Posted by & filed under Sales.

Speaking Leader to Leader

Second in a series of “Now What” given the COVID virus environment we are all facing. How we need to transform our selling process.

Most selling is to needs. You get hungry, see, and then stop at a McDonald’s and eat. You promote a product, program or service, and a customer calls you when they need it. However when markets change (and the Market is what calls the shots) you need to change with it. Let’s briefly discuss the idea of Opportunity Selling.

Opportunity Selling is seeing what is not obvious to your customers, however you see it clearly. This kind of “out of the box” thinking creates possibilities that can transform your business and create a whole new set of opportunities.

It occurs as you practice stopping, taking the time to think a bit more deeply, and see how your product/service/program might transform the lives of those you serve. Notable examples of “out of the box thinkers” would be Steve Jobs, Edison, Frank Lloyd Wright, Henry Ford to name a few. While you may be saying, “I’m not in their league”, your idea doesn’t have to be world-shaking, just a new way of looking at things that can change the lives of others.

So “Now What 2”

Please “Stop” and do some hard thinking by looking outward at the coming market while living in the question of what “out of the box” market opportunities are available to us now that we can capitalize on? We would be happy to help you frame the question/s you need to ask and refer the right person to get you thinking outside YOUR box. Please reach out to us at 773-641-9631 or john@johnruh.com.


Now What 1

Our Thoughts:

  1. Stop
    We must all stop and look at the paradigm shift the current situation has created and ask the question, Now What? The answers will vary depending on our business and who we are, however stopping and asking this question is the key to the process.
  2. Work “On” the Business vs. “In” the Business
    This is confusing to many and if not clear to you, please call. Basically if your ability to sell and meet with people is limited, “stopping to look” can change your perspective and give you space to see new options.
  3. Build Deeper Relationships with Your Customers and Staff
    Right now we are all dealing with this business and life interruption and need everyone in our corner and on the same page. By being compassionate and acknowledging present circumstances, we can build a deeper and more lasting relationship with our two key stakeholders – our staff and clients.

Our Support
We are visionary contextual strategic thinkers and have started, grown and sold three companies. We will provide you with some pro bono work to discuss the important, Now What question and investigate out-of-the-box ideas with you.

Your Thoughts?
Comment and/or start the conversation with your inside/outside leadership team.

Call or email John at john@johnruh.com or 773-641-9631.

Posted by & filed under Leadership, Professional Development.

Speaking Leader to LeaderSpeaking Leader to Leader
Second in a series of “Now What” given the COVID virus environment we are all facing. How we need to transform our selling process.

Selling to Opportunities

Most selling is to needs. You get hungry, see, and then stop at a McDonald’s and eat. You promote a product, program or service, and a customer calls you when they need it. However when markets change (and the Market is what calls the shots) you need to change with it. Let’s briefly discuss the idea of Opportunity Selling.

Opportunity Selling is seeing what is not obvious to your customers, however you see it clearly. This kind of “out of the box” thinking creates possibilities that can transform your business and create a whole new set of opportunities.

It occurs as you practice stopping, taking the time to think a bit more deeply, and see how your product/service/program might transform the lives of those you serve. Notable examples of “out of the box thinkers” would be Steve Jobs, Edison, Frank Lloyd Wright, Henry Ford to name a few. While you may be saying, “I’m not in their league”, your idea doesn’t have to be world-shaking, just a new way of looking at things that can change the lives of others.

So “Now What 2”

Please “Stop” and do some hard thinking by looking outward at the coming market while living in the question of what “out of the box” market opportunities are available to us now that we can capitalize on? We would be happy to help you frame the question/s you need to ask and refer the right person to get you thinking outside YOUR box. Please reach out to us at 773-641-9631 or john@johnruh.com.

Now What 1

Our Thoughts:

  1. Stop
    We must all stop and look at the paradigm shift the current situation has created and ask the question, Now What? The answers will vary depending on our business and who we are, however stopping and asking this question is the key to the process.
  2. Work “On” the Business vs. “In” the Business
    This is confusing to many and if not clear to you, please call. Basically if your ability to sell and meet with people is limited, “stopping to look” can change your perspective and give you space to see new options.
  3. Build Deeper Relationships with Your Customers and Staff
    Right now we are all dealing with this business and life interruption and need everyone in our corner and on the same page. By being compassionate and acknowledging present circumstances, we can build a deeper and more lasting relationship with our two key stakeholders – our staff and clients.

Our Support
We are visionary contextual strategic thinkers and have started, grown and sold three companies. We will provide you with some pro bono work to discuss the important, Now What question and investigate out-of-the-box ideas with you.

Your Thoughts?
Comment and/or start the conversation with your inside/outside leadership team.

Call or email John at john@johnruh.com or 773-641-9631.

Posted by & filed under Uncategorized.

Speaking Leader to LeaderSpeaking Leader to Leader

Our Thoughts:

  1. Stop
    We must all stop and look at the paradigm shift the current situation has created and ask the question, Now What? The answers to this vary depending on our business and who we are, however stopping and asking this question is the key to the process.
  2. Work “On” the Business vs. “In” the Business
    This is confusing to many and if not clear to you, please call. Basically if your ability to sell and meet with people is limited, it can give you the space to stop and work “On” the business.
  3. Build Deeper Relationships with Your Customers and Staff
    Right now we all need everyone in our corner and on same page. We are all dealing with this business and life interruption. By being compassionate and acknowledging present circumstances, we can build a more deeper and more lasting relationship with our two key stakeholders – our staff and clients.

Our Support
We are visionary contextual strategic thinkers and have started grown and sold three companies. We will provide you with some pro bono work to discuss the important, Now What question and investigate out-of-the-box ideas with you.

Your Thoughts?
Comment and/or start the conversation with your inside/outside leadership team.

Call or email John at john@johnruh.com or 773-641-9631.

Posted by & filed under Business Planning.

As Leaders we all must STOP and do at least two things:

  1. STOP to review what is needed to take care of ourselves in order to take care of others. Read Right Support Means the Right P.S.T.
  2. STOP to review what is truly needed to take care of your team/company.

Introducing Our 2020 New STOP Program
Click on the STOP below

Do you want to see how others perceive your natural leadership style?

Questions? Call or email John at john@johnruh.com or 773-641-9631.

Posted by & filed under Professional Development.

Why bother?

What does support really mean?

How do you create it?

Why bother?
Most people think of support as something that happens to them. I believe it is something that you create. Without the right support, your vision, mission, goals and values (be they individual, company or departmental) will be very difficult to achieve. I want you to think about creating ways to develop the support you truly need so your vision and goals are kept alive and well.

What Does Supporting Yourself Right Really Mean?
This is complicated since support means different things to different people. I break it down to three areas: the people, the structure and the tools you need. It starts with honestly looking at yourself and your situation then doing an assessment so you can determine what support is truly needed. (a tough question for most of us).

How high achievers do it
High achievers are focused on outcomes. They take responsibility/ownership and are deeply committed to achieving them (johnruh.com/vision-context-commitment-responsibility/). What is not so obvious is that they are also skilled at creating the support they truly need. I see that as the key difference separating them from ordinary performers.

What Support do you truly need?
Stop for a moment and do some introspection on yourself, your team or company. If this is difficult for you, ask us for one free session to assess your true needs so you can start the process of supporting yourself and your team or company right.

PS: You might find “ Right support means right P.S.T.” helpful johnruh.com/right-support-means-the-right-p-s-t/

Posted by & filed under Leadership, Professional Development.

People, right Structure, and right ToolsWhat Does P.S.T. Stand For?

P.S.T. stands for the right People, right Structure, and right Tools in your life so you create the support you truly need (versus what your ego wants) for yourself, your team or your company.

Why this is critical to all leaders?
Without the right support, the success and satisfaction you seek in your life for yourself, your team or your company is severely limited.

Where does one start?
Ask yourself three simple questions.

  1. Where are you at now?
  2. Where do you want to be?
  3. What “support” is truly needed to get there?

It all starts with an honest, introspective look at yourself, your team or your company.

Need more details?
Read supporting yourself right. johnruh.com/supporting-yourself/

Introductory Offer
Call/email me at 773-641-9631 or john@johnruh.com for an introductory 30 day offer to explore this in more detail for you and your company.

Posted by & filed under Uncategorized.

Speaking Leader to LeaderWhat must we do now to ensure Q2 is supported right?

My answers:

  • First STOP! Thoroughly review what is working, what is not working and what needs you have. Important – without first stopping, none of the Continuous Improvement, Leadership and other processes can be accomplished. It is #1 in our Five Hidden Best Practice Programs.
  • Next, outline key 2nd Quarter Continuous Improvement projects that must get done to reinforce this year’s game plan.
  • Lastly, enroll the support you truly need to get things accomplished. Supporting Yourself Right

Please call (773-775-6636) or email me with times that work for you to meet or talk so you are supported right.

John Ruh

Posted by & filed under 3 Simple Steps for Annual Business Planning, Business Planning.

Our answer:

  1. Deliver Results and Communication that wows our clients.
  2. Survey all stakeholders (employees, key advisers, etc.) to get company feedback on the positives and negatives of this year as well as input for next year.
    1. This must be done anonymously (preferably by an outsider – we have two referrals so all your people feel comfortable participating). You must make it very safe. (Suggested referral: Debbie Rust darust@ameritech.net).
    2. If you have fewer than 12 employees you plan to survey/interview or are self-employed, reach out to Tracy Laverty (312-922-2259 or tracy@lavertyconsulting.com) and ask her to do phone or face-to-face interviews.
    3. It is important to do this now to allow time to process the results and create your goals for next year and game plan in December.
  3. Celebrate Thanks-For-Giving Month
    Say thank you to everyone who brought you to where you are right now.

    1. Call or email for ideas that are appreciated, and cost nothing other than your time.
    2. If you want a fun team building experience to show thanks to your team and help them grow, reach out to Matt Elwell, former president of ComedySportz. Matt has 15 years blending improv and learning and we highly recommend him. You can reach him at 773-865-4829 or matt@mattelwell.com.

PS: Always interested in your comments/answers

PPS: Call for your one-time discount coupon to use with any of the above options.

Call/email us at 773-641-9631 or John@JohnRuh.com.

Business Consultant Chicago

Posted by & filed under Vision.

Everyone needs a vision.

You may call it your goals, your game plan, expectations, ambitions, life’s purpose, or hopes and dreams. However no matter what you call it, it is there! Since my teenage years, I have been intrigued about how we account for the truly extraordinary, exceptional people – the creative thinkers, the outstanding performers, the dynamic catalysts for change. What is the secret of their excellence?

After a lifetime of work and observation, I have come to the following conclusion: Those people we admire have created a context and structure for a powerful for their vision to become a reality.

Their purpose comes from a clearly defined sense of self-understanding that gives direction to what they do. Then they create around themselves a strong system of support for achieving their goals.

Most of us are simply unaware of our strengths. Further, we have been taught to focus our energies on what we are not rather than what we are. As a result, we undermine our own self-confidence.

Once we become more fully aware of who and what we are, accept ourselves and focus on our own strengths, we can begin the process of achieving our potential.

Through the years of observation, study, interviewing and hands on research at John M. Ruh and Associates, we have developed an approach to assisting leaders who are truly committed to achieving their vision. We believe that by helping you to see yourself, your team, your company in a new light, you can become more motivated to start the process of continuous improvement, and develop a program that fits who you are and supports your vision.

Everyone has a vision. You may call it your goals, expectations, ambitions, life’s purpose or hopes and dreams. However, whatever you call it, it is there! If you are interested in clarifying and pursuing your vision, we can promise you that by starting this dialogue, you will begin the process of finding the answers that lie within you, your team and your company.

Want more?

Call/email me at 773-641-9631, email me at John@johnruh.com, or go to our blog for articles on vision, culture, leadership, recruiting, sales and professional development and book/DVD summaries.

Posted by & filed under Uncategorized.

New Year AheadDecember is usually a very tough month due to fewer working days, the holidays and all the personal demand of the season. The next 28 days would be best spent if dedicated to completing this year and moving into the next, however, speaking leader-to-leader, here are three things I think we all must do:

  1. Take care of business…all the day-to-day tactical stuff and wow our clients in the here and now.
  2. Do a review of this year be it individually, department or companywide. johnruh.com/3-simple-steps-for-annual-business-planning/.
  3. Create a powerful game plan for next year that empowers you and your team. johnruh.com/the-game.

This can be a daunting task for all of us but you are not alone. The secret is to enroll the support you truly need. Call/email us and we can refer specialists and simple processes that will help you get the job done right and still leave time to enjoy the holidays.

Call/email us at 773-641-9631 or John@JohnRuh.com.