Creating Disney Magic

Latest Episodes:

Operating Your Business in the Cloud Dec 21, 2021

Show notes

You have heard me talk about the cloud recently and how I am trying to become more familiar with what it means for business. We have a special guest today. Kenneth Johnson, CEO of Blue Sentry, joins us to help us better understand the benefits of "the Cloud".

There are a lot of implications for business when it comes to migrating to the cloud, and it can seem overwhelming. The best way to understand it is as a public utility company. It is the same way that water and electric companies provide utilities. An individual property can have a well and get water, but it is easier to have the water provided and managed by the water company. The cloud is like public utilities for your data storage. You can spend the time and resources to build your infrastructure. Or you can build huge data centers with a few lines of code by utilizing an already existing infrastructure.

Often, companies are slower to utilize cloud services because they fear security issues. There have been many advancements in this area, and it can be safer than maintaining your own data services. If you are considering making the change to cloud-based services, make sure you train your team. Find a company that specializes in not just getting your migrated, but also in the knowledge transfer needed to maintain the change. Cloud-based services can give you a competitive advantage if you educate yourself and become familiar with them.

Blue Sentry specialized in teaming with companies looking to better utilize cloud services. If you are interested in connecting with them, you can email Kenneth at kenneth@bluesentry.com.

Just like you want to team with knowledgeable partners when it comes to the cloud, you want to make sure you work with experts when planning your next trip and I recommend Magical Vacation Planners You can reach them at 407-442-2694.

Resources:

Blue Sentry Cloud

Discover Talent in Your Own Organization Dec 14, 2021

Show notes

Today we are answering a listener question. Karen Ellis asks "What can help a person break out of a role or job title and get others to see they can do more and grow into another role?" Karen gave the example of an administrative assistant looking to move into more responsibility.

There are two sides to this discussion. If you are on the employee side and want to move into a new role, the answer is pretty straightforward. First, make sure you are being a high producer. Do what you are currently doing well. If you are doing that, make your desire known. Talk with your leadership and ask them what needs to happen for you to move into your desired role and what you can do to prepare for it. While you are waiting, take classes. Work on your skillset and expand your tool belt. If you are doing all of these things and an opportunity to advance doesn't manifest, it may be time to move on and look for another job.

If you are a leader in a company, it benefits you to promote from within your existing organization. Be on the lookout for talent. Get to know your team. Learn their skills and abilities. Be willing to talk to your employees. People want to be where there is room to grow. Be purposeful in having a plan for your team members to advance. Always have your eyes open and look for those who may do well with a promotion. One practical way to do this is to start a book club. Often those who sign up and show up are those with ambition who want to learn and grow.

If you want to ask us a question, you can reach out to me on cockerellacademy.com. You can also reach out to Jody on jodymaberry.com.

If you are looking to plan a vacation, make sure you contact Magical Vacation Planners. They can connect you with an expert in the city you want to visit and help you plan the best trip possible. You can reach them at 407-442-2694.

Get Exposed to New Ideas Dec 07, 2021

Show notes

I just returned from the annual IAAPA (International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions) Conference. Not only can you get a good hot dog, but if you are in the entertainment park business, it is a great opportunity to learn about upcoming innovations in the industry.

No matter the industry you are in, it is important to get outside the walls of your own company and expose yourself to new ideas. See what else is out there and challenge yourself. You will lose out as an organization if you don't prioritize getting out. In addition to encountering innovations, you may cultivate new contacts as well.

Another benefit is what it communicates to your employees when you send them out to conferences and tradeshows. It tells them you trust them and that they are worth the investment. It's a practical way of offering more than a paycheck.

Another way you can communicate trust and investment to your team is The Cockerell Academy. Check out the available courses and resources at cockerellacademy.com.

Also, if you will be attending any conferences or visiting any parks, Magical Vacation Planners is the resource you need. You can reach them at 407-442-2694.

Call People Out for Doing Good Work Nov 30, 2021

Show notes

This year, I was honored to attend the Elevate Prize Conference in South Beach. If you are not familiar with it, the Elevate Prize is awarded by The Elevate Prize Foundation to ten or more global leaders who are tackling pressing issues in innovative ways. The foundation also sponsors the Elevate Prize Catalyst Award and the Elevate Giving Program.

While attending the conference, I encountered many individuals who are making a difference in the world. From a woman helping to get bili lights to help treat jaundiced babies in impoverished countries to a gentleman helping to translate global literature into Arabic, amazing people are doing amazing things.

How can we help to get the word out about what is being done? Maybe you aren't in contact with global initiatives. Chances are, you are closer than you think to someone who is using their time, resources, and energy to make a difference in your community. Pay attention to the news, ask around. The biggest way you can help them out is to spread the word about them. Call people and organizations out that are doing good things where you live. Real people do great work every day and need the exposure you can give to help them make a difference.

If you need someone to help make a difference in your vacation experience, make sure you call Magical Vacation Planners at 407-442-2694. They have a knowledgeable team that can be the difference-maker for your next trip.

Resources

Elevate – An Essential Guide to Life by Joseph Deitch

Dealing with the Labor Shortage Nov 23, 2021

Show notes

We have made mention before the current labor shortage most companies are experiencing. While people may be enjoying a time away from the daily grind, sooner or later, the vast majority will have to return to work. Many mindsets, however, have been permanently changed. The workforce will return, but with a different set of expectations.

People are going to look for companies that invest in their employees. Providing training and cultivating a culture of inclusion is key to attracting and retaining employees. It is no longer just about the paycheck. You must be a company known for taking care of your employees and your customers.

Be willing to rethink and focus on the individual. Work with employees on their schedules, make them feel special. Show them you want them there. Everyone wants to be where they are appreciated. At the end of the day, when you are nice to your employees, they want to stay. The old rules don't apply anymore.

In the new landscape, management may not be for everyone. Make sure you know what you are getting into. Make the effort to stay close to the employees you still have. The ones that are still around are long-term people; make sure you take care of them. Seek to gain understanding and then make the effort to meet people where they are by eliminating stressors when it is within your ability to do so.

If the labor force has stressed you out, maybe it is time for a vacation. Reach out to Magical Vacation Planners at 407-442-2694 and let them handle the stress of planning your next vacation.

Dealing with Customer Complaints Nov 16, 2021

Show notes

The way you handle customer complaints can make or break your company. Today, companies often look for a quick and easy way to deal with complaints. Automated options are a good resource, but you can't let technology take the place of truly serving your customer.

Disney is known for its customer service and how they handle complaints. They investigate each one with a personal call. That in and of itself can serve to resolve issues. People need to feel heard, and having the opportunity to talk with someone who genuinely cares about their experience goes a long way in handling issues. Couple that with a quick response, and you will be leaps and bounds ahead of the competition. People want to know that they aren't just a number. Personal contact and solutions show customers they are valued, which cultivates customer loyalty.

For smaller companies, you can still offer top-notch customer service. Make sure your train your employees to handle complaints. Equip them with a clear understanding of what they can do to correct a situation versus what needs to be escalated is the first step. Don't take complaints personally or get emotional when you receive one. Respond as quickly as you can. Remove uncertainty and let your customer know you are handling the situation. Lastly, have a system in place to ensure whatever you committed to doing gets done.

Whether you are a large or small business, a personal touch goes a long way. People want to be individually served and heard. Don't take complaints personally, and do your best to personalize solutions and service.

If you are looking for a vacation planner that will handle your next trip personally, reach out to Magical Vacation Planners at 407-442-2694 and let them personalize your next vacation.

Cut Through Layers of Management Nov 09, 2021

Show notes

There is a lot going on in the world right now. Whether it is understanding the benefit of Cloud services or navigating this new season in the world of hiring and retaining talent, leadership is taking a long hard look at how they operate. One thing leaders need to be looking at is how they can cut through the multiple layers of management and connect directly with employees.

With every layer of management you add, communication gets diluted. It becomes a grown-up version of the game of telephone. By the time concerns get to the correct individuals, the message is corrupted from the original intent. As leaders, we need to prioritize connecting directly to those at the source of a situation.

When you hire the right people and provide the needed quality training, you don't need as many managerial layers. By respecting, including, and involving those on the front lines, you create a culture that empowers employees to do the right thing. Hire the right people, and you won't need backup levels of micromanagers.

When you focus on the purpose and not the power, you can foster a culture of clear communication. Remember what you are here for – taking care of your customers and your employees. Seek to resolve issues quickly and correctly, and you can do more with a smaller yet stronger staff.

If you are planning a trip or looking to attend a conference, now is the time to rely on highly trained vacation planners. Reach out to Magical Vacation Planners at 407-442-2694 for a top-notch vacation experience.

Resources

Carol Quinn

Offer More Than a Paycheck Nov 02, 2021

Show notes

Now more than ever, individuals are resigning from their current jobs and pursuing something different. It's being called The Great Resignation. People have realized that they don't want to do a job that they don't like. They also don't want to be where they don't feel valued. They have learned that they can work from home and be with their family. They have learned that enduring a commute every day is not necessary.

Employers and leaders must be prepared to offer more. More money? Maybe. Beyond the dollars and cents, you have to be ready with more than just monetary compensation. Value your employees. Let them know they matter. Team with them. Get to know their goals and commit to helping them succeed. When people are satisfied with their work and feel valued, they don't want to leave.

Every industry is complaining about the lack of people. Jobs are sitting undone because there is no one to do them. When you focus on people, your problems will be solved. Be nice. Be respectful and inclusive. Help your employees succeed. People want to know they matter and to feel like they are making a difference. Often, they will value knowing they matter over the money they are getting paid. Value people and they will value their job.

Travel is currently booming. Now is the time to work with an expert who understands the current travel climate and knows how to navigate it. Reach out to Magical Vacation Planners. You can reach them at 407-442-2694.

Having Difficult Conversations With Your Boss Oct 26, 2021

Show notes

It is never easy having hard conversations. Today I am answering a listener question in this vein. An anonymous listener asks: What do you do when you love your job but can't stand what is happening behind the scenes with management? How do you have a conversation with your boss to address your concerns?

It can be intimidating to approach your boss with concerns. Sometimes, we can even build it up in our minds and imagine the worst possible outcome. You won't lose your job over raising concerns, especially if you do it in the right way.

Take some time to write out your questions and concerns. Do some research. Are you the only one who feels this way, or is it a recurring issue among the staff? Look beneath the surface. What is your manager like? Might there be an outside circumstance that is impacting your current situation? Once you take a good look at it and get organized, set up a meeting. Approach it humbly. Come at it from a standpoint of how can you help? Chances are your boss doesn't even realize how everyone is feeling.

Whatever the outcome, you need to make sure that you are willing to leave if things don't change. If you believe strong enough to bring it up, believe in yourself enough to leave if the situation gets worse. If you are planning a vacation, make sure you check out Magical Vacation Planners. If you are going to Orlando, make sure to ask about their MVP people mover. You can reach them at 407-442-2694.

Make the Most of Your Time Oct 19, 2021

Show notes

In his poem "If" Rudyard Kipling closes with the line, "If you can fill the unforgiving minute with sixty seconds worth of distance run, yours is the earth and everything that's in it." Today Jody and I are discussing what you can do to make the most of your time.

I've been preaching the power of 60 seconds for years. When you fill your minute with something that pays off down the road, you can make the most of the time you have. How do you make sure you have time to invest what matters? You plan it. Planning out your time will make sure you build a life centered on what is important to you. Being intentional is an attitude. You don't get the payoff right away, but as you continue, you will see the reward. Set time aside to work out, sleep and eat right.

Your decision can cause you trouble. We often don't know how bad you've been until you start to see how good you can feel. Have a discussion with yourself and get yourself on track. You become the culture you grow up in.

If you are looking for a tool to help you manage your time, head over to morningmagicplanner.com and download our Morning Magic Planner.

Cruises are a pretty great way to get out and relax. Most cruise lines are opening back up. If you are thinking about planning one, check out Magical Vacation Planners and see what they can do for you. You can reach them at 407-442-2694.

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