Author: Scott Asai

Helping people develop their leadership skills to advance in their career

Knowing When & How to Fold

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Life is about how you respond. The average person will have 13 careers in their lifetime, at least one will be as an employee. Just like in poker, how do you know when it’s time to step away from a position (fold)?
I believe it comes down to “fit.” Character and competence are important, but you need to find a role that suits your individual strengths and fits within the team structure. You may be on the right bus (company), but ask yourself, “Am I on the right seat (role) on the bus?” Put your pride aside when it tells you “I can make this work.” Your job should be challenging, but know your strengths and limitations. Be true to yourself and to your employer about how effectively you are contributing. If you’re not producing at a high level because it’s outside of your skill set (and you won’t get trained properly with a generous learning curve), do the right thing and step down.
How do you exit properly?
Be gracious and honest. Don’t burn bridges you might cross in the future. Think of your career as a sub-category of your personal network. Last week I addressed the concept of work-life balance, where the lines of your career and personal relationships merge together.  Just like posting information on social media, what you say and do after leaving a job leaves a permanent imprint on the future of your career. Approach your supervisor and share with him/her why you don’t think your current position is a good fit. At that point, you have done your part (regardless of their response) so let the cards fall as they may. Your results are a reflection of your competence. The way you handle yourself is a reflection of your character.
This post hits home for me because in the past 6 months I’ve stepped away from two opportunities. I went in with an open mindset, but after a short amount of time, it was clear that I wasn’t a good fit for the position(s). In both situations, I had honest conversations with owners I have a great amount of respect for. Even though I would have liked it to work out differently; it was about doing the right thing. During our conversations, what mattered to me the most was respecting the person across from me and maintaining our relationship. There were points where I felt weak and vulnerable, because my ego wanted to make it work, but in the end we came to an agreement that what was best for the organization(s) was that we went our separate ways for the project(s). 

These experiences have taught me a lot about business and life. I hope my experiences will help shape and equip you to face the same types of scenarios in the future. 

Can you achieve work-life balance?

Scott Asai4 Comments
Just like a relationship, work-life rarely achieves a 50-50 balance. 
Today’s career is about finding the perfect “fit” that is:
1) an extension of who you are 
2) passion + strengths + experience
Life is a mixture of different categories, but primarily relationships. The challenge is not necessarily balancing the two, but prioritizing. For example, if you are career driven, you might put your social life on hold because you love to achieve. On the other hand, if relationships are what you’re all about, your work may not be as important. There are points where perfect harmony can be attained, but it’s very rare.
The point is: you have to choose which one comes first.
I can’t tell you which one is “better,” but I can share from my own experiences. I value relationships. My wife, family and friends come first. That doesn’t mean I don’t care about my career, because I do, but if I have to choose, it’s my relationships. I have my own business, helping people identify and grow within their careers, but my primary motivation is the flexibility of schedule. Controlling how I spend my time means I can work my schedule around my wife’s. Even the network group I created, Career Synergy, is relationships first, business second. I truly believe that your strongest career asset is your personal network – the people you know.
So can you achieve work-life balance? The short answer is yes. The better question is: What’s more important? It’s said if you want to know your priorities, look at how you spend your time and money. Instead of trying to be a master of juggling, figure out the order of importance.  

So for you, which comes first? Work (career) or Life (relationships)?

What does Networking and a Torn Achilles have in Common?

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In late January, I fully tore my Achilles tendon playing basketball and once surgery was recommended I was devastated. I love to workout and a huge part of my business model is meeting people for coffee. Knowing I was going to be in a cast for 6 weeks and couldn’t play sports for months, I prepared for the worst.

Little did I know from then until now, I learned a lot about business through unconventional ways. 

Ironically while I was recovering, some of the relationships I had nurtured for a while started to blossom into opportunities. I was asked to join a couple of start-ups in roles that were outside of my strengths. Instead of backing down, I challenged myself to be uncomfortable. It has been a roller coaster of emotions, but it’s forced me to get out of my comfort zone and learn different business models from seasoned veterans. 

I share my experiences with you because just like recovering from an injury, networking is a slow process.

At the core of networking is relationship building. You and I do business with people we trust. If you like someone, chances are better that you’ll pursue an opportunity with them. We do business with people we like. 

Take a look into your personal network. Forget the size, but measure the strength of it. If you were unemployed, who would you turn to? I’m not talking about your co-workers. Instead consider yourself a brand. Who would you partner with to grow your idea? After all is stripped away, you are left with your network. 

The model has changed for good. It’s not about climbing the corporate ladder anymore. It’s about linking arms with those you want to go into battle with. Networking is no longer an option, it’s a necessity. During lean times, we can’t place our security in positions. They can be washed away in an instant. You and I have to meet people, figure out how we can help each other and make sure to follow-up. 

As vulnerable and helpless I felt while I was in a cast, the shining light was knowing I had others in my corner supporting me. Networking is not a long-term goal, it’s a way of life. 

If you’re looking for a place to start building your network, check out Career Synergy. If you have a strong personal network, continue to build it. As far as we have come with technology, it still comes down to who you know. People will always be your greatest asset. Go forth and network! (now)

How Powerful is Group Accountability?

Scott Asai2 Comments

Very powerful. Like Barry Bonds on steroids powerful…

Group accountability provides the added incentive to do what you say. It’s easy to let yourself down, but it’s much harder to let a group down. (Picture LeBron James here) Use positive tension to push you to be your best. Accountability is extra motivation to finish what you started.
Where else will you receive objective feedback? Tough love is not what you want to hear, it’s what you need to hear. Sure, you may think your idea is great, but ask others what they think. Collaboration is also key to refining your ideas and revealing your “blind spot(s).” Listen to different perspectives and be open to critiques. Think, a group of peer mentors.

Results are what matters. Group accountability helps you accomplish your goals faster and more consistently. You are not short of ideas, but it’s challenging to implement them. Sure, you need time to imagine, analyze and ponder, but don’t let opportunity slip through the cracks by waiting too long. Those who procrastinate…(you can finish the sentence yourself). I’m just saying… 

So how do you find group accountability? Well, you can gather a bunch of friends together or you can join a Synergy Group (a form of a mastermind group). Group accountability is about commitment. Commitment is found with like-minded individuals. Don’t wait! Your window of opportunity is closing…

Find out more information by attending Career Synergy or contacting Scott.

When Goals Shouldn’t Be The Goal

Scott Asai2 Comments
Having goals are a good thing. So when are goals not the best thing?
As a coach, I’m focused on helping my clients set and achieve their goals, but part of what I love about coaching is the process. Development takes time and if you rush it, no long-term success can result out of it. 
Several years ago I groomed an intern to be my successor in a position I would be leaving. Over the 13 months we worked together, I took him everywhere I went and had him shadow me with everyone I talked to. In the end, someone else was chosen for the job. Sure, I was disappointed (even a little pissed) yet if the intern process was only about him getting the job, I would have looked at my time spent as a waste. Instead, I look back on the time very favorably because I wouldn’t have done it any other way. We had great conversations, I took interest in him as a person and we got the opportunity to develop a lot of people along the way. If you focus only on the end goal, you miss the beauty of growth.
Goals keep us focused, but you can learn so much through the journey. It will be rocky at times and there will be points when you want to quit, but stick it out. Most of the time what our initial goal is and what actually happens are two completely different outcomes.
Imagine yourself on a road trip. Your goal is the destination, but don’t forget to enjoy the ride. Our learning curve is at its highest during the process. Don’t forget to pause, look around and enjoy the view.

Why Potential is Overrated

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Why are we so enamored with potential? It’s exciting to imagine the possibilities, yet rarely does potential live up to our expectations. With great potential usually comes great disappointment. The goal isn’t to depress you, rather ask yourself, “What am I doing to fulfill my potential?”
Talk is cheap. Show me results.
Potential can mean you’re talented in a particular area, but I’ll take the hard worker over the more talented any day. Sports are a great example. The NBA champion wins because of their chemistry and execution, NOT because of their potential. 
Look at the tortoise and the hare. We’re drawn towards the flashy rabbit (potential), but the perseverance and commitment of the turtle (results) wins the race. Potential isn’t a bad thing, but with great potential comes great responsibility (to fulfill it!)
Apply this to your career. Develop your areas of competence. Don’t settle or become complacent. Near the end of 2008, I “rested” because I had a great contract with a good company, then BOOM, the recession hit and I didn’t have a back up plan. That incident is a painful reminder that no matter how great I believe my business can be, I always need to look for ways to grow. The moment I stop working hard is the moment I fall behind. 

Today is the time to start. Don’t wait. How can you develop your potential? Challenge yourself to grow. If you’re not Growing Forward, you’re going backwards. There is no middle ground. Remember that. 

Yelp: The Food Superhero

Scott Asai2 Comments
Whenever I am searching for a new place to eat, I always turn to Yelp. I prefer Yelp over sites like CitySearch, Zagat’s, etc. because it resonates with me. I’m not interested in what a food critic thinks because we have different values.
Yelp has a lot of applications that transfer over well to business (as well as the ability to rate businesses). 
Real customer feedback. How can you get better if you don’t know what’s wrong? Feedback can uncover blind spots. Your customers determine whether you thrive or shut down. Listen to what is being said, even if you don’t agree. Serve your customers well and they will repay you with loyalty.
The ability to respond to negative feedback. It’s great to receive compliments, but your response (or lack there of) to complaints can make or break you. I’ve left a negative comment on Yelp about a restaurant before and on a few occasions the owner has gotten back to me. I may have had a bad experience, but the owners willingness to make things better made me want to give them a second chance. In my experience it’s not about perfection. Sometimes initial skeptics can become your biggest fans.
Brand awareness. It’s not what you think, but what your customers think your brand is that’s important. That means when sifting through customer comments, look for patterns. If you’re focusing on a particular aspect of your business, see if it is reflected in the feedback. We can be deliberate about strategy, but we only know if it works based on customer sales. Make your biggest fans your marketing department. Even with technology, word of mouth referrals are king.

Customer feedback shouldn’t be taken lightly. How you respond influences the customer experience. Yelp is a great example of the power of reviews. Listen to your customers. They are giving you the answers to your problems…

Freelancer 2.0

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The economy has a funny way of testing your career agility. Once you create a plan for yourself, some uncontrollable circumstances nudge you to change, but ultimately it’s your choice. Being flexible is responding to your environment, not succumbing to the pressure.
Recently, I’ve encountered some of those changes in my career and want to share my insight to give you a new perspective on moving forward.
The model has shifted. It’s difficult to be a sole proprietor and be financially thriving. Most entrepreneurs start their own business with the intention to make more money on their own, rather than under someone else. The flexibility of being your own boss is great, but the inconsistent cash flow is rough. I believe the new model consists of juggling a stable position, while learning to scale your business in your spare time.
Scaling comes in different forms:
People
Product
Capital
Community
Instead of spending time explaining each of them, think how you can take yourself out of your business. That’s right. What changes can you make so your business isn’t dependent on you?
This isn’t an overnight process, but more of a shift from thinking like a “technician” to a “franchisee.” If you want to grow your business, you can’t be involved in every move. It’s not for everyone, but the tension of having limited time forces you to become more limber and innovative. 
Personally I’m enjoying facing this challenge right now. I hope to experience new lessons and growth that can help me succeed in the future. Personal and business growth only happen when you’re willing to be uncomfortable and change what is comfortable for the greater good. Freelancer 2.0 is a new model that juggles a full-time job and a business efficiently and effectively.

Are you ready to be a Freelancer 2.0?

The 30 Day Entrepreneur Challenge: Networking & Follow-Up

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Nothing you can learn in school, online, or through a book can compare to networking. Business is more about who you know than what you know. You can have the greatest product, but if no one knows about it, you’re done.
All successful entrepreneurs have strong personal networks. Success doesn’t happen in a vacuum. We all need feedback and the more brains, the better. Most people don’t consider networking valuable, because it isn’t sexy. Networking is hard work. It’s like building a relationship. You can’t just walk up to someone and try to sell them something. We buy from people we trust. People need to develop trust and that happens over time.  
You can attend several networking events and come away empty. Sure, you have a lot of business cards, but you can’t remember anything about the people you met. Instead, create a game plan based on the following questions:

1) What’s my goal for networking?

2) What’s my style of networking? (Introverts network differently than extroverts)
3) How will I follow up with contacts?
Meeting people may be easy, but what matters is follow-up. Just because you have a name, phone number and a business card doesn’t mean much. 
Follow-up by sending an e-mail, call them or set up a time to grab coffee. Be curious about what they do. Be interested in their success more than yours. Listen more than you talk. Offer to help them. People aren’t stupid. If you’re trying to sell them something, they can smell it.
Building a relationship can be an end in itself. Better you become friends and see where it takes you, than be known as a dirty salesman. 

In summary, think of this as a two part process. 
First, make the effort to connect with others. 
Next, follow-up with the ones you want to get to know better. 
Treating networking as a relationship takes the pressure to perform out of the equation. Sell yourself by being you. If people like you, they’re more apt to do business with you. Your network is your greatest asset, build and develop it daily!