By leadership author and keynote speaker Ross Shafer

Let’s be honest.
You want instant credibility—the kind that makes customers trust you, recommend you, and do business with you, even if you’re stepping into a brand-new industry. Good news: it’s possible, and you don’t have to fake it.

This week, I want to share a story that proves how you can earn credibility immediately, even when you’re just getting started.

The Emily Effect: How to Become Credible Overnight

I was recently speaking at the National Portable Storage Association Conference and met an enterprising woman named Emily. Emily runs a successful business buying and selling large shipping containers—you know, the kind you see stacked on cargo ships.

What’s exciting is that these containers are getting a second life as pop-up retail shops, construction offices, and on-site storage units. Emily found a niche, and she ran with it.

But here’s where the story gets interesting.

Her existing customers loved working with her. They trusted her so much that they started asking,

“Hey, could you help us with moving and storage, too?”

Now, Emily had zero experience in the moving business. No certifications. No employees trained in logistics. No trucks.

So what did she do?

She hired credibility.

Emily found out that there are more than 2,000 Certified Moving Consultants across the U.S. These are professionals who know how to:

• Sell moving services effectively

• Draft contracts

• Handle damage claims

• Securely manage packing, loading, and transport

By contracting with certified experts, Emily instantly leveled up. Her business had immediate credibility—and she didn’t have to go back to school, get licensed, or learn it all the hard way.

The Secret to Instant Credibility in Any Industry

This is the part where you say, “Yeah, but that’s Emily.”

Well, this applies to YOU too.

Let’s say your clients love working with you and now want help with related services. Maybe you’re a designer and they want you to handle print production. Or you’re a marketing consultant and they want SEO or web dev too.

Don’t panic. Don’t say no. And don’t fake it.

Instead, hire credibility.

There are certified consultants in almost every industry—from healthcare and finance to IT, logistics, and real estate. These professionals already have:

• The skills

• The licenses

• The insider knowledge

• The trustworthiness your clients are looking for

You don’t have to reinvent yourself. You just need to partner smart.

Why This Works So Well

When you hire or contract experienced professionals, you don’t just fill a gap—you instantly upgrade your reputation. You get the benefit of their track record. Their certifications. Their professionalism.

You become the one-stop solution your clients crave—without pretending to be an expert in everything.

And the best part? You continue to own the relationship. Your clients still trust you—you’ve just made their lives easier by expanding your services through vetted pros.

That’s the modern blueprint for scaling a business.

Ready to Build Credibility That Lasts?

This strategy doesn’t just apply to moving containers or launching new service lines—it’s part of a bigger mindset shift: the confidence to grow by surrounding yourself with expertise.

Want more actionable insights like this for your team or event? Ross Shafer has spent decades helping companies grow through leadership, credibility, and customer trust. His keynote talks are known for being hilarious, high-energy, and packed with takeaways your team can apply immediately.

Book Ross as your next keynote speaker and bring credibility, innovation, and growth to the center of your next event.

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Is there a difference between management and leadership? Absolutely. And the difference is much bigger than most people think.

This week, during a Q&A session I hosted for a major association in Miami, I expected a lively debate among executives about what it means to lead versus manage. But something interesting happened—the real insights came from employees and staff. The people not in management roles were the ones who voiced the starkest difference:

“We HAVE to do what management says… but we WANT to do what leadership says.”

Let that sink in.

Management is Task-Focused. Leadership is People-Focused.

Management is about organizing, planning, and executing. A manager ensures that everything is running efficiently—tasks are assigned, deadlines are met, and resources are used wisely. That’s important. It keeps the wheels turning. But that’s just the baseline.

Leadership, on the other hand, goes beyond logistics. Leadership inspires. It taps into emotion and purpose. A true leader helps people understand why their work matters. Leadership connects the dots between what a person does every day and the larger mission they’re a part of.

When people feel inspired—when they understand how their work impacts others—they no longer show up just for a paycheck. They show up because they want to contribute. They become invested. Sometimes, they’ll even go above and beyond, offering their time, creativity, or support—even after hours—because they believe in the cause.

Want a compelling example of this kind of inspirational leadership? Leaders who communicate their “why” give their teams a sense of belonging and direction. Want data to back that up?

According to a study from McKinsey & Company, employees who feel connected to their organization’s purpose are significantly more engaged and productive.

How to Transition From Manager to Leader

So how do you become more of a leader—and not just a manager?

Let’s go back to what the non-managers in Miami told us.

• “Leaders encourage me. Managers pressure me.”

• “Leaders want to see me succeed. Managers just want me to finish on time.”

That’s the difference in mindset. Managers tend to be outcome-focused. Leaders are people-focused throughout the process. Leaders understand that performance is driven by how people feel—about their work, their team, and themselves.

Leadership expert Brené Brown explains this well in her work on daring leadership. Leaders are willing to be vulnerable, to have tough conversations, and to lead with empathy. And it’s that empathy that creates loyalty.

Self-Check: Are You Leading or Managing?

Here are a few questions to ask yourself:

• Do my team members follow me because they have to—or because they want to?

• When someone misses a deadline, do I get angry—or do I try to help solve the problem?

• Do I spend more time giving orders—or asking questions and listening?

• Do I make people feel pressured—or encouraged?

Even if you can’t define it in words, people always feel the difference. Leadership is about how you make people feel, not just how you get things done.

If you’re still unsure where you stand, I say this with humility: watch this video again, reflect, and then ask your team. They’ll tell you—maybe not in words, but definitely in actions.

Final Thoughts

The best leaders aren’t always the ones with the most authority or the biggest titles. They’re the ones who bring heart into the workplace. They serve others, they listen deeply, and they believe in something bigger than deadlines.

In today’s world of work, emotional intelligence and purpose-driven leadership aren’t soft skills—they’re superpowers. If you want to shift from managing processes to leading people, start by being someone worth following.

Ready to Inspire Your Team with Real Leadership?
If you’re looking to ignite passion, boost morale, and empower your people to lead with purpose—not just manage—bring Ross Shafer to your next event. With decades of experience and a reputation for delivering unforgettable, high-impact keynotes, Ross will help your team unlock the difference between getting things done… and making things matter.

Book Ross Shafer as Your Next Keynote Speaker and transform the way your organization leads.

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By leadership author and keynote speaker Ross Shafer

We all want to be successful. But are you idolizing the right people?

It’s easy to look at the rich and famous—the celebrities, CEOs, and influencers on your feed—and think: “I want that life… but how do I get there?”

Here’s a wake-up call: It’s not magic. It’s not luck. And it’s not about who you know.
It’s about drive. Relentless effort. Grit through rejection. And the courage to never give up—even when no one is watching.

Still sounds like a cliché? I get it. But let me introduce you to someone who will completely change how you define success.

Meet Richard Peterson: The Street Musician with a Net Worth

Richard Peterson is a savant street musician in Seattle. He’s not famous by Hollywood standards, but he should be.

If you’ve seen the movie Rain Man, you might recall Dustin Hoffman’s portrayal of an autistic savant. Richard is a real-life version. His brain is extraordinary—if you tell him your birthday, he can instantly tell you the day of the week you were born. He can even play the trumpet and the piano at the same time.

You’ll find Richard performing outside Seattle Seahawks and Mariners games, collecting donations in a bucket. But don’t make the mistake of pitying him—he’s not hopeless.

Richard has:

• Saved hundreds of thousands of dollars

• Recorded six original albums

• Had a song licensed by Stone Temple Pilots

• Been the subject of a feature-length documentary, Big City Dick

• Earned the support of celebrities, including Oscar® winner Jeff Bridges

Not bad for a guy who was abandoned by the school system, shuffled through foster homes, and living independently by age 12.

The True Measure of Success Isn’t Who You Know

Richard was never given a “big break.” He didn’t have corporate mentors or startup funding. He created his own opportunities. When no one would hire him, he made his music into a business.

What’s more inspiring? Richard has never made excuses. He’s never blamed his traumatic past or his neurodivergence for any setbacks. He simply shows up, every day, and shares his talents.

“Instead of looking for inspiration from somebody on television—someone you don’t even know—why not find motivation in the people around you who’ve overcome real adversity?”

Find Your Hometown Heroes

Here’s your challenge:
Stop idolizing distant celebrities and start noticing the resilience of people nearby.

• Who in your circle has quietly built a life of meaning and purpose?

• Who’s overcome hardship, rejection, or failure and kept going?

• Who are the everyday entrepreneurs, artists, or leaders in your community?

Success doesn’t always wear a Rolex. And wealth doesn’t always live in a penthouse. There are millionaires in your neighborhood who live modestly—and don’t feel the need to flaunt it. Why? Because their success is internal. It’s grounded in perseverance, not performance.

Success Starts with the Right Inspiration

The world is filled with Richard Petersons—people who quietly conquer incredible odds and keep chasing their dreams without applause. If you want to build a life of real achievement, study them. Observe how they:

• Focus on craft instead of clout

• Keep moving forward despite rejection

• Work for purpose over praise

You don’t need to become a viral sensation. You need to stay consistent. You need to show up for yourself, every day—like Richard.

Watch the Video: Re-Think Who You Idolize

Get inspired by the story of Richard Peterson and discover why real success isn’t about fame or followers.
Watch the full video here

Want Ross Shafer to Speak at Your Event?

Ross Shafer shares compelling, real-world stories and insights that help teams and individuals build a mindset for long-term success. His talks are unforgettable, high-energy, and deeply practical—perfect for organizations that want to inspire performance from the inside out. Hire Ross Shafer to speak at your next event.

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By leadership author and keynote speaker Ross Shafer

Are you unknowingly turning your customers away?

It happens more often than you think. You’re focused on managing teams, increasing efficiency, and driving revenue—but somewhere along the way, your customer experience becomes clunky, confusing, or downright frustrating. And just like that, the people keeping your business alive quietly walk away.

Here’s the uncomfortable truth: your customers don’t care how busy you are—they just want the buying experience to be easy.

When revenue dips or customer complaints trickle in, the reflexive response from most leaders is to hold a meeting, analyze Big Data, or call in a third-party consultant. But rarely do we do the one thing that could actually fix the problem—observe our customers in the act of buying.

If your sales process requires too many steps, too much paperwork, or too many clicks, you’re creating friction that drives people away. In today’s digital-first economy, customer expectations are shaped by Amazon’s one-click simplicity and Apple’s intuitive design. If your process doesn’t feel that seamless, your customers notice—and they leave.

So, what should you do? Get out of the boardroom and into the buyer’s seat.

Just like the TV show Undercover Boss, try to experience your own business anonymously. Walk into your store. Use your website. Call your customer service line. Ask yourself: Is this easy? Is this fast? Is this clear?

When I consulted with a first-time franchise buyer in Arizona, he had his eye on a struggling Denny’s location. This young man had never worked in restaurants before, but when he visited in person, he immediately spotted the issue: most customers had trouble reading the English-only menu. Many pointed at items awkwardly because they didn’t understand the language. His solution? He printed bilingual menus and hired a Spanish-speaking waitstaff. In less than a year, his revenue doubled.

No amount of market research would’ve revealed that issue as clearly or as quickly as seeing it first-hand.

If you want to improve your customer experience and increase revenue, you need to observe your process through the eyes of a first-time buyer. Ask yourself:

• Is the language accessible to my audience?

• Are there hidden barriers or unnecessary steps in the buying journey?

• Are my employees trained to engage clearly and respectfully?

• Does my website load quickly and function seamlessly?

According to Forrester Research, improving the customer experience can lead to a 5x increase in revenue growth. That’s not theory—it’s strategy backed by action.

You don’t need a massive budget to start. You just need curiosity, empathy, and the willingness to step out of your comfort zone.

So, when was the last time you experienced your business the way your customer does? Are you making it easy for them to say yes, or are you quietly pushing them away?

Click below to watch my full video on how to stop driving your customers away—and start winning them back.

Click Here

Ready to Transform Your Team’s Mindset?

If this message resonated with you, imagine the impact Ross Shafer could have live in front of your team. As a six-time Emmy-winning comedian turned leadership expert, Ross blends humor with hard-hitting business insights to spark real change. Whether you’re planning a corporate event, leadership retreat, or annual conference, Ross delivers unforgettable keynotes that motivate, energize, and drive action.

Book Ross Shafer as your next motivational speaker and start leading with more relevance, empathy, and results.

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By leadership author and keynote speaker Ross Shafer

You’ve just had a lightning bolt of inspiration. An idea that could revolutionize your department, slash expenses, or skyrocket sales. But before you burst into your boss’s office ready to change the world, stop. Because how you pitch that idea is just as important as the idea itself.

Here’s how to present your proposal in a way that earns support—from the corner office to your colleagues.

Step 1: Put It in Writing

A solid idea deserves a solid structure. Take the time to organize your proposal in writing. Begin by stating the problem. Explain how it’s currently being handled—or mishandled—and outline how your idea solves it. Be sure your concept:

• Makes money
• Saves money
• Saves time
• Increases effectiveness

A clean, well-thought-out document shows your boss that you’ve done your homework. As Harvard Business Review explains, clarity and structure are the backbones of a successful pitch.

Step 2: Pressure-Test Your Pitch

Don’t keep your idea a secret. Share your proposal with a few trusted coworkers and mentors who will give honest, constructive feedback. Their objections will help you strengthen your pitch and prepare for hard questions your boss might ask.

Step 3: Build Peer Buy-In

If your idea passes the test, gather support from colleagues across departments. Say: “I believe we can boost revenue or reduce costs, and I’ve already spoken with Lorraine in Accounting and the Sales Manager—they’re behind it.”

Consensus makes your idea look less like a passion project and more like a viable, team-endorsed solution.

Step 4: Deliver with Confidence (and Real Numbers)

When it’s time to meet with your boss, show up prepared, enthusiastic, and realistic. Let the boss see how passionate you are—and that you’re ready to do the heavy lifting.

Use conservative estimates for Return on Investment (ROI). Avoid hyperbole like:

• “This will blow the competition out of the water!”
• “We’re going to rock the entire industry!”

You’re pitching an idea—not launching a TED Talk. Keep it clear, compelling, and grounded in data.

Step 5: Suggest a Trial Run

If your boss hesitates, pivot. Ask to test the idea on a small scale: “Can we do a small trial run and see how customers respond? I’ll work within your budget and report back in real time.”

According to McKinsey & Company, low-risk experiments are easier to greenlight—and harder to turn down.

Even if the answer is still no, don’t be discouraged. You’ve made your mark. You’ve done your due diligence. You got buy-in. You gave realistic ROI. They’ll look at you differently next time. You’re a player now.

And when another big idea strikes, you’ll be the first person they’re ready to hear out.

Want to See Ross in Action?

Watch this quick 2-minute video to see Ross Shafer break down the art of pitching big ideas with humor, clarity, and confidence. Whether you’re presenting to the C-suite or floating an idea at your next team meeting, this clip offers a masterclass in making your voice heard.

Click Here

Ready to Energize Your Team or Wow Your Leadership Summit?

Ross Shafer is more than just a six-time Emmy® Award–winning comedian—he’s a nationally acclaimed motivational keynote speaker, business reinvention expert, and corporate comedy strategist trusted by Fortune 500 companies.

Whether you need to motivate a team, inspire innovation, or bring intelligent humor to your next event, Ross delivers with ROI-driven storytelling, business insight, and laughs that land.

Hire Ross Shafer for your next event and see the difference a world-class speaker makes.

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Could you lead a company on the brink of collapse?

It’s easy to be a leader when profits are high and growth is predictable. But real leaders are forged in fire—when the bottom drops out and survival means making painful, unpopular, and high-stakes decisions. That’s the kind of leader Jon Vrabely proved himself to be.

In 2005, Jon Vrabely was one of several vice presidents at Huttig Building Products, based in St. Louis, Missouri. The company was riding high on the back of a booming housing market, bringing in over $1.1 billion in revenue. But by 2006, the U.S. mortgage crisis shattered the housing sector—and Huttig was hit hard.

A Crisis that Required Candor and Courage

As revenues plummeted by nearly 50%, Huttig’s board scrambled for answers. Many floated half-hearted, incremental changes. But Vrabely had the nerve to speak truth to power. “Huttig’s current strategy will kill this 125-year-old company,” he warned, presenting a bold, research-backed turnaround plan. Impressed by his clarity and courage, the board replaced the long-time CEO with the then 41-year-old Vrabely—just as the market continued to spiral.

Radical Change, Relentless Focus

Vrabely didn’t flinch. He quickly made tough calls:

• Wrote off two unprofitable projects worth $16.1 million
• Shut down 18 of 45 distribution centers
• Laid off nearly half the company’s workforce—including close colleagues

At the same time, he went on offense. While competitors floundered, Vrabely seized their talent, their product lines, and even acquired struggling rivals at discount prices.

According to Harvard Business Review, transformative leaders stay agile and opportunistic in the face of adversity. Vrabely embodied that.

A Measured Comeback

Huttig’s recovery was slow—but steady. Since 2012, the company has:

• Rehired approximately 200 employees
• Increased sales by 8.1%
• Returned to consistent profitability

Vrabely didn’t just save Huttig—he future-proofed it. His ability to make tough decisions, act with speed, and embrace uncomfortable truths earned him respect not just within the company, but across the industry. Jon is a model of a leader who faced reality, defied conventional wisdom, and risked everything to steer his company to safety.

His story is a powerful reminder that decisive, ethical leadership can turn even the most dire situations around. It also underscores the need for companies to cultivate and listen to voices within their ranks who are willing to challenge the status quo.

Final Thoughts: Crisis Reveals Character

When the storm hits, true leadership emerges. Jon Vrabely didn’t wait for permission to do the right thing—he acted with urgency, clarity, and conviction. His story is more than a case study in corporate turnaround. It’s a testament to the power of honest leadership, decisive action, and resilience under pressure.

Let Vrabely’s journey serve as a reminder: the next great leader in your organization may already be in the room—ready to speak the hard truth and do what it takes. Will you listen?

Want to Inspire Fearless Leadership in Your Organization?

Ross Shafer shares real-world case studies like Jon Vrabely’s to show audiences how bold leadership—rooted in truth and action—can drive lasting change. His keynotes are equal parts motivational, insightful, and unforgettable.

Book Ross Shafer for your next event and equip your team with the courage to lead through crisis.

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Are you ever curious about why some people get hired over others? Me too. Luckily I have a sneaky way to find answers to these kinds of questions. I ask them in plain view of the world! Last month, as I was filling in as the morning drive talk radio host on Denver’s 710AM – KNUS, I decided to take my curiosity public. I booked an interview with a woman named Amanda Augustine. She is a top-tier career counselor from a company called The Ladders.

Her daily mission is to help connect you with your next best job – at any stage of your life. I wanted to see if there was a formula anyone could use to “land the job” over the competition. My first question for Amanda was simple.

ROSS: Three candidates are vying for the same job. Their skill levels and experience are pretty much equal. Are there any tips or tricks people should know to make sure they are the one who gets hired?

AMANDA: Yes! Skills can be taught. Experience can be gained. But the person who gets hired will likely be the person the company thinks would be a good “fit” for their organization’s culture.

ROSS: What do companies consider a cultural “fit?”

AMANDA: Every organization has a personality – a vibe – and companies want to hire nice people they think will “get” them…and be fun to work with.

No brainer, right? If you had a choice wouldn’t you rather work alongside people who thought and acted like you? People who share your same work ethic?People who make you think…make you laugh? So rule #1 is be pleasant and easy to like.

But there’s more. Here are a few little known tips Amanda likes for scoringhigh in the interview.

1. Do your research about the company.  When you’ve set up an interview, go to the social networks to see what people are saying about this organization. Read their Wikipedia page to learn their history, their ups and downs, and any proud acquisition moments. You should go into the interview as an expert on this company. Ah, but it is also important for you to know that your interviewer has done research on you. According to www.jobsite.com, over 92% of all employers will monitor your social networks to see if you are engaging in online arguments – or posting unflattering pictures of yourself drunk or half naked.

2. Wake up the day of the interview and behave like a model citizen. Be nice to everyone. Smile and listen when you pass people. If you are being taken to the interview by a corporate shuttle…keep in mind that you’re probably being watched by your driver. It is likely that he/she is being paid to evaluate your behaviorand language while in the vehicle.

3. When you walk into the building, the receptionist isn’t just taking calls. He or she is the “Director of First Impressions” so make your first impression is a friendly, engaged one. He or she will talk about you to others.

4. Once in the interview, make it your mission to ask at least three questions. Getting the job is a two-way street so be participative. Ask things like, “What should I know about this company that I can’t find online?” “What types of people thrive in their positions here?” “I think I have a good idea about what this job requires but are there other duties or responsibilities that weren’t outlined in the job listing?” Ask questions that start with, “Who,” “What,” “Where,” “When,” “How,” and “Please describe.” Open-ended questions like that get the interviewer chatting. Chatting, exchanging opinions, and laughing help develop rapport. Asking questions demonstrate that you are taking initiative to learn things beyond the obvious.

While interviews may be stressful, there is good news in all of this. What might startle you is that you are probably worth more money than you are currently being paid. The Ladders has a page on their website called,The High Demand Heat Map which will show you the location and salaries of thousands of jobs in your preferred job category.

Wouldn’t it be nice to know that you are underpricing your talents and that someone else out there might fight to hire you?

Ross Shafer is the author of six business books and is a popular keynote speaker to Fortune 1000 companies. His newest book, ABSOLUTELY NECESSARY – Bulletproof Tactics for Putting Yourself in High Demand is a must read for anyone who desires to rise faster than the competition. Ross is also an Emmy winner for his work as a comedian, talk show host, and writer. Learn more about Ross at:  www.RossShafer.com

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“The idea didn’t fail. It was just ahead of its time.”

“We didn’t have enough money to execute this properly.”

“Timing was wrong. We should revisit this in the fall.”

The true reason your idea was dead-on-arrival was because you launched your idea in a vacuum. You forgot your idea had to “click” with AN AUDIENCE. If there is no support (i.e. demand)the idea will always fail. If what you are selling isn’t better or different enough,the idea will fail. If the timing of your product or service is “off” for some reason…it will fail.If you are lucky, the failure is small enough that nobody will notice. If you’re UN-lucky, the failure can be an epic debacle and you will be famous for it.

Right now, I am in Quebec City, Quebec.  I am sitting outside the stunning Fairmont Le Chateau Frontenac Hotel. Montreal is 40 minutes away. My view is replete with lovely bistros and art alleys. The neighborhood looks and feels like Paris, France. No wonder. More than 80% of the residents proudly speak French as their first language. You’ve all heard that the province of Quebec has repeatedly tried to become it’s own sovereign country – separate from the rest of Canada. Why? Supporters of the separation movement want to prevent Anglophone assimilation and preserve the French language and the French Canadian culture. But since more than 90% of the other Canadian provinces are English speaking, the “separatists” are in the tiny minority. Since 1980, the separatists have lost six public referendums to break away from the rest of the country. Separation may have sounded like a good idea to a group of French loyalists…but it just didn’t fly. There was no audience for the idea and its ardent proponent, Rene Levesque, will forever be linked to it’s demise.

Our 16^th U.S. President, Abe Lincoln, heard a lot of “good ideas” that ultimately failed. Lincoln concluded, “With public sentiment nothing can fail. Without it, nothing can succeed.” Good ideas need fan support.

The Nike “Air Jordan” shoe launched in 1984 and the NBA banned it because it featured “non-regulation” colors. Michael Jordan ignored the ban and wore the shoes anyway. Public sentiment was so vocally triumphant that the NBA reversed the ban.

29 versions of the Air Jordan later, the shoe still accounts for over $2 billion of Nike’s sales each year.

In my various TV and business careers I have been labeled a “Serial Re-inventor.” I seem to have an endless supply of curious notions. The successes seem to outweigh the failures. When I tried to change the Washington State Song to the rock hit “Louie, Louie” the public was with me.  The effort was rewarded with 288 days of press coverage and a Dubious Achievement Award from Esquire magazine. Yet, when I led a campaign to make “The Mutt” the National Dog of America, the National Kennel Club and the tens of millions of pure breed dog owners thought the idea was sacrilegious. “The Mutt” campaign withered in under two weeks. No fan support. Nobody remembers that campaign because I stopped the effort when it was obvious we couldn’t get traction.

Today, software companies and App developers launch imperfect “Beta” versions because they know their first attempt probably isn’t totally ready. And we accept that. Developers encourage user feedback and will send usupdates; which is fine with us. Failure teaches you the lesson that you can’t (and don’t) know everything.

So, if you have an idea you think will revolutionize your division or propel your company into the Fortune 100, here is how to launch your idea before your budgettakes off on a wild goose chase.

1.  Turn your idea into a written proposal. To the best of your knowledge and research, explain why your idea makes sense. It would either make money or save money. A written proposal shows that you have spent time “thinking this through.”

2.  Give your “proposal” to a handful of people you respect to give you honest feedback. This will give you the chance to hear objections you may not have considered.

3.  If you still want to advance your idea, ask your peers if they would support your idea. The purpose of getting buy-in from peers is so that you can go to The Boss with, “I’ve got something to show you. I think we have an opportunity to make more/save money and  I’ve got the support of Lorraine in Accounting – and Sam in Sales.”

4.  When you make your presentation to The Boss, be confident and enthusiastic. Show The Boss you really care about this. Do your homework and give The Boss a projected R.O.I. of such an idea. Avoid using hyperbole and fantasy numbers. Be realistic.

5.  If  The Boss hedges with, “I just don’t see it.” Ask for a low cost/no cost trial run. Say, “Can we at least see what our audience thinks of this? I’ll make sure we stay under budget andI’ll bring the raw numbers back to you in real time.”

It will be very hard for The Boss to turn down a low risk exploratory test like that. Better yet, you proved that you can perform your due diligence with wise analysis.

From my experience, The Boss’s door is always open to someone who prepares.  You certainly have the edge over the dolt who tries to intercept The Boss in the parking garage with an unsupported, half-baked water cooler pitch.

The post Ideas Hatched in a Vacuum…Often Suck. appeared first on Ross Shafer, Funny Motivational Speaker - Official Website.

Here is how to get noticed. You must be able to show management that you think beyond your own job and tasks. Prove to them that you can not only nail your job but that you can be a pipeline for an endless flow of ideas that will either

• make a lot of money for your company or
• save a lot of money.

By example, one pharmacy employee read that 60% of family members were taking the wrong prescription. (a husbands accidentally taking his wife’s meds and vice versa) So, this employee proposed that the pill bottles should be flat instead of round. That way the pill-taker could read their name clearly on a flat surface.

If you’ve ever tried to read the label on a small round pill bottle you know what I mean. That idea went on to differentiate Target Pharmacy and received an innovation award from Time Magazine in 2005. So, how do you start? You have to examine every work process. Then, find out how the end recipient of that process experiences it. Is the process unclear? Is the process cumbersome? Is the process necessary? Could the process be automated? Then, you write down how you could improve the process. Ah, you found a better way? So how do you present your BIG IDEA? Well first, don’t blast through the bosses door and announce, “I have a brilliant idea!” Be smart. Do fact-based research. Make sure your idea is a new idea. You will look dumb if your idea is too obvious and been tried.

Next, ask yourself if your idea will make money or save money? If you can pass these two tests, you might be ready to present…but don’t go in alone. Get “buy-in” from somebody in your department or your company who already has credibility. Management always has time to hear well-thought-out ideas from trusted thinkers. Now, even if your idea isn’t adopted, you’ve shown your boss that you are thinking beyond your job. Two-three weeks later, come up with another idea and repeat the process. Eventually, one of your ideas will stick. And you will be delighted to know that you are being considered as a person who could be an invaluable resource. This is what job security looks like!

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