linked to your bank accounts.

2. Set aside time for friends and family

The nature of the entrepreneurial beast is such that there is little time left for social engagements. Unfortunately, social isolation is a cause of burnout. “If you start skipping family time, avoiding hobbies, and neglecting friends, you’ll eventually find yourself resentful of your position,” writes Jose Vasquez.  Combat a lack of social time by planning ahead. Include family events and stress-free meet-ups directly in your daily calendar. Then, do your best not to miss them.

1. Set aside time for yourself

Entrepreneurship is tough. Webs of uncertainty surround your business ventures, which ultimately means that they surround your life as well. It’s easy to get caught up in the frailty of it all. Take the edge off of your constantly-buzzing brain by scheduling time for you to engage in a recovery activity. Read a self-help book, get in a good workout, or simply take a nap – any activity that works to relax and reset your body and brain.

Burnout can happen at any time to anyone. Protect yourself and prevent your heartbreak story by engaging in self-preserving activities.

Sol Trickey is a Vancouver based entrepreneur that oversees the acquisition of property and the subsequent planning and construction for specific use of the land.

Why You Aren’t Taking Enough Risks as a Leader

Originally published on SolTrickey.ca

Mention the word “risk” to an entrepreneur and images of danger immediately surface in their brain. To most taking a risk has a negative connotation, but it shouldn’t. Risk-taking is actually an essential part of the learning process for leaders.

It is your responsibility as a leader to assess risks with sound judgment, and take a chance on the ones that have the power to propel you or your company to the next level. “Without trial and error — and risk taking — you remain stagnant, predictable and, ultimately, you will become complacent,” says Business Strategist and Huffington Post Contributor Megan Tull.

Here are three reasons you aren’t taking enough risks and three ways to combat them.

Reason #1: You Are Afraid

Perhaps the most common reason leaders opt for the safe route is fear. They are afraid of failing, appearing foolish, or losing everything. It’s difficult to place your livelihood on the line for something that may or not pay off in the end.

Fix It: Start small. It’s that simple. You don’t have to take a huge risk just because it’s the next one that comes along. Ease into risk-taking and the assessment process by choosing something that will have less of an impact if it fails, but still makes a small improvement to the company if it succeeds.

Reason #2: Things Are Going Well

Why change up your business ventures if they seem to be maintaining a certain level of success? Well, because maintenance and growth are two entirely separate concepts. If you are content to keep your business exactly the way it is as culture and communities evolve around it then sure, there’s no need to push the envelope. If you want to grow alongside the culture and community, you’re going to have to take some risks.

Fix It: Keep your mind open to new ideas. Just because things are going well now, doesn’t mean they can’t get better. Do not hold on to outdated processes, procedures, or policies because you’re feeling sentimental. Approach each conversation with a mindset that is amenable to new thoughts and impervious to old biases.

Reason #3: You Are Uninformed

Leaders do not have to take every risky opportunity that comes their way. Instead, they should pick and choose the ones that are right for the company. Deciding which risks are right for the company involves some level of research and analysis. You cannot make a decision if you have not received education on the subject.

Fix It: Do your research. Do not immediately veto an idea because the first thought that popped into your head was negative. Devote an adequate amount of time to thinking things over. Yes, you may assess the negatives, but spend some time brainstorming possible positives. They may have the potential to overrule or even eliminate that original negative consequence. Just make sure you don’t spend too much time in the analysis phase, or you might induce fear.

Risk-taking does not have to be a scary, off-limits subject. Take small steps to improve your risk analysis skills, and utilize them to decide which risks have the potential to benefit your company.

PARENTING AS AN ENTREPRENEUR

Originally published on SolTrickey.net

Parenting and entrepreneurship are both full-time jobs that have a very different set of responsibilities, but very similar required skillsets. It is not impossible to be both a great parent and a great entrepreneur. Just remember the following pointers when approaching problems that affect your work and home life simultaneously.

Take It One Step At A Time

Driven individuals are often characterized by an intense desire to be successful in every aspect of their life at once. Sometimes, however, it’s just not possible to perform at 100% all of the time. Recognize that sometimes a certain part of your life will be a bigger priority than others.  The preference is for quality over quantity. Even 30 minutes set aside for the children that are totally committed to them will be more valuable than a whole day of partial attention.

When the priority is work-related, mitigate the guilt by setting aside a designated quality time to spend with your children. If the priority is your family, schedule a small block of time each day to accomplish your professional to-do lists. An entrepreneur performs best when they are 100% committed to whatever they are doing in a given moment instead of dividing attention between two trying tasks.

Use Your Drive Time

Entrepreneurs often find that some of the most difficult workdays spill into their home life. For the sake of your children and your sanity, it is best to avoid this situation where possible.  If you’ve had a tough day on the job, try and use your windshield time to transition from the frustrated entrepreneur to the loving parent. The goal should be that you are a refreshed version of yourself by the time you open the door to your house.

Treat Your Children As You Would Your Most Important Client

It is very easy to designate the majority of your time to the individuals that are going to affect the bottom line of your bank account. While you may be counting on those clients to help you provide for your family, it is critical to remember that you must contribute to the emotional bank accounts of your children as well. Neglecting this particular account could result in lasting resentment. Devote a positive amount of time and undivided attention to the ones you tend at home to help prevent negativity.

Set Clear Expectations

Communication is a crucial part of any relationship regardless of where they originated. Inform your clients exactly when you are and are not available to speak with them. Let your children know when it is and isn’t acceptable to interrupt, and when you will be able to spend quality time with them. Effective communication will help you avoid time-consuming crossover and both parties know when they can expect your attention.

Realize that limits do exist

Children grow up fast. No matter your professional title, it is important to remain present in their lives. Do not compromise the happiness and stability of your family to get ahead. Likewise, if you choose to be a working parent, remember that you are working to provide things like groceries, a better quality of life, or a chance at a better future for your child. Sometimes it is necessary to sacrifice now so that the family can benefit later on. Just be sure you attempt to maintain balance in the process

YOU DON’T HAVE TO BE A MANAGER TO BE A LEADER

Originally published on SolTrickey.net

Most people look at corporate executives or managers and expect them to be leaders. While it is true that their position holds a lot of power and they technically hold leadership positions, that does not necessarily make them a leader. It is critical to understand that leadership qualities are not automatically bestowed on individuals with fancy titles. Instead, it is found in a person’s actions and behaviors. All managers aren’t leaders. And, if that’s true, then not all leaders are required to be managers. Here’s how to be an effective leader without changing your current job title.

Embrace Learning 

Any great leader should be willing to learn in order to improve their craft. Many people are afraid of constructive criticism merely because of our pride. We don’t like to be wrong. However, leaders are what they are because they learn from past mistakes, taking great care not to repeat them and to prevent others from making similar ones. If you aspire to be a leader, you must be willing to acknowledge your faults and learn how to correct their corresponding behaviors. Observe other leaders, top-performing employees, or even your peers. The inspiration to become a successful leader can be found in anyone.

Stay Positive 

Leaders tend to embody the “calm, cool, and collected” persona. They remain clear minded when facing tough situations, and refuse to let their personal emotions influence major decisions. Instead, good leaders rely on their intellect, experience, and a desire to do what’s best for the company (or other individuals). If you want to be a leader that others can look up to, use your attitude to demonstrate that you are willing and able to handle difficult scenarios without overreacting. The actions and emotions you show during trying times communicate a great deal about your capabilities as a leader.

Think About The Bigger Picture 

Another quality of superior leaders is their ability to step back and look at the bigger picture. They recognize that there is a greater purpose behind each decision, and take that into account when choosing their next steps.Getting caught up in details and formalities is necessary for day-to-day operations, but it serves little purpose if you are unable to discern the reasoning behind process and procedure. Focusing on a broad, clear end goal is an effective way to ensure that you are not losing sight of your direction. It also serves as a great tool for guiding others who are easily caught up in the minutia of a task-based workflow.

4 WAYS TO PRACTICE SUPERIOR CUSTOMER SERVICE SKILLS AS A LEADER

Originally published on SolTrickey.net

The best leaders possess a broad range of skills amassed over time and utilized in a way that betters the possessor and the company. These skills can be interpersonal, technical, or even service-oriented. In fact, individuals that demonstrate superior customer service skills are frequently better-suited for long-term leadership. Practice the following customer service skills in front of your employees and clients on a regular basis to position yourself as a competent leader.

Accept Feedback

As a leader, it’s often easy to ignore feedback coming from your subordinates or clients. Employees and customers are less likely to see the big picture when they aren’t privy to the same information you have access to in a superior role. That being said, these individuals do have one thing you don’t: perspective. The people that work for you and the people that you work for are on the ground level of every aspect of your business. When they offer up an opinion on a process or procedure, it’s a good idea to hear them out. You aren’t required to act on every piece of advice, but taking each one under consideration helps solidify you as a reputable leader.

Work The Front Lines

There’s nothing that customers like to see more than leadership getting involved in the day-to-day aspects of your business. It demonstrates that you truly understand the importance of what you do and how it impacts the customer service you deliver. Spend some time working face-to-face to with your client base to build relationships and provide a professional, positive example for your employees.

Follow up on Reviews

Clients don’t leave reviews unless they feel like what they have to say is important. By taking the time to read and respond to each review, you are ensuring that your customers feel acknowledged and respected. The good reviews are a chance to thank them for utilizing your service, and the bad ones are a chance to turn negatives into positives. Not only will clients feel appreciated, but employees will be proud to work under a leader that truly cares about each and every interaction the company is engaged in.

Listen

Sometimes employees and clients are too polite to deliver feedback and reviews in a direct manner. For this reason, it’s important that leaders consistently keep their ear to the ground when it comes to their company. The buzz in the office or at the construction site can often be just as valuable as an in-person interaction with your team. Conversations between clients have the potential to provide the same insight. Listen for consistent messaging to identify action items or topics that may need to be addressed on a broader medium.

The Difference Between Property Development and Real Estate

Originally published on SolTrickey.net

In the real estate industry, a piece of land goes through three stages: the purchase of an unfinished property or raw land, the development of said property and the rental or sale of said property. In most cases, a different individual or company is responsible for each of those stages. To better understand the process of taking raw land to sale or rent, a comparison of the differences between a property developer and a real estate agent would be beneficial.

The Property Developer

The developer’s role in the real estate process is two-fold. In most cases, it’s the property developer who invests money to purchase a raw piece of land or unfinished property. After purchasing a property, the developer works with investors, planners, contractors, and legal officials to create and oversee a property project like the construction of a new subdivision or the conversion of a dilapidated shopping mall into functional office space.

Larger property developers usually invest some of their own funds into the projects they are working on, while also soliciting additional investors to assist in funding. Responsibilities may vary from project to project, but you can expect a property developer to be involved in zoning, sustainability, construction, financing, and scheduling.

The Real Estate Agent

The real estate agent’s sole responsibility is to successfully complete the purchase or sale of a home. They have no say in the development process. It is possible for a real estate agent to be an actual employee of a development company. In that case, they are generally referred to as in-house salespeople. Most often, however, the real estate agent is an independent contractor or someone who works for a real estate agency or brokerage. Unlike returns-on-investment, real estate agents receive a commissioned percentage of each transaction they complete.

In the simplest of terms, a property developer invests money in a project, assists in the coordination, preparation, and physical development of a property, and assumes all risk. When a property is ready to be bought or sold, a real estate agent markets the property and facilitates the involvement of interested parties. While developers and agents have inherently different responsibilities, each plays an important role in the lifespans of land and property.

THE BENEFITS OF SOCIALLY RESPONSIBLE ENTREPRENEURSHIP

Originally published on SolTrickey.ca

Socially responsible entrepreneurship is the process through which business owners and companies adhere to specific business practices that benefit society as a whole, as opposed to the corporation on its own. Entrepreneurial social responsibility can be an extremely rewarding experience if done correctly and often comes with many of the following benefits.

Consumer Loyalty

Modern consumers actively seek out brands that clearly demonstrate their alignment with various social causes and opinions. Customers want to know that they are supporting entrepreneurs and companies that believe in the same things they do. Engaging in socially responsible entrepreneurship is a fantastic way to project a positive image to your potential client base while simultaneously spreading some good throughout the world. Eventually, socially conscious consumers may gravitate towards your brand over others merely because of your association with the causes they believe in.

Brand Recognition

While it shouldn’t be the only reason you participate in social causes, you should take advantage of the “free” marketing that almost always accompanies beneficial acts, donations, or services. Word-of-mouth is a powerful marketing tool, and the best way to get people talking is to get involved in the concepts they care about. A well-designed, socially responsible business plan can generate a significant amount of buzz when shared with the right parties.

Capital Opportunities

Entrepreneurs that engage in socially responsible business practices generate additional opportunities to solicit capital from investors and other resources that are passionate about the causes your company chooses to support. In addition, traditional investors and lenders are more likely to appreciate an effective business plan or model that strives to improve unfavorable conditions while still generating an appropriate amount of revenue and appealing to a wide range of clientele.

Employee Engagement and Retention

Like modern consumers, today’s employees exhibit a strong desire to make a difference with the work that they do on a daily basis. Entrepreneurs that make an effort to involve their employees in socially responsible business efforts have a better chance at developing a workforce that is proud of their employer. As an added benefit, satisfied employees are more likely to remain engaged and productive on a daily basis when they are passionate about their company goals.

Engaging in socially responsible practices as an entrepreneur is a great way to work towards achieving company goals in a way that enhances public perception of your business efforts. Develop consumer and employee loyalty, take advantage of social conversations in your marketing efforts, and improve opportunities for capital by making company decisions that benefit the world at large.

 

 

Buying Property in Canada

When it comes to buying land in Canada, each province can have different characteristics, requirements and government regulations, so it is quite important to be advised by an expert land developer on the province, you will certainly need the guidance of a specialized one as the process needs legal documents and specific procedures that might seem difficult for someone without experience.

The process depends on the person who is interested, as it will be defined on if you are an immigrant or a Canadian resident. First you need to be aware of all the legal requirements for residents and nonresidents. If you are a resident, then you will follow the standard process but if you are nonresident then you must start with the immigration paperwork.

You must be very specific about the time that you will spend in Canada per year, if you will stay less than 6 months then the government considers you a nonresident, which means that you can still open a bank account and buy property, but if you plan to live in Canada for more than 6 months per year, you must apply for immigrant status.

It is important to note, however, that while most provinces have no restrictions on foreign ownership of land in Canada, some do limit the amount of this that a non-resident can purchase. Details about the number of acres that you can purchase depends on each province. It could seem like purchasing land is quite complicated, especially if it is your first time, so you need to contact a land developer expert.

What Makes Vancouver a Preferable City For Investing in Real Estate Market?

Nowadays Vancouver has become a favorite city among the landbuyers. Vancouver is one of the most attractive and inspiring cities in the world, that is why several people is looking for a place in the city, helping both, the land development market and the real estate industry to grow positively. The land development market is promising and a lot of people is looking for investment opportunities.

There are innumerable land developers in Vancouver but getting connected with the right one is the somehow tricky job. If you are planning to buy or sell property in the city you can consult a land developer export who will offer you interesting deals.

It does not matter what kind of investmentyou are looking for; taking the advices of a manager is the ideal decision.

If you are looking for land anywhere in Canada, Ottawa, Toronto or other places, you can get information from an expert who has an immense knowledge of the land development market and several connections that can get you a good opportunity.

Now let’s talk about the major reasons for investing in land in Vancouver:

Advanced Infrastructure

Nowadays new builders, coming from diverse regions, have launched plentiful projects here to cover the housing demand. As the facilities are nearby, people get the guarantee of the comfort and relaxed lifestyle in Vancouver.

Increasing Number of Job Opportunities

This is without a doubt a place where employment opportunities are superior; one can look for a job with a high profit.

Budget-friendly way of life

Vancouver offers healthy and cost-effective lifestyle compared to any other city in the world.

Secluded yet convenient

Investing in land in Vancouver is definitely a right choice. The place is situated in a tranquil area wrapped with vegetation, is a sensible decision to take property in this area.

So,what are you waiting?. Trust me, and you will surely fall in love with the beauty of the city and surroundings. Make this place your address.