All Things Consulting
Principal of J. G. Richards Consulting, Jan helps companies improve profitability and revenue as they decrease business complexity and costs. This occurs in many ways, including: streamlining business operations; project management for major change and process improvement teams; coaching leaders of major change programs; creating long-range visions and strategic plans. A WIC Board member, Jan oversees WIC's strategic initiatives and mentoring programs.
"The finish line." -- When you read those words, what do you think? And what do you feel? Do you imagine, or recall, experiences of: Soaring across a finish line? Struggling to cross it? Missing a finish line altogether, despite your best intentions and most dedicated preparation? If you’re like most people, your experience with finish lines – and goal achievement – covers the full range from exuberance to missing the mark at times. Goal-setting and goal achievement is, of … [Read more...]
We’re human. All of us. (You, too). And sometimes we find we can’t do it all, after all. -- So how do you ask for help? Maybe the thing we should focus on is why we hesitate to ask for help. It’s easy to think these things as a consultant: –You have to have all the answers. –You’re supposed to be done learning. –You’re being watched and being judged. And on that last count? -- You probably are, if we’re honest. But don’t worry. The people you work with (including … [Read more...]
As year-end looms and you work to meet the year’s final goals, here are two of many possible scenarios. 1. You are GOOD for the finish line. You have the right time, money, energy, attention, skills and other resources you need to get the job done. 2. You are HOPING miracles are real…because you need one now. In this case, priorities may be unclear, or absent. Resources may be limited, or poorly aligned with your goals. Skills, knowledge or experience available to get the job done may … [Read more...]
It’s harvest season. That’s true for people who make their living from the land. And it’s harvest season for you, too, as a business owner and consultant. These six weeks from mid-September through the end of October can be golden, and one of the highest productivity times of the year. That’s because, among other things: - The pressure’s on if you have annual goals that you still need to meet (and most of us do). - There’s still time to adjust to the … [Read more...]
What stops you, or your team, from achieving your goals? You might be surprised by the answer. Sometimes the biggest reason you're blocked from achieving success is...you. Do you scoff at the mere possibility that this is true? First, think back on difficult times and experiences. Perhaps these were times when: - You became overwhelmed - Your work - or life - became excessively complex - You fell short of your goals and expectations Now, consider how, and why these … [Read more...]
The process of change is largely the same, no matter whether you're trying to transform a company or just streamline one process or a part of your own life. To make successful change requires that you also change: - Expectations The "story" you tell yourself about what's likely to happen in the future has a lot to do with the opportunities you can even see. - Focus of attention If you believe change is possible, you'll look for small but steady signs of progress. And if you … [Read more...]
Connections can make you if you have them. They can make success take far longer to achieve, if you don't. To connect for success and results, follow these four basic steps: 1. Strategize 2. Be creative 3. Be prepared to exchange 4. Plan ahead - things always take longer than you think they will Let's take a closer look at each step: 1. Strategize You have a vision or goal (whether you realize it or not, you do). Knowing that, what resources do you need for success? Of these … [Read more...]
Do you sometimes struggle to stay focused and moving forward? Are you uncertain at times about what your next best move is as you work to reach and connect with your target customers? Do you sometimes feel overwhelmed with all there is to do as a small business owner? We may be able to help you through WIC Mentoring. Our spring session starts soon. It will run for six weeks from April 5 through May 10. We're looking for a group of 6-8 people who are ready to build their business … [Read more...]
The Fall 2010 WIC Mentoring Group is quickly taking shape, with just a couple of spots still available. Again this Fall, WIC Members Desiree Lehrbaum and I will lead the Mentoring Group. We developed and piloted the program in 2009, and also led the Spring, 2010 group. If you think a peer-to-peer mentoring experience may be right for you, take a close look at this opportunity. We will meet by webinar (and have an in-person kickoff session, if we can) on Wednesdays, 10-11 am, starting … [Read more...]
Are you feeling overwhelmed by the need to make improvements in your business, yet you can't seem to find the time to do so? Have you lost some of the fun you once felt from having your own business? And do you sometimes feel the need to have a team of peers to bounce ideas off? If so, you may be perfect for the next session of WIC’s Mentoring Program, planned for this fall. … [Read more...]
