My successor (Larry Fairley) for the CarolinasMSDC MBEIC chair wanted to recognize me for almost 15 years of leadership in the organization from RAC to National in a meeting and have me share a few words of parting. Figured it would be appropriate that these thoughts be shared so everyone can glean what ever use they see fit.

Too often people confuse leadership with management – when you manage you attempt to control people and centralize power sometimes to the detriment of others because a flaw in management is the assumption you are somehow better than they are and that without your control they will somehow fail or falter – this is not leadership.

Leaders inspire others to act for a greater cause or for their own self interest. Leaders create a vision, obtain buy-in then get out of the way. There are in my opinion only three (3) traits of a leader. Trust, Respect and Humility.

• Trust – the people you are leading must trust you and that trust is earned because through your actions you have proven that you will never ask them to do what is not in their own best interest and that you are a person of integrity
• Respect – the people you are leading know that you will not ask them to so anything you have not done or are not willing to do yourself – for a corporate run organization it means that the leaders do not think themselves above the people they serve and that they will only ask them to do things and spend moneys on services that the leaders are willing to spend their personal moneys to achieve. So often many seek friendship when in fact being respected for your character is more important because you may not follow a friend but often you will a person your respect regardless of whether they are a friend.
• Humility – there are so many ways to define this however the simplest is it is not about you – it is about the people you serve. Your goal is to act in a matter best for the organization not yourself which includes knowing when to walk away and allow others to execute the mission.

My associate and friend John Warner is writing an excellent book on innovation and I encourage you to purchase when it is published. It mentions two companies Carolinas Corporations Ryan’s and Earth Fare – two corporations founded in the Carolinas both of which are excellent studies in what to and not to do.

To bottom line it, a humble leader:

• Understands they are a servant
• Knows how to ask their constituents what they want and works to deliver that instead of telling them when they want them to have.
• Knows when it is time to step aside and let others with more relevant skill sets for the future direction of the organization lead!

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Lionel Spearman was featured in the Social Media Club of Greenville, South Carolina’s promotional video. Mr. Spearman is recognized in many circles for the organizations he has helped establish and as a subject matter expert on issues such as business and organizational development, ethics, leadership and some of the technological and logistical aspects of how businesses can make use of social media, security systems, technology and organizations strategically.

The Social Media Club of Greenville was a brain child of Mr. Trey Pennington whose belief that people of like minds would want to come together in an environment to learn from and help one another inspired the creation of the Greenville Club as well as many others across the country. Mr. Pennington is a globally respected marketing expert who has spoken not only in various cities in the US but also is in high demand globally and is recognized as a social media subject matter expert.

You can see the video here and you can also learn more about the Social Media Club of Greenville here.

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Don't confuse me

As entrepreneurs one of the traits we all tend to share is an almost iron will. Combine that with the fact that we often we perceive trends that while they seem so obvious to us are foreign and strange to others. This trait is a mixed blessing. When used correctly it allows us to move ourselves, our businesses and in some cases society in new and innovative directions. However we must always be caution not to get caught in the trap of making a decision and ignoring the obvious facts.

A simple example of this latter attitude in a business context is doing something because you like it so you assume everyone is the same as you. There is a gas station convenient to where I live. The manager there consistently under orders the popular flavors of cappuccino that sell well and orders the off flavors that move poorly in part because they like the odd flavors. As a result they fail to maximize their profits and handicap a revenue stream.

Have you ever made a similar mistake?

Image source

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source: www.smh.com.au

If your work represents your brand – what does your work (paid or volunteer) say about you?

As an entrepenuer one of the hardest challenges starting off is getting that first contract or client right?

Have you ever considered that your work up until that time is also a factor and will influence your chances of success?

• What organizations or civic groups do you participate in?
• Are you known as a leader or just one of the boys/girls?
• Do you bring solutions to the table or do you contribute to the problem?
• What do your coworkers think about you?
• What does your boss think about you?
• Have you been recognized for your achievments?
• Do you think some tasks or jobs are beneath you?

Here is the $1M question

• What are you really selling and why would anyone want it from you?

Board of Directors, Character, ethics, growth, James Staton, Lionel Spearman, Stephen Bailey, Top Flight LLC Hide

When you buy a car there are steps you take and these same should be used with your business.

• You look at your budget to see what you can afford
• You ask yourself what am I hoping to use this for
• You evaluate the vehicles to see if it meets your criteria
• You inspect the vehicle to make sure it is sound and has the potential to live up to your expectations
• You then purchase the vehicle
• After you purchase it you perform service (oil changes, tire rotations, washing and cleaning), etc)
• Before driving you typically have a destination in mind
• While driving you do you best to obey the rules of the road

These should be the same steps you use in business – can you explain why?

business, ethics, growth, James Staton, Lionel Spearman, Stephen Bailey, strategic planning, Top Flight LLC, vision statement Hide

The Strike it up Tour is an important milestone in the health and well being of our country. The reason is simple – entrepreneurs, small business, innovation, job and wealth creation most often have always occurred on the micro level. The neighborhood and community businesses are those so often (historically, currently and in the foreseeable future) the ones support and empower communities. Much like the canary how the coal mine signified the death of the minors if radical actions were not taken to change the environment or relocate to a more healthy one, if small businesses fail it is simply a matter of time before major corporations will also succumb.

Strike it up will give those business owners and entrepreneurs a chance to obtain the information, tools and resources that will allow them to start to pump new life into their businesses. This should in turn enable them to grow, proper, create wealth, employ more people and thus share wealth as well as empower their respective communities.

A thriving entrepreneurial community (which ideally should be a goal of each city) not only allows that city to diversity its revenue base it also allows that community to mitigate risk via diversification.  The healthy and more diverse eco system is (albeit nature or business) the better suited that environment is to quickly recover from, minimize and even thrive during times of duress. Strike it up’s goal is to empower communities to build themselves up and create economic systems of sustainability and prosperity. Top Flight LLC is proud to associate with and helps in the facilitation of this endeavor because we all collectively benefit from strong communities and business environments.

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The Strike it Up Tour highlights the essential solution to the economic challenges our country is facing, sustainable wealthcreation.  The engine for this has been and remains entrepreneurs – (small business owners).  Recently, while at a breakfast with one of our regions’s banks CEO and his procurement team, I complimented him on his company’s marketing efforts to the diverse markets.  Their retail efforts to gain 100% of the dollars available were outstanding, all segments of the public were represented.  Advised him I have yet to see any company set goals, limit or reduced efforts to gain only 10% or less of these diverse markets.  Yet the very same companies do this when the conversation turns to expanding their supplier base.

The CEO advised they recommend to their Tier 1 suppliers that they adopt their commitment to diverse suppliers and extend opportunities to their suppliers on the 2nd tier level.  While applauding their efforts, the observation was made that the communities they were marketing to buy their goods and services needed to see the economic benefit coming back to their communities.  They needed to see businesses occupied and being built in their communities they need to see  their parents and neighbors going to work in their communities.  They need to see schools being sponsored by businesses owners from their communities.  They need to see scholarships being given by business owners from their communities for the next generation of employees.  Their children need to see business owners sponsoring civic events, sports activities, church, community and other core activities.  People like them doing these things provide tangible proof the free enterprise system still works for those willing to invest their time, talents, resources and energy.  Proportional spending needs to be the goal, suppliers at the Tier 1 level should equal the retail contributions to their company.  The opportunities for Tier 2, Tier 3 even Tier 4 increase as the dollars from the Tier 1 suppliers start to flow.  Mentoring of each class ensures the development of the best of the best as more suppliers in the pipe line perform when given the opportunity.

The demographics of this country dictate a change in the suppliers developed to supply the needs of this country.  Our middle class has always been the envy of the world.  Having the majority of our citizens being (Broke) will break the entire economic system.  We must put the resources and our collective intellect to overcoming this essential step.  Most diverse business owners are First generation, to get their business to the next generation and have them become mainline businesses.   A new network must be built while providing first class service. Corporations no longer have the dedicated resources to accomplish this.  When the opportunities present themselves the business must be ready to respond and perform without failure.

Top Flight LLC was created for this very purpose, we are the conduit that provides the energy to connect the resources need to accomplish this mission.  Our CEO and his team advised this was a view which they had not considered.  Advised him those CEO’s who grasp and adapt to these demands of the market place first will obtain significant market share. They will be rewarded with long term revenue.  The new suppliers have a vested interest in the success of their company.  Their families, employees, relatives of these people become consumers and sales people for them.

Suppliers =Jobs = Consumers = Profits = Wealth, which stimulates the economy, every one wins!

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Cambridge Whos Who

Managing Partner Showcases Professional Brand

Lionel Spearman was an Organizing Member of the National Society of Black Engineers Alumni Extension

Charlotte, NC and Greenville, SC – November 10, 2009. Lionel Spearman Owner of Spearman Enterprises and Managing Partner of Top Flight, LLC has been recognized by Cambridge Who’s Who for demonstrating dedication, leadership and excellence in Business management.

With 15 years of professional experience, and as a Managing partner of Top Flight LLC, Mr. Spearman is responsible for handling brand management, resolving client challenges, developing short and long term strategies, conceptualizing and managing projects and infrastructure design, business coaching mentoring. Spearman Enterprises offers creative scalable solutions that directly impact the financial outcomes either via cost savings or revenue generation by assessing, creating, controlling and supporting client infrastructure. Mr. Spearman became involved in his profession because of his curiosity about how and why things work, his interest in helping others, and he attributes much of his success to the early encouragement he received from his father and well of his church.

Mr. Spearman received his bachelor of science n mechanical engineering from Tuskegee university and completed coursework at the Tuck School of Business at Dartmouth College and a graduate of the Turner Construction Supplier Management Academy. He has also achieved the designation (while inactive) as a residential home inspector (SCHI #277)/ We was recognized by Whose Who Among Young American Professionals in 1993 and attained the Monsanto Excellence Award in 1991. He has also obtained several Recognitions and Certifications of Appreciation from various organizations, A Volunteer of the Award from United Way in 2002 and a Regional Chair of the Year Award from the National Society of Black Engineers Alumni Extension in 1991. In his spare time enjoys Japanese Anime and volunteering work for Empower South Carolina, The Social Media Club of Greenville, and has recently started participating the the SC Chapter of the International Coach Federation. Historically he has volunteered his time to MEGS House (Shelter for Abused Women), both the Carolinas and National MSDC as well as Junior Achievement. In the future, He intends to expand the clientele of Top Flight LLC to empower businesses, which in turn will create job and opportunity in their respective communities.

About Cambridge Who’s Who

Cambridge Who’s Who is an exclusive membership organization that recognizes and empowers executives, professionals and entrepreneurs throughout the world. From healthcare to law, engineering to finance, manufacturing to education, every major industry is represented by its 400,000 active members.

Cambridge Who’s Who membership provides individuals with a valuable third party endorsement of their accomplishment and gives them the tools needed to band themselves and their business effectively. In addition to publishing heir biographies in print and electronic form, Cambridge Who’s Who offers an online networking platform members can establish new business relationships and achieve career advancement within their company, industry or profession.

Official Press Release

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We would like to take this time to thank you for your continued encouragement and support.

Remember, your time and your respect are the two single most greatest gift you can ever give someone.

We look forward to doing business with you in 2010.

Have a Happy Holiday and a productive New Year.

Happy Holiday, James Staton, Lionel Spearman, Stephen Bailey, Top Flight LLC Hide

image source: http://www.gifted.uconn.edu

Effective listening – a lost art especially in today’s society and culture. Effective (Active) listening is not listening to find information which validates your opinions so that you can sell the client or customer the goods or services you have in mind (too often this is what is done and taught).

To listen effectively and truly hear what someone is saying you should

• Admit your biases
• Minimize your desire to control the outcome
• Listen to what is being said
• Ask yourself if you can honestly help or resolve the problem
• Determine if your solution is what they need instead of what you what to sell them
• Allow the client/comstomer to do the speaking
• Ask open ended (not closed or leading) questions

Active Listening, Effective listening, James Staton, Lionel Spearman, marketing, mentoring, sales, Stephen Bailey, strategic planning, Top Flight LLC Hide