Book Review: Mash-up!

Mash-up! How to Use Your Multiple Skills to Give You an Edge, Make Money, and Be Happier by Ian Sanders and David Sloly, 246 pages

In this book, Sanders and Sloly argue that the way businesses run today, people need to have versatile skills, allowing them to switch gears and become experts in fields that vary widely. For example, one of the authors is a business consultant and a hypnotherapist, as well as an author and lecturer. Throughout this quick read, the authors present different ways to branch out into new fields without dropping current jobs or projects, as well as ways to market yourself as someone who specializes in multiple fields. Along the way, they introduce the reader to several "mashers" who are juggling multiple jobs at once.

This is certainly intriguing, and they're definitely right that versatile skills are important in today's business world. And maybe I'm just looking at this from the perspective of someone who is lucky enough to have a job where I learn something new every day and get to work on a variety of projects throughout the day, week, and year, but I think they're a bit narrow-minded to say that the best way to "mash" is to have different jobs and job titles at the same time. There's definitely a bit of a sneer when it comes to the idea of someone staying in the same job, or same type of job, for years and years; instead, I would assume that new projects and skills are somewhat of a requirement if you want to stay in a field for any length of time. Sanders and Sloly's ideas of "mashing" seem a bit more suited to those who simply can't settle down, or just haven't found a job they love.

That said, this book will definitely appeal to and be useful to entrepreneurs, freelancers, and others who like the idea of a hyphenate life. It also has some pretty cool ideas that can be applied to those of us who are good with just the one job title, especially their system of ranking the various qualities of a project/job (On a scale of 1-10, how much do you love it? How annoying are the people you work for and with? Are you getting enough out of it financially? etc.) Like I said before, it's a quick read, and as long as you can get past their Britishisms (Whilst? Seriously?), it's worth a skim.

Third Party Contracts & Commercial Leases @ SLATE

Our Downtown Neighbors Are Hosting Legal Clinics!

Gus's World Famous Fried Chicken, coming to St. Louis

As reported last week in the St. Louis Post-Dispatch, Memphis-based Gus's World Famous Fried Chicken will be opening a St. Louis Location in late Spring. In Sorkin's Directory of Business & Government (a terrific database available at you public library and on our website) it's confirmed on their business leads for February 9-23rd, 2015, with a location of 8343 Manchester Ave., just east of downtown Maplewood. Hooray for this business development!

Motivation is Key to Operating a Successful Business

Motivation is key to running a profitable business. By bringing out the best in your people, an organization can be more productive. There are many ways to establish a rapport with your employees that will profit your business. The way you speak to your employees, the way your message gets across to them, means a lot. It's not only what you say, buy also how you say it.

• Do be aware of how you speak and write - it does make a difference to employee motivation.
• Do use active listening in all conversations with your employees.
• Do treat your employees fairly, even if you prefer some over others. 
• Do give all your employees equal attention. 
• Do try to forestall the us-versus-them workplace mentally.
• Do speak clearly and at a comfortable, relaxed pace when addressing staff.
• Do use "you" and the person's name to warm your praise.
• Do remember to praise your employees. No one wants to hear nothing or only negative thoughts.
• Do say "I" when criticizing an employee to diminish the potential for argument.
• Don't forget to use body language to project sincerity, concern, and honesty.
• Don't hesitate to provide compliments and ask about how there day is going.
• Don't forget that your employees have a life too, ask about the seminar they had to attended for work to show your are interested in their work.

Motivation is personal.  As a manager, it is your responsibility to keep your staff motivated. Another list of do's and don't includes:

• Do get input from employees about what they want before setting up a motivational program.
• Don't assume that every employee reacts the same way to a given motivational driver.
• Don't take a "my way or the highway" attitude toward managing employees.
• Do let employees take ownership responsibility for their jobs.
• Don't fail to address lack of motivation as soon as you see it.
• Do offer opportunities for learning and advancement.
• Do take every opportunity to broaden employees' jobs.
• Don't keep all the decision0making authority to yourself.
• Do make employees part of a team and foster cooperation.
• Do build employees' self-esteem by using praise instead of critcism.
• Do look for ways to have fun.
• Don't structure a rewards system that is inequitable. If you take a few chosen employees out for lunch, do so with others as well. 

There is always a communication challenge when you are trying to motivate your employees. Younger workers care little for tradition. They view success differently. Instead, younger workers will place a higher value on individuality, personal freedom, and professional flexibility and creativity.

It is always a challenge to motivate your employees. Remember, before you were a manager, you too acted in the same way. The carrot that brought you to your current job are still there for your employees. Think of how you wanted to be treated. Did it work to keep you motivated? Ask yourself why? Ask yourself, would you like to work for someone like yourself? If your answer is no, think again about your management style. Maybe it's time to be retrospective and change.