The Birkman: Preferred Work Styles

 

by The Wineinger Company

Management Styles

Management Scores

An important point to remember about the Management Scores is that Birkman does not measure skill or aptitude in any way. This means that a high score on a Management Style does not necessarily mean the person will be a good manager. The results only provide information about the style that will likely be seen by that individual.

Corporate Styles

Social Styles

Intellectual / Problem Solving Styles

The following pairs have scores that add to eleven. So, by definition, if an individual is high on one s/he will be low on the other.

Descriptions of Combinations of Thinking and Problem Solving Preferences

The following is a description of possible combinations of the intellectual/problem solving style scores.

Conceptual-Global

Individuals with high scores on Conceptual and Global are strategic thinkers and are often comfortable with ambiguity. They can be quite patient when reflecting on all of the possibilities – even those that have little chance of actually coming to fruition. Open to new ideas, they prefer to consider all facets of a problem or issue before taking action. Their problem solving approach would often be considered more intuitive than fact-based. They consider it their priority to make sure that the problem has been thoroughly identified and defined. Then they move to take action on solving the problem.

Conceptual-Linear

Individuals with high scores on both Conceptual and Linear will use their imagination to solve problems, yet their imaginative solutions will be pragmatic. They couple a desire to act quickly with an ability to be creative. Their creativity will have an underlying logic to it that they can explain fairly easily. Drawn to complex problems, they are confident enough in their abilities to start work without a clear-cut plan and make adjustments on the fly. Their creativity helps them solve problems quickly, but their tendency to plan on the run makes it difficult for others to follow their leaps of logic.

Concrete-Global

Individuals with high scores on Concrete and Global look to facts and logic to provide them a sense of comfort in their problem solving. Nevertheless, these individuals are ready to take on large problems. Their inclination is to think they can solve big, sweeping problems in a short time. These individuals are good planners who will work hard to make sure their plan is carried through. The plan will need to have practical goals and objective to meet one of the criteria important to this group of people. Often, the objectives will be expressed in a numerical fashion. Time spent on planning is seen as a wise investment. Concrete-Global people are inclined to test their plan more against its underlying logic than against reality.

Concrete-Linear

Individuals scoring high on both Concrete and Linear are practical and action-oriented. Their credo is “Give us the facts and get out of our way!” These individuals see the use of logic and hard analysis as valuable and necessary. On the other hand, they are impatient with the planning process and often question its value. They are at their best when the problem to be fixed can be readily analyzed and contain an element of urgency. Objective and pragmatic, these individuals are not drawn to problems just because they are problems. The problems need to have practical results if solved.

https://thewineingercompany.com/

2 – Social Business Model

 

The Social Business Model Canvas is a tool for creating a solid business model around your social enterprise. It’s also a collaborative tool that helps you communicate different business models with your stakeholders and brainstorm new ones. 

A nice variation of the Business Model Canvas.

Beneficiary Segments

Clearly identify who your beneficiary segments are -- even if they aren't paying you and there is no place for them in the regular business model canvas

Social And Customer Value Proposition

Ensure that you have laid out a compelling rationale that will drive your customers to buy without forgetting about your impact on society

Impact Measures

Develop clear thinking around what kind of social impact you're creating and how it could be measured

Surplus

Plan and communicate what happens with profits and where you aim to reinvest them

Example:

https://bit.ly/3QIvKHJ

Executive Networking: How to Make the Most of Every Opportunity

 

For successful executives, leaders and entrepreneurs alike, there’s never a point in your career where networking is done. Just because you feel you’ve reached the top or don’t have time for it, networking—especially “offline”—is tremendously profitable in attracting new opportunities, ideas and talent.

While digital networking is important, with 80 percent of global CEOs engaging socially on LinkedIn, it will never replace going out and actually cultivating and building your network.

Great leaders are proactive in developing inner circles that balance like-minded individuals with those that challenge them, ultimately providing new business opportunities. As executives, however, we don’t have time to waste, so I use the following tips to make the most out of every networking opportunity—and you can use them too.

Focus Your Purpose

Making the most of every executive networking opportunity requires you to be specific in your purpose. If you don’t have a clearly defined business goal or aren’t certain what your “why” is, then how can someone else help you?

Networking will be most profitable for you when you master this targeted approach. Focus on meeting with and building a diverse group of individuals and surround yourself with the people that can help you reach specific business goals. Commit to your purpose and as these relationships grow, consider how they fit into that burgeoning “why.” Someone may be more valuable in expanding your business while another person would serve you best in a mentor role.

As you provide your value to them as well, you’ll find that this purposeful networking leads to more satisfying and effective connections.

Cultivating a Network Actually Takes Work

Rather than building a close circle of close friends and people from your company, concentrate on finding a small group of insightful outside voices. In a recent blog post, 8 Actionable Tips for Entrepreneurs, I talk about the importance of consistently keeping your eyes open for these connections because they won’t come to you organically, or surface from day-to-day operations.

Quite the contrary, finding people who challenge your ideas, push you to be better, and give you developmental feedback—the trifecta for success and growth—requires hard work. Find events, networking and otherwise, where you can connect with people that cross geographical, organizational and hierarchal lines, and you’ll be on your way to success:

“The executives who consistently rank in the top 20 percent of their companies in both performance and well-being have diverse but select networks—made up of high-quality relationships with people who come from several different spheres and from up and down the corporate hierarchy,” says Rob Cross and Robert J. Thomas, Harvard Business Review.

Give First, Be Authentic

Authenticity—both in business and in networking—is important for establishing reciprocal relationships with others in the executive arena. Long-term, rewarding professional partnerships don’t begin with a selfish attitude.

When first meeting someone you think could be helpful, offer your services first. Ask: What do you need help with right now? What do you see yourself needing the most support with in the future? Being authentic with connections and always trying to provide greater value makes them more likely to do the same for you. This sets the foundation for a strong network that is instrumental for everyone involved.

Executive networking is critical, and the right connections can help you scale your business and reach new levels of success. Remember to find your purpose, be authentic with everyone you meet, and put in the work to cultivate a network that works for everyone involved.

https://bit.ly/3ywweru

Dr. Robert Cialdini's 6 Principles of Persuasion

Over the past few weeks, we’ve explored the 6 principles of persuasion by Dr. Robert Cialdini, with more than 50 real-life marketing examples.

Here’s a recap of how these 6 principles work, and how to use them in your own marketing strategy:

In many social situations, we pay back what we received from others.

When you offer something first, people will feel a sense of indebtedness, which will make them more likely to comply with your subsequent requests. We’re deeply wired to be reciprocal.

There are three factors that will make this principle more effective:

• Offer something first – allow them to feel indebted to you
• Offer something exclusive – allow them to feel special
• Personalize the offer – make sure they know it’s from you

Learn more: Giving Before You Get: 10 Examples of Reciprocity in Marketing

_____

We tend to stick with whatever we’ve already chosen.

We are bombarded with hundreds of choices to make every single day. For convenience, we simply make a single decision and then stick to it for all subsequent related choices.

The way to earn customer loyalty using this principle is to make them commit to something (a statement/stand/identity). They will then feel an automatic compulsion to stick with it.

Follow these three ways to leverage off this principle:

• Ask your customers to start from small actions – so they’ll have to stick to it.
• Encourage public commitments – they’ll be less likely to back out.
• Reward your customers for investing time and effort in your brand.

Learn more: A Foot in the Door: 7 Examples of Commitment and Consistency in Marketing

_____

We tend to have more trust in things that are popular or endorsed by people that we like.

How to work it:

• Experts – Approval from credible experts in the relevant field
• Celebrities – Approval or endorsements from celebrities (paid or unpaid)
• Users – Approval from current/past users (ratings, reviews and testimonials)
• ‘Wisdom of crowds’ – Approval from large groups of other people
• Peers – Approval from friends and people you know

Learn More: I’ll Have What She’s Having: 15 Examples of Social Proof Used in Marketing

_____

We are more likely to comply with requests made by people we like.

That can range from our closest friends to complete strangers that we are attracted to.

This explains why we trust word-of-mouth recommendations from our peers, as well as stuff endorsed by our favorite singers.

Follow these factors to make the Liking principle work:

• Physical attractiveness – [Make your website] well-designed, function and suit what you’re selling.
• Similarity – Behave like a friend, not a brand. Show them that you can relate to, and understand them.
• Compliments – Have a voice; use social media platforms not to broadcast, but hold intimate conversations and form relationships with your customers.
• Contact and Cooperation – Fight for the same causes as your customers. Nothing builds rapport and closeness like good old-fashioned teamwork.
• Conditioning and Association – Associate your brands with the same values that you want to communicate and possess.

Learn more: Laws of Attraction: 7 Examples of the Liking Principle Used in Marketing

 _____

We follow people who look like they know what they’re doing.

This hold especially true in fields where we aren’t experts. Most headlines utilize this principle by including phrases like “scientists say”, “experts say”, “research shows”.

You can give off the air of authority if you pay attention of these factors:

• Titles – Positions of power/experience
• Clothes – Superficial cues that signal authority
• Trappings – Accessories/indirect cues that accompany authoritative roles

Learn more: Trust Me, I’m a Doctor: 7 Examples of the Authority Principle Used In Marketing

_____

We are always drawn to things that are exclusive and hard to come by.

We assume that things that are difficult to obtain are usually better than those that are easily available. We link availability to quality.

You can learn to trigger your customers’ sense of urgency with these methods:

• Limited-number – Item is in short supply and won’t be available once it runs out.
• Limited-time – Item is only available during that time period.
• One-of-a-kind Specials – Sometimes utilize one or both of the above techniques. Also from one-off events (e.g. collaborations, anniversaries)
• Utilising Competitions – Our inclination to want things more because other people also want them is often utilized in auctions or bids.

Learn more:  Hurry, While Stocks Last: 13 Examples of the Scarcity Principle Used in Marketing

Conclusion: Use these principles to your advantage, but remember to get the fundamentals right.

These principles are powerful because they bypass our rational minds, appealing to our subconscious instincts. They elicit what Dr. Cialdini terms the “click, whirr” automatic response in all of us.

However, do note that while these principles can help bring more awareness for your brand, the biggest factor that ultimately drives customer satisfaction, loyalty and sales is a great product.

All marketing efforts will only work when they’re supporting a product that brings true value to customers.

Full list of links:

1. Giving Before You Get: 10 Examples of Reciprocity in Marketing
2. A Foot in the Door: 7 Examples of Commitment and Consistency in Marketing
3. I’ll Have What She’s Having: 15 Examples of Social Proof Used in Marketing
4. Laws of Attraction: 7 Examples of the Liking Principle Used in Marketing
5. Trust Me, I’m a Doctor: 7 Examples of the Authority Principle Used In Marketing
6. Hurry, While Stocks Last: 13 Examples of the Scarcity Principle Used in Marketing

 Samuel Hum

15 cool small businesses that make people healthier, wealthier, smarter, and happier

They're breaking the mold. Jen Rubio, pictured, is the cofounder and president of luggage startup Away. Daniela Spector

 

Shana Lebowitz

Daniela Spector

• Cool small businesses emerge every day across the US.
• We put together a list of 15 small businesses that make people healthier, wealthier, smarter, or happier.
• Those small businesses include the independent bookstore Books are Magic and the beach-bound shuttle service The Free Ride.

---

Across the US, new small businesses are popping up every day. And they're rapidly revolutionizing areas like transportation, food, fashion and beauty, and gaming.

We scoured the web and asked our readers to identify some of their favorite small businesses (which the US government defines as employing 500 people or fewer). Below, we've listed 15 of the most innovative.

Since we're largely highlighting reader-nominated businesses, the companies on the list below aren't definitively the coolest small businesses in the country, but they are some of the coolest. Our criteria for inclusion, aside from having fewer than 500 employees, was that the companies had to improve society at large, meaning they make people healthier, wealthier, smarter, or happier. The businesses are not ranked.

Read on to learn about the small businesses that are making the world a better place to live.

NextGenVest

Kelly Peeler is the CEO and cofounder of NextGenVest.

Courtesy of Kelly Peeler

What it does: Helps students navigate the college financial-aid process. Trained college students provide assistance to college applicants via text message.

Why it's cool: The graduating class of 2016 owed an average of $17,126 in student debt (in New Hampshire, that figure shot up to $27,167). But many students aren't necessarily aware of the financial burden they're taking on when they apply. NextGenVest is a way to get timely and accurate information in their hands.

Read more about NextGenVest here.

The Free Ride

Alexander Esposito and James Mirras are the cofounders of The Free Ride.

 Courtesy of Free Ride

What it does: Offers passengers free rides to some beaches in the Hamptons, the Jersey Shore, Santa Monica, and San Diego. How? Electric cars eliminate the cost of fuel and the service is sponsored by advertisers (like JetBlue, seen in the photo).

Why it's cool: Beach-goers no longer have to drive themselves crazy looking for (and paying for) a few hours of parking. Plus, electric cars mean the service is environmentally friendly.

Read more about The Free Ride here.

Eu'Genia Shea

Naa-Sakle Akuete is the founder and CEO of Eu'Genia Shea.

Courtesy of Naa-Sakle Akuete

What it does: This mother-daughter-run business sells high-quality shea-butter products while supporting fair wages for the female workers in Ghana who make those products.

Why it's cool: Eu'Genia Shea donates 15% of its profits back to their female workers in Ghana, either in the form of a retirement fund or an education fund for their children. Each product comes with a personal touch — Akuete and her mother package them themselves in her Brooklyn apartment.

Happy Numbers

Evgeny Milyutin, right, and Ivan Kolomoets are the founders of Happy Numbers.

 Courtesy of Evgeny Milyutin

What it does: Helps teachers personalize math instructionthrough an artificial intelligence-enabled math education platform. The program provides interactive exercises for students and then delivers feedback to the teachers based on the students' performance.

Why it's cool: One-on-one education can be more effective than conventional classroom education, but that's not always realistic. HappyNumbers makes it possible. Plus, it helps smart, high-potential students who are nonetheless struggling (like Milyutin, a physics PhD who had a hard time with math in elementary school).

Read more about HappyNumbers here.

HQ Trivia

Rus Yusupov is a co-founder of HQ Trivia.

 Courtesy of HQ Trivia

What it does: Hosts free, live trivia events twice daily for people all over the world. Winners receive cash prizes.

Why it's cool: HQ Trivia has quickly become one of the most popular gaming apps on the market. It brings groups of friends together over something other than eating and drinking — while giving them a crash course in areas like history, pop culture, and literature.

Read more about HQ Trivia here.

Books Are Magic

Emma Straub, center, at Books Are Magic with Joanna Goddard, left, and Meg Wolitzer, right.

 Courtesy of Books Are Magic

What it does: This independent bookstore in Cobble Hill, Brooklyn is run by novelist Emma Straub and her husband, graphic designer Michael Fusco-Straub. The store hosts literary events and a wide selection of both fiction and non-fiction.

Why it's cool: There's no getting around it: New York City is running out of bookstores. Straub and Fusco-Straub are among a growing group of entrepreneurs trying to change that, to the delight of bibliophiles in all five boroughs.

Amino Apps

Ben Anderson is the CEO and co-founder of Amino Apps.

Courtesy of Ben Anderson

What it does: Allows users to create apps based on different interests and launch them through the Amino platform. Apps that are popular enough become stand-alone apps in the App store.

Why it's cool: Amino users can find people just like them all over the world, whether their passion is anime or veganism. The website encourages users to "go deep, geek out," bonding with these new friends and creating a product that other people can enjoy and learn from.

Slice

Ilir Sela is the founder and CEO of Slice.

 Courtesy of Ilir Sela

What it does: Lets customers order from local pizzerias (that aren't necessarily on services like Seamless) through a mobile app.

Why it's cool: CEO Ilir Sela's family has been in the pizza-making business for generations. His goal with Slice is to help local pizzerias making delicious pizza stand their ground against big chains making less delicious food, and against online ordering companies that favor those big chains.

Read more about Slice here.

Away

Jen Rubio is the cofounder, president, and chief brand officer of Away.

Daniela Spector

What it does: Creates functional, affordable luggage for modern travelers.

Why it's cool: Away was founded by two Warby Parker alums and the brands are similar: Both offer high-quality, fashionable products at reasonable price points because they're marketed direct to consumer.

Read more about Away here.

Nomad Health

Alexi Nazem is the cofounder and CEO of Nomad Health.

 Shelley Kusnetz

What it does: Helps connect freelance clinicians to work in healthcare systems.

Why it's cool: The US is expected to see a shortage of 90,000 physicians by the year 2025. Nomad Health allows doctors to find hospitals that really need their help. The company's CEO is a doctor himself, who saw firsthand how hard it was to get freelance work and aimed to find a solution.

Read more about Nomad Health here.

MarketSnacks

Nicolas Martell and Jack Kramer are the cofounders and co-CEOS of MarketSnacks.

 Courtesy of MarketSnacks

What it does: Puts out a daily finance newsletter geared toward millennials.

Why it's cool: The founders, former analysts at New York banks, recently made Forbes' "30 Under 30" list. Their goal is to make financial news concise and, most importantly, "digestible." Having started the company as a side job, they know how hard entrepreneurship can be, and so they make it a point to get on the phone every week with entrepreneurs seeking advice and share their wisdom.

Read more about MarketSnacks here.

Sweet Generation Bakery

Amy Chasan is the founder and owner of Sweet Generation.

Ben Schellpfeffer

What it does: The pastries in this New York City bakery are handmade by groups of at-risk youth learning professional skills.

Why it's cool: Sweet Generation is all about giving back to the local community. The bakery partners with schools and nonprofit organizations to offer paid jobs or internships for school credit. Plus, the company uses mostly whole, natural ingredients in their pastries.

AUrate

Sophie Kahn and Bouchra Ezzahraoui are the founders of AUrate New York.

 Courtesy of AUrate

What it does: Sells affordable, ethically sourced, high-quality gold jewelry.

Why it's cool: AUrate was initially self-funded through the founders' savings and through family and friends; the founders wanted to have revenue first, and then raise money based on that proof of concept. Today, the company has expanded its mission: For every purchase a customer makes, the company donates a book to a child in need.

Read more about AUrate here.

Habit

Neil Grimmer, CEO of Habit, pictured.

 Courtesy of Habit

What it does: Provides customers with DNA and other kinds of testing so they can learn more about their specific nutritional needs. Customers also receive personalized recipes from Habit.

Why it's cool: Habit was born out of founder Neil Grimmer's own struggles with health and weight loss. He teamed up with researchers across the globe to help people with similar issues find science-backed solutions that will work for them.

Read more about Habit here.

Our Story Bridal

Jacquelyn Ward and Ana Maes are the co-founders of Our Story Bridal.

Courtesy of Our Story Bridal

What it does: New York City's only bridal consignment boutiquesells designer wedding dresses at steep discounts.

Why it's cool: The founders launched the company based on their own struggles to sell their worn wedding dresses — and to help brides who want to look stunning on their wedding day but don't want to spend their life savings. Designers include Vera Wang, Monique Lhuillier, and Carolina Herrera, and discounts on dresses are up to 80%.

Read more about Our Story Bridal here.