Our blog.

The Brilliance of Action

ThinkingPartners — Fri, 25 May 2012 00:35:04 +0000

As a business coach, a lot of what I do is commit people to action. Just a little nudge, a gentle push- like a momma bird pushing her young out of the nest.

8 Core Beliefs of Extraordinary Bosses

ThinkingPartners — Tue, 24 Apr 2012 10:53:56 +0000

The best managers have a fundamentally different understanding of workplace, company, and team dynamics. See what they get right.

Six Daily Practices

ThinkingPartners — Sun, 22 Apr 2012 16:09:54 +0000

Do you ever ask what it really takes to attract all the high-end clients you can handle?

Its a dialy game of focus and motivation, but having a plan can help. Here are six daily practives recommened by Robert Middleton that make great sense.

"The Big Enough Company": Bigger May Not Be Better."

ThinkingPartners — Wed, 29 Feb 2012 20:44:21 +0000

When we advise clients on how best to design a business, we often look for that "sweet spot" - the balance between moving parts where the business meets the entrepreneur's goals for time, freedom, social impact, independence and, of course, money. Not too big and not too small- just the right size and effort. Here is a great article on why growth for growth's sake isn't a necesary goal for all business owners

Do you know what your "Original Medicine" is?

ThinkingPartners — Thu, 23 Feb 2012 22:19:02 +0000

Many cultures believe that each individual is “original medicine” - a creation that nowhere else, never before has been created.

Nor will it be again in the future. Though we share much of our genetic map, anatomy, biology and physiology with other humans and animals, no two people are the same. We may have the same number of chromosomes and bones, similar blood types and skin, eye or hair color. However, our particular genetic expression, voice, fingerprint, gait, and personality are all ours alone.

No one else now, ever before or ever again, carries the same combination of gifts, talents, resources, opportunities and challenges. The unique formulation that we represent is our “original medicine”.

A Broader View on a Fundraising Board

ThinkingPartners — Tue, 21 Feb 2012 13:14:40 +0000

I've found myself in several conversations lately with clients and collegues who are are facing the challenges of raising funds for their organizations. A common thread is the frequencey of board members and other supporters who are dedicated to the mission but resistance to asking for donations. I just finished this article about just that subject. It clearly and concisely addresses nine excellent alternatives to the direct "ask."

Connecting

ThinkingPartners — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 10:54:16 +0000

I just read this article, Forget Networking. How to be a Connector, and it resonated with me -- not all the super flattering things they wrote about connectors (a little self-deprication?) -- but in the way that I feel both Ana and I know a lot of people and are naturally drawn to share the connections. In the article they write "Perhaps one of the most important attributes of a connector is a willingness to help and to reach out even if there is no obvious or immediate payback." I suppose I might differ with the concept that there's no immediate "payback." In fact there is -- there's something extremely rewarding to the heart and soul to make connections between people that you know have the potential to be helpful and useful to one another.

Six Daily Practices

ThinkingPartners — Tue, 24 Jan 2012 21:53:59 +0000

Robert Middleton is one of my favorite resources for the solo entrepreneur on all-things-marketing.

Here is his list of Six Daily Practices for staying in touch with your clients. Enjoy!- Ana

Getting More Out of LinkedIn

ThinkingPartners — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 22:55:14 +0000

I've often wondered what to do with LinkedIn, feeling that I'm not getting enough out of it. Found this article and I think it has some good strategies: read it and see what you think!.

Give the Gift That Gives Back

ThinkingPartners — Tue, 10 Jan 2012 19:24:28 +0000

Thinking Partners was developed expressly with the idea of helping socially conscious businesses succeed. Our thinking: Where better to direct our life energy and experience than to bring smart business strategy and strong marketing & communications to businesses and organizations that already have their heart in the right place.