Untruthfulness

For the past four weeks, I have had the opportunity to speak to my church, the West Jacksonville Church Of God In Christ. Each week I talk briefly on each failure identified in my book, The Six Common Small Business Failures. This week the topic was Failure #5, untruthfulness.

We have all heard the expressions, "If you are not cheating, you are not trying" or "Nice guys finish last". Strong business leaders do not need to cheat, lie, or be mean in order to win in business. We must realize that it does matter how we 'play the game'. Our youth need to have role models in business that possess courage, determination, and integrity.

Business is about building relationships. Yet lies tear down relationships. Can you see the problem with lies? Lies can (and do) tear down years of positive, truthful behavior. One lie can make someone not trust you ever again. There is indeed power in the words we speak (and write).

Smart business leaders tell the truth and demand that everyone in and around their organizations do the same. We should 'underpromise and overdeliver' as a rule of thumb. If your company cannot do something that is asked of it, just say so. The truth may not always be appreciated but is always the best way to go. Lastly, we do not have time nor the ability to remember every thing that we say or do. If only true statements are used, it is easy to recall them. The truth will stand the test of time. The truth will set you free! God bless you.

Frederick Jones

Noverhead Publishing

www.donotfail.info

www.fredjonesletstalkbusiness.blogspot.com

fredvjones37@hotmail.com

Why Follow?

Yesterday's blog was aimed at managers that fail to lead. Today we ask why are most managers ineffective leaders. There are three primary reasons for this.

• Leadership traits must be learned

The traits of a leader can be picked up as a child but nonetheless they must be picked up. People do not naturally know how to cope with those placed under their watch. However, observation is probably the best teacher of leadership principles.

• Colleges produce followers

I learned a lot in college. But how to lead people through the trenches of business comes from the school of hard knocks. In editing my book, The Six Common Small Business Failures, I found that college grads are limited in their view of how to write, talk, and think in business. It was as if their is only one way of expressing one's self. This strict approach to business makes 'like-minded' thinking possible. Colleges teach us how to please our leaders (professors, then bosses) by any means neccessary. Friction usually rises in business settings where college grads and common employees attempt to work together. The college grads conform to company standards while common workers tend to use common sense.

• Organizations like followers

It is well known that upper management will make the key decisions. I do not have a problem with that at all. But, the input of every employee should be sought after. This is not the case however. Mid-level managers squash the enthusiasm of common employees by not listening to them. Listen leaders, every person wants to be listened to! A fancy title doesn't make an idea better. Ideas for innovation can and do come from the wierdest places (and people)!

True leaders are not scared of being 'outsmarted' by their staff. Leadership wants the best for their organization, period. Business failure can be avoided but it takes a team dedicated to success; not just a group of followers.

Frederick Jones

Noverhead Publishing

www.donotfail.info

www.fredjonesletstalkbusiness.blogspot.com

fredvjones37@hotmail.com

What About The Very Small Business?

Business magazines love to brag about how they are the voice of small business. But we must have different definitions of the word small. They focus on subjects such as payroll financing, venture capital, headhunters, and TV ad campaigns. What about the 'micro' businesses? You know, the one employee, mom and pop operation looking for advice and camaraderie.

Well, this is where I can help. My book, The Six Common Small Business Failures, as well as this blog was created to help the 'micro' companies compete and grow.

I want this blog to be an interactive destination for us - the very small business owners. Far too often we are talked to as if we are dumb. We get simple 'how to' babble while the more established entrepreneurs get legitimate insight and thoughtful written conversation. We only get told what to do while the big guys are asked, consulted, or suggested to.

My vision for this site is to use our energy to spark great conversations - the ones that add value to our businesses and our lives. So spread the word that we have a refuge - a place for the very small business leaders!

Frederick Jones

Noverhead Publishing

www.donotfail.info

www.fredjonesletstalkbusiness.blogspot.com

fredvjones37@hotmail.com

Ready To Succeed

A few weeks ago, I put together a PowerPoint presentation just in case any speaking engagements came my way. Well, one lunch with a prominent leader led to two invitations to speak about my book, The Six Common Small Business Failures...and how to avoid them! - one of which I cannot attend. Nevertheless, I would be in trouble if I had not prepared myself (my mind particularly).

Today's message is to be ready for opportunities. Positive thinking helps us to see the need to be ready even if the phones are silent and the Inbox is empty. Great leaders use idle time to prepare for the busy times. Honestly, I do not know if I am or ever will be a great leader. All that I try to do is imitate great leaders and good things happen. To learn more about champions - or great business leaders, be sure to purchase my book at www.donotfail.info.

Frederick Jones

Noverhead Publishing

www.donotfail.info

www.fredjonesletstalkbusiness.blogspot.com

fredvjones37@hotmail.com

When Will The Recession End?

When will America officially emerge from the current recession? I wrote an article on this subject in January, 2009. This article concentrated on who will lead us out of this economic downturn. In addition, The Six Common Small Business Failures reminds us that temporary situations should not ruin businesses. Proper planning encourages leaders to operate within proper financial parameters, thus preparing the business for hard times. For the record, poor planning is Failure #1 in my book!

I don't know when we will emerge from this mess. I think that it will be sooner rather than later. My job is to be prepared for opportunities that present themselves to me as well as my company, Noverhead Publishing. I hope that you do the same.

Thank you for your time. Please keep the comments and emails coming.

Frederick Jones

www.donotfail.info

www.fredjonesletstalkbusiness.blogspot.com

fredvjones37@hotmail.com

The Six Common Small Business Failures

Hello everyone,

This is just a brief reminder that a great book is available. My masterpiece can be purchased at http://www.donotfail.info/checkout.htm.

I will be attending a seminar here in Jacksonville, Florida called Jack And The Social Media Beanstalk. I hope to make this blog better by using the tips learned from this meeting.

I would also like to thank all of you that support this blog. You will be able to say to the masses, "I was reading Frederick Jones' blog when he wasn't a household name!"

Talk to you tomorrow!

Frederick Jones

Noverhead Publishing

fredvjones37@hotmail.com

http://www.donotfail.info/

http://www.fredjonesletstalkbusiness.blogspot.com/

A Fresh Start

June 23, 2009
A Fresh Start
This blog writing is very new to me. What I like most about it is that, after I pray, I face a blank computer screen. And I usually mumble to myself, “I have a fresh start.”

Entrepreneurs do not realize the opportunity of doing it right the first time. By it I mean starting a new venture or project. “The Six Common Small Business Failures…and how to avoid them!” by Frederick Jones discusses how all business failures can be avoided at the beginning of a venture. They say that the most common business failure is undercapitalization. However, this is a result of poor planning at the outset of operation.

There is little mystery in today’s business world. We must do our due diligence before the virtual or real doors open. This includes researching the successes and failures of other businesses. A fresh start is a blessing and an opportunity to do it right. God bless you.

Frederick Jones
Noverhead Publishing
www.donotfail.info
www.fredjonesletstalkbusiness.blogspot.com
fredvjones37@hotmail.com

Remember The Prize

Frederick Jones
Noverhead Publishing

Hello everyone. As a brief public service, I would like to remind you that life without happiness is meaningless. Yesterday was Father's Day and what a beautiful day it was. It was not a perfect day but beautiful nonetheless.

In business, there will be setbacks, roadblocks, and obstacles. The journey is to be enjoyed during good times and bad. And remember, people are watching our actions and reactions so watch how we conduct ourselves. I will enjoy this day and make it productive no matter what. Failure can be defined in many ways. However, not appreciating life may be the biggest failure of all.