Peer Groups Are An Answer

They may not be an answer for everything, but they are an answer for some of the questions out there.  I have seen business leaders seek help with financial questions, sales questions, service delivery questions and much more, all to be helped by peer groups.  Sitting around a table of your peers who understand what is going on in your world (or at least pretty close) to listen, give advice, and not let you lie to yourself can mean a world of difference.

Last week I watched a lot of business owners and leaders come together to help each other succeed in business and life.  It is incredible to watch a new member watch the help that is given with no expectations in return.  It does make you remember that in the end, we can only win as a team.

Will it work for everyone - no.  Can it make a difference - yes.  If you haven't tried one yet find one that can offer what you need and give it a try (or check out HTG Peer Groups if you would like).

What's Happening Now

So guess it is time for an update.  It has been busy here since my last post.  Biggest item is I have changed 

jobs.  After 20 years at OXEN (HTS and SCCI included) I have made the jump, kind of.  I went back to my

 roots (the guy who originally hired me, Arlin Sorensen) and went to his peer group organization, HTG.  I

 made this move about 3 weeks ago and it has been pretty bitter sweet.  I love my new job and everyone I

 get to work with (check it out here http://www.htgpeergroups.com/) but I miss the old crew too (no I'm 

not making a crack about their age).  There comes a time in everyone's life that a change is needed.  I 

wasn't waking up any more with the fire needed to be a good salesperson.  We all know that you go 

through phases in sales where things aren't going well.  You need to break the cycle and take a day or two

 off.  After that you come back with new energy and ready to face it all again.  BUT sometimes that doesn't

 work, and that is where I was at in my life.  I will be talking more about what HTG does, but it is an 

awesome feeling to be excited about what I do again.  Change is needed and you need to be strong

 enough to do it - even if it makes you feel uncomfortable.

School Technology Administrators - How Do You Do It?

How do you stay on top of it all?  There is the one-to-one environment (managing, configuring, fixing and keeping it all working) but also the network, the wireless, servers and let's not forget everything else that is in your domain (connected to your network - phones, cameras and everything else).  There are only so many hours in the day with more complexity all the time.

OXEN can help in many different ways.  From managed services, support and services offerings and also consulting to help find solutions to your problems.  We have the staff with the knowledge to help your district.

It is easy to feel overwhelmed (OK to get overwhelmed because it is more than a feeling).  With many, many years of experience (I don't want to say how many because it makes us feel old) we can honestly say we have been there and done that no matter what the situation is you experience.

If you need help or even someone to bounce ideas off, give us a call to talk.  We have helped multiple districts and we can help you also.

Happy summer!

How to Improve at Sales

Do you want to get better at sales, building relationships and have a happier life?  I have a simple tip.  Slow down and talk more.  It amazes me how fast we try to live our lives.  It isn't a race, it's a journey so enjoy the ride.
Now I'm not saying anything that I can't learn from also.  We are all so busy running from appointment to appointment (I'm including family events also - basketball, dance and soccer to just name a few) that we forget to have fun along the way.  Technology has eroded our ability to just take time and talk (and of course LISTEN) to people.  When was the last time you spoke to someone and had a great conversation?
So what tips can I give you?  Try these:
 1. Shut all technology down.  If that's not possible at least minimize it.  I have gone to turning my phone alerts off and placing it face down.
 2. Look the other person in the eyes when talking to them.  Don't get creepy here, but by looking in their eyes it focuses you on them.
 3. Don't hear them to just come up with a reply to what they are saying, or telling a better story (OK very guilty here).  Really listen to what they are saying.  It is OK not to have a great response when they are done. 
Do you have tips?  If so I would love to hear from you.