Grow For It!
Episode 28: It’s my pleasure to welcome Michael Hall, Executive Advisor with Hall & Associates to discuss the topic of Human Analytics. As Mike describes it, think of this as Moneyball for companies. He uses analytics to help business leaders to gain valuable insights when it comes to managing, leading and inspiring employees and managers. Human Analytics Mike begins with a definition, from Google, that captures the essence of Human Analytics. “The systematic identification and quantification of the human drivers of business outcomes.” Similar to the move ,...
info_outline Show Up Positive Book by Rita ErnstGrow For It!
Episode 27: I’m happy to welcome Rita Ernst to the studio to discuss the launch of her new Show Up Positive book. You may remember Rita from . She is an industrial/organizational psychologist, who became a business consultant and now, a published author. She’s appeared in the local news, on radio and to a book signing with 70 people. Let’s learn about how her approach to helping individuals to have a positive impact. To order a copy of the Show Up Positive book, click one of the links on this page: I want to thank you for taking the time to...
info_outline HR Alliance Offers an Innovative ApproachGrow For It!
Episode 26: I’m happy to welcome Marcy Young to the studio for today’s episode. Marcy is the Founder and CEO of HR Alliance LLC, in Louisville, Kentucky. She’s developed a business model enabling companies to contract with her and her team of HR specialists, without having to hire them in-house. It’s an ideal way to get the HR expertise a business needs for ongoing help, project-based initiatives or a hybrid plan customized to meet specific needs and/or situations. Does Your Company Need Help with an HR Issue? Contact Marcy Young and her team of HR Professionals...
info_outline Cyber Liability Insurance Are You Covered?Grow For It!
Episode 25: Cyber security and cyber theft are real issues for small business owners. There are now cyber liability insurance policies available to cover you, should you fall victim. In this episode, I interview Beth Combs and David Goheen from Gallagher, a large insurance company providing multi-line insurance, risk management and consulting services.
info_outline Why You Should Write a Book - Cathy FyockGrow For It!
Episode 24: Ever think about writing a book? In this episode, I interview Cathy Fyock who’s a professional book writing coach. We’ll discuss how she works with her authors, why you should consider writing book and part of the process involved in accomplishing it.
info_outline Mental Health Marketing Tips and AdviceGrow For It!
Episode 23: I invited my friend and colleague Andrew Aebersold to join me to discuss mental health marketing. He’s the Founder/CEO of Mediaura, a digital marketing company. We'll focus on issues related to effectively marketing a solo practitioner, a practice group or a larger company, such as a behavioral health facility. Both of us have experience in this healthcare segment. Marketing a mental health practice requires an understanding of the unique issues.
info_outline Businesses Should Think Differently in 2021Grow For It!
Episode 22: The business assumptions, rules and paradigms you used to guide your business through 2020 and previous years won’t necessarily apply in 2021. Join me for a discussion with Industrial psychologist and business coach Rita Ernst and photographer/brand & image consultant Coral Abood. If 2020 was the year of pivot, 2021 will be the year of flex.
info_outline Protecting Your Healthcare Practice with Parker WornallGrow For It!
Episode 21: Louisville attorney Parker Wornall joins Jim to discuss the work he does for healthcare providers. His focus includes dental offices, foot and ankle practitioners, APRN practices, chiropractors, mental health practioners, adult day-care practices and others.
info_outline Insurance Topics with Wendy and Alan HallGrow For It!
Episode 20: Wendy and Alan Hall join me for a discussion about the Alan Hall Agency. They work with various types of insurance. Their business recently went through some changes, so I thought it would be a good idea to ask them to walk us through the process. We also discuss some common insurance pitfalls for business owners.
info_outline Interview with Bellarmine's Dr. Frank RaymondGrow For It!
Episode 19: I’m proud to welcome Dr. Frank Raymond. He’s Bellarmine University’s Interim Dean of the Rubel School of Business and MBA Director. We discuss how business owners are making sense of the 2020 economy. This discussion is an informal exchange of ideas. These ideas do not necessarily reflect the views of Bellarmine University. Seek advice from lawyers, accountants, tax consultants, financial experts or other professional advisors before making decisions that may impact jobs or businesses.
info_outlineEpisode 18: There’s a lot of negative news with COVID-19, protests, riots and other factors. Jim and Dr. Tony Sheppard will discuss some useful perspectives and tips for filtering out that negativity so you can maintain positive mental health as you manage your business and protect your family.
Dr. Sheppard is the owner of Groupworks Psychological Services in Louisville, KY. He’s a certified group psychotherapist. The practice provides various types of psychological services for children, adults and families. During the COVID-19 crisis, his practice has successfully transitioned to a tele-health format.
Many of Dr. Sheppard’s 2020 business goals have been delayed or sidetracked. This is a common theme for many business owners, entrepreneurs and managers. In fact, Tony actually contracted the coronavirus at a conference in New York, earlier this year. Luckily, he’s made a full recovery.
Business owners are struggling with financial pressures, increased stress and anxiety, feelings of helplessness and maybe even failure. I’ve also dealt with so many distractions and a general inability to focus.
The temptation to constantly check the news for information is adding to the issue. We don’t deal well with uncertainty. Humans are wired to look for what’s coming next and to scan the environment for threats. It’s amped up and primed our anxiety levels. This anxiety spreads to and elevates our concern for our businesses, our families and our extended family.
Tips to Maintaining Your Mental Health at Work
- Give yourself permission to reframe and adjust to the current business climate. This year is simply going to be different than what we anticipated. It’s okay to understand you’re not in control of everything.
- Keep things in perspective. It’s important to stay in the present and deal with what’s actually in front of you, rather than the false narrative your fear may be whispering in your year. Live today and don’t spend too much time thinking too far ahead.
- The human mind is programmed to focus on negative information. One way to limit the impact of all of this uncertainty, is to limit your exposure to the constant stream of media stories and/or social media.
- Focus on the things you do know. Concentrate on tasks and hobbies. This can add a sense of control and normality to your day.
- Try making lists to counteract your anxiety. Routines are also helpful, especially in the midst of chaos. This is especially important for your kiddos who are struggling with the disruption.
Tips to Help Your Children’s Mental Health
- Find ways to implement structure back into your child’s day. Routines are familiar and can help them to feel less anxious.
- Maintain positive communication. Be conscious of the need to reassure them. We will get through this current situation. That positive message is a safety zone.
- Focus on the aspects of life that can be controlled. There’s a lot outside of our control right now. Don’t waste time worrying about things we can’t control.
- Find ways to maintain social connectivity. This promotes quality time with people whom you love and care about. Try taking a hike or some other outdoor activity. You may also need to ease the rules to allow your children to spend time with their friends.
Dr. Tony Sheppard’s practice, Groupworks Psychological Services is taking new clients. If you’re asking if you need to seek help, maybe that’s a good sign you should. The stigma around seeking mental health services has diminished. You don’t have to make a commitment for years of therapy. Some people find a few sessions with a qualified therapist to be extremely helpful.
Visit www.GroupworksKY.com. Feel free to explore the COVID-19 page and the Services page for additional links to additional resources.
For more information about Jim Ray Consulting Services, additional episodes of the Grow For It! small business podcast or to contact Jim Ray, visit www.JimRayConsultingServices.com.
Thanks for taking the time to listen to this episode!