The term networking has gotten a bad rap over the past few years. Networking evokes an image of large conference rooms or local bars filled with people in business attire who’ve come to the event to see if they can drum up some business. Often, these people aren’t shy about trying to sell you something on the spot. They have no interest in you or…
Effective leaders understand that it takes more than just moving sales and revenue numbers upward for a company to be successful. It also takes teamwork, a work environment conducive to building employee confidence and morale, and dedicated workers who care about what they’re doing and how it impacts the bigger picture. The ability to effectively manage different types of people is one of the most…
One of my favorite quotes about leadership is from John C. Maxwell: “A leader is one who knows the way, goes the ways, and shows the way.” It speaks to three important qualities of leadership: knowledge, action, and mentorship. And while all three are important, that last one—being a good mentor—is what will really take your leadership to the next level. Leadership is not just…
Have you ever had to deliver bad news to your employees? I have, and it’s not fun. Not at all. There’s a reason why many business executives run from this task, preferring instead to delegate it to someone else if possible. While delegating might temporarily get you off the hook, the bottom line is that you’re the boss. You’re at the top. And that means…
Limiting beliefs are one of the key reasons why entrepreneurs find themselves in a rut and unable to hit their goals. Garen Armstrong had to overcome such beliefs after finding out that he needed a new heart. It is important to recognize what limiting beliefs are and how they can keep you from growing and getting better at what you do. Most importantly, one must…
1. Supply the tools your employees need to succeed. Every person and employee has a different work style. Some are best given little instructions and others need a detailed description of how to best accomplish their job. A leaders job is to give these employees the tools they need to succeed. If your employee is best left on their own, do so. If they thrive…
May is graduation season, and high school seniors across the country are getting ready to move into their college years. It’s very common in the US to pick a major early on and then stick with it all the way through college. At the end, students graduate with a specialized degree in business, medicine, graphic design, or some other chosen field. Specializing in one field…
Employees who are engaged in their work are committed to their companies and go above and beyond their requirements. People want to have satisfaction, support, and be recognized for their work. They want to feel that what they do matters and feel a sense of pride in their job. So that brings the question: What should leaders do to create these engaged employee? Employee engagement…
One of the biggest new trends in leadership is called servant leadership. Servant leadership is a hot topic for everyone from restaurant managers to paid public speakers. But what is servant leadership? Traditional leadership includes people who: See leadership as a higher role or ranking Use their power to control others Show success through output Constantly speak over employees Have an obvious sense of self…
As an entrepreneur or business leader, you have your goals set for the direction of the company. You probably also have a game plan that you’ve shared with your employees, those hardworking people you depend on every day to get things done. As long as things are moving along, it’s smooth sailing. But what happens when something unexpected comes along? How do you keep people…
Garen Armstrong has observed that the biggest employment trend of the year is “The Great Resignation.” People are changing their jobs left and right. Data shows that people are resigning at an unprecedented rate and that rate increases every month. Unfortunately, it looks like that trend isn’t going to change. The pandemic has exposed a lot of flaws in the traditional view of work life…
In February, I had the opportunity to talk to 7,000 conference attendees at Win the Storm, the nation’s largest roofing, restoration, and solar conference in Dallas, TX. Since I’d also just been recognized as a Comeback Kid (an award that goes to roofing contractors who have rebuilt their businesses after experiencing extreme setbacks or hardships), I decided to tell the audience a little about my…
The most successful businesses have changed the trajectory of their futures because of the mindset they have adopted. Garen Armstrong has adopted such a mindset in order to grow in his business and now he is experiencing benefits not only financially but also personally. Here are some of the most important characteristics of a growth mindset and how implementing them will benefit you and your…
When you made the decision to start your business, how many people did you have on your team? If you’re like most entrepreneurs, you probably had only one: yourself. If you were lucky, you might also have had supportive partners (aka a spouse, children, parents, and friends) who cheered you on from the sidelines. If the stars really lined up for you, you were able…
Leaders lead in business and life. Most of the leadership qualities transfer from one to another. But the distinctiveness of successful leaders and entrepreneurs is that they spend more time helping others understand their concepts. They inspire others through education, example, and leadership. They also serve as role models who provide encouragement and support to their team members. A good example is a leader, and…
The start of a new year brings myriad opportunities for personal and professional growth to those who are willing to take action. Many successful entrepreneurs take the first month of the year to set goals and plan the company’s trajectory, knowing that no one can hit the target if it doesn’t exist or they don’t know where it is. Setting goals and communicating them to…
If you’re an entrepreneur, you probably have a great understanding of the value of branding for your company or product. But what about building a brand for you as an individual? While the former is vital to your success, one could argue that your personal brand is equally important. If you find yourself in a crowded, competitive market, a strong personal brand may be just…
When you own a business, it’s easy to get caught up in the daily details of delivering your product or service. In an effort to provide the best customer experience, you may find yourself pitching here, there, and everywhere to help out, move things along, and get the job done. That’s all well and good as long as you have the time for that. But…