Steve Adubato’s 12 Keys to Making the Connection

1. Attitude is everything!
   
   
2. Tap into your passion
   
   
3. Be in the moment…”Auto-pilot” is your enemy
   
   
4. Engage…Don’t lecture
   
   
5. Be clear and concise…Get to the point!
   
   
6. Relax…Everyone gets nervous speaking in public
   
   
7. Admit mistakes and apologize…Quickly
   
   
8. Listen…Really listen!
   
   
9. Confront…But don’t be nasty or negative
   
   
10. Care…It’s about them, not you
    
    
11. Think relationships…Not sales
    
    
12. Accept feedback…It’s a gift (even if it hurts)

10 Keys to Leadership in Challenging Times

1. Remember, ATTITUDE is just about EVERYTHING for a leader when times get tough. (If you look defeated or pessimistic, then you are ¾ of the way there.)
   
   
2. State the CHALLENGE or problem in CLEAR, unambiguous language (Don’t sugar coat it!) Then, give concise direction as to what needs to be done and why.
   
   
3. Communicate a sense of URGENCY…without PANIC.
   
   
4. Be a FACILITATOR, not a dictator. (Run meetings, have conversations and send e-mail that get “other people talking.”)
   
   
5. Make hard DECISIONS instead of waiting until you get “all the information” (Because there is no such thing.)
   
   
6. Be PREPARED to be unpopular. GREAT leadership can be lonely.
   
   
7. Decide who is IN and who should be OUT, and then execute. (Carrying people who are “dead weight” will make the challenge even greater.)
   
   
8. See the challenge as an OPPORTUNITY to recognize and REWARD the “leaders” on your team.
   
   
9. If you don’t know, say so. (Leaders aren’t supposed to have all the answers and faking it is dangerous.)
   
   
10. Connect the dots…ALWAYS…
    Connect the Dots!

YOU Are the Brand…
Because your reputation is all you’ve got

• Provide EXCEPTIONAL customer service that causes people to remember WHO you are and WHY you matter.
  
  
• FOLLOW UP and FOLLOW THROUGH.
  
  
• Even in a high-tech world, quality “FACE TIME” is still the BEST way to build your brand.
  
  
• Develop a CATCHY but substantive SLOGAN that reflects your business philosophy.
  
  
• Exude confidence that what you offer has value…DON’T BE SHY.
  
  
• Ensure your website clearly reflects WHO you are and HOW you help others…specifically.
  
  
• See every presentation as an OPPORTUNITY to CONNECT with your audience and help them see how YOU can help THEM.
  
  
• Write an article, with your photo, mini-bio, website and e-mail, that offers CONCRETE SOLUTIONS to industry challenges.
  
  
• Build and constantly update an electronic database of clients and prospects and SHARE relevant information on a regular basis.
  
  
• While promoting YOUR brand, always remember…it’s about THEM—not YOU!