With The Great Resignation, Great Gloom, and Quiet Quitting plaguing employers, organizations are increasingly recognizing the importance of employee experience (EX). A positive EX can lead to a range of benefits, including increased engagement and productivity, reduced turnover, and improved customer satisfaction. Auditing the employee journey is a crucial step in identifying areas for improvement […]
Category: Blog
How to Generate Qualified Sales Leads on LinkedIn
In a podcast interview, I was recently asked what sales technique was most effective in building my agency, Anvil, for maximum valuation. I answered: “I’d say networking on LinkedIn.” I went on to describe my sales philosophy and how I applied it on LinkedIn. By the end of the interview, I realized I needed to […]
The Two Exercises That Can Change Your Career and Business
Over the past three decades, I’ve had the privilege of building businesses, advising entrepreneurs, leading agencies, mentoring professionals, and speaking with thousands of marketers about career growth. One theme keeps resurfacing regardless of age, title, or income level. Most people are successful despite how they spend their time, not because of it. I was reminded […]
Living the Credo: 10 Lessons in 90 Days
In 2013, I blew up my agency by creating a Credo. It magnetized the team and both repelled, and attracted, talent. Over the next 90 days, I experienced 85 percent employee turnover. Through the difficult process of rebuilding my company, I learned a great deal about myself, my teammates, clients, and business. In the end, […]
The 5 W’s of a Winning Startup
It’s been a pleasure advising startups at a group leader with EO Portland’s Ignitor program. While advising the enthusiastic entrepreneurs, I’m discovering patterns. My OCD/anal-retentive nature drives my need to identify, organize and communicate new discoveries. I’ve developed best practices for startups, taking inspiration from the classic “5 Ws” of strategic planning: Who, What, When, […]
Hire for Talent and Traits, not Skills, Knowledge or Experience
As founder of career community pdxMindShare, I’ve met thousands of professionals over the last decade and heard their unique stories. Over that time, I’ve had the opportunity to identify trends in what an ideal employee (and employer) should look like. As the former owner of a digital marketing agency, I’ve also been in the unique […]
The Balanced Tail: How To Properly Integrate AI Into Your Company
Artificial Intelligence (AI) has reached an inflection point. What began as an experimental playground for technologists is now a competitive necessity for every organization. Yet, many business owners still struggle with a key question: how much is too much? The answer lies not in the tools themselves but in how leaders integrate them ethically, strategically, […]
Tips for a Successful Internship from a Former Intern
A few years ago, I had lunch with a former intern and was able to gain valuable insights into improving our company, from a fresh perspective. It also gave me an opportunity to share my tips for recent graduates looking to ensure a successful internship or entry-level position. My perspective is based on 20 […]
Fake It Till You Make It: Navigating Imposter Syndrome as an Entrepreneur
Ever stood at the helm of your own creation, surrounded by people who trust your vision, while a voice inside whispers, “You have no idea what you’re doing”? Welcome to the world of Imposter Syndrome – my constant companion throughout 26 years of entrepreneurship. When I launched pdxMindShare with nothing but determination and a hunch […]
Why Does Your Business Need Anti-Harassment Training?
Originally Published on HR Annie Consulting Website, by Cindy Free, CEO Do your managers know their legal obligations when an employee shares a concern or lodges a complaint? Do they know what to do next and how to compliantly document it? Employers are obligated to make sure the workplace is safe and free from […]
