RM

Leadership: Sunny Side Up!

Sep 12, 2013

JF
Stage· 174 messages
Sep 12, 2013

Join me as I tawk with CEO and Owner of Wildflower Enterprises, Jennifer Finnell, as we discuss the charismatic, interactive, and humanitarian role of leadership she has adopted within her corporation and how it has positively affected her and her company!nnWe will be discussing the increasing need for such leadership in today's business world and what that means for both employees and employers! n

RM

Rachel McDonnell · 12:00 AM

Hello Miss Jenn. :)
JF

Jennifer Finnell · 12:00 AM

Hello, Rachel! Thank you for having me here tonight!
RM

Rachel McDonnell · 12:01 AM

★ Spotlighted from Jordan Birnbaum

“let's Tawk leadership!”

JF

Jennifer Finnell · 12:01 AM

Great idea, Jordan!
RM

Rachel McDonnell · 12:01 AM

thanks for deciding to do this it should be fun! :)
RM

Rachel McDonnell · 12:02 AM

so would you like to give the audience a little background on yourself?
JF

Jennifer Finnell · 12:02 AM

I was in attendance of the "Psychology of Douchebaggery" Tawk. I'd just like to say that it is an extreme honor to be here in representation of the polar opposite philosophy.
RM

Rachel McDonnell · 12:03 AM

Yes you are the exact opposite of a douchebag I will say that.. :)
RM

Rachel McDonnell · 12:03 AM

I have had the privilege of working with Jenn off and on for quite a few years. She is the best boss you could have
JF

Jennifer Finnell · 12:03 AM

Yes. My name is Jenn. I am the founder and CEO of Wildflower Enterprises. This involves a variety of business endeavors, but this evening I am here on behalf of Team Wildflower.
JF

Jennifer Finnell · 12:04 AM

TWF is an SEO marketing company that helps businesses get exposure on the internet.
RM

Rachel McDonnell · 12:04 AM

★ Spotlighted from Jordan Birnbaum

“Woo hoo! Let's hear it for the good guys!!!”

JF

Jennifer Finnell · 12:04 AM

Thanks, Rachel! We have worked together in many capacities, indeed!
RM

Rachel McDonnell · 12:05 AM

so let's jump right in
RM

Rachel McDonnell · 12:05 AM

how did you become the CEO of your company Team Wildflower?
RM

Rachel McDonnell · 12:05 AM

was it something you thought you would be doing in your lifetime?
JF

Jennifer Finnell · 12:06 AM

Well, it's a long story, as I'm sure everyone's is. Basically, I got tired of fighting the "good" fight, and decided that if I was ever going to be able to run a company the way I thought it should be run, I should just start my own.
RM

Rachel McDonnell · 12:06 AM

I love that! :)
JF

Jennifer Finnell · 12:07 AM

lol. No. I never really saw myself becoming a CEO of an international company. But, here we are! :)
RM

Rachel McDonnell · 12:07 AM

Jenn - also click on the "who's here" button and click listen if there are any green listen buttons up on your screen so you can see all comments by the audience :)
RM

Rachel McDonnell · 12:07 AM

And doing a great job I'd say (maybe I am impartial. lol)
RM

Rachel McDonnell · 12:07 AM

★ Spotlighted from Jordan Birnbaum

“what's the most important factor in landing new clients?”

RM

Rachel McDonnell · 12:07 AM

Let's take Jordan's question
JF

Jennifer Finnell · 12:08 AM

You have to listen. A potential client will tell you everything you need to know if you just listen.
JF

Jennifer Finnell · 12:08 AM

Same is true with employees.
RM

Rachel McDonnell · 12:08 AM

so don't railroad them into a decision just to make a sale? crazy logic. lol
JF

Jennifer Finnell · 12:10 AM

You know, I get some criticism for my sales approach for that, Rachel. But I'm in business to help, not pressure. There are plenty of people out there who need our services. I don't waste alot of time trying to talk someone into something they
JF

Jennifer Finnell · 12:10 AM

don't want or see the value of.
RM

Rachel McDonnell · 12:10 AM

I respect that a lot as I am sure your customers do
RM

Rachel McDonnell · 12:10 AM

How has becoming a CEO changed your outlook on the working world? particularly how has it changed how you view leadership in the workplace?
JF

Jennifer Finnell · 12:11 AM

I don't think it's becoming a CEO, per se, that's changed me.
JF

Jennifer Finnell · 12:12 AM

Rather, my different (and sometimes unpopular) philosophy on how to manage people caused me to become a CEO rather than a middleman.
RM

Rachel McDonnell · 12:13 AM

So you were sick of employees being treated badly within companies.... Is that fair to say?
JF

Jennifer Finnell · 12:14 AM

There are a lot of people out there in higher-up positions that think they rule the world with their title. I say, they wouldn't be in that position in the first place without the people who work for them.
RM

Rachel McDonnell · 12:14 AM

Amen Sista! I think a lot of people in the audience would agree! We have all been in jobs where we were treated poorly..
JF

Jennifer Finnell · 12:15 AM

Yes. In the corporate world I often felt on the defensive between home office and the actual living, breathing human beings under my direction. Often on the losing end. Sad, sad, sad.
RM

Rachel McDonnell · 12:15 AM

★ Spotlighted from Julie Myers

“A satisfied customer will come back.”

RM

Rachel McDonnell · 12:15 AM

★ Spotlighted from Jimmy Lee Wirt

“I've been a self employed web/graphic designer for about 5 years. The challenge these days is getting more clients.”

RM

Rachel McDonnell · 12:15 AM

do you have any advice for Jimmy on how to bring in new clients, being a growing business yourself?
JF

Jennifer Finnell · 12:16 AM

Good for you, Jimmy! It is hard sometimes, but hang in there! Worth every sacrifice to change the world on your own terms!
RM

Rachel McDonnell · 12:17 AM

Yes! I think the more people say we aren't going to be treated this way! And go and do their own thing, the more those types of businesses will be highlighted and hopefully people will turn to personalized business over the bigger companies who only
RM

Rachel McDonnell · 12:17 AM

have profit in mind
JF

Jennifer Finnell · 12:17 AM

@Jimmy, just get yourself out there. When your work is your passion, you can hardly help but talk about it to everyone who will listen, so talk! You'll be surprised at how many people you meet that were actually looking for the service you provide.
RM

Rachel McDonnell · 12:18 AM

Jenn you were always one of the best sales people I knew.. mostly because of your enthusiasm! :)
RM

Rachel McDonnell · 12:18 AM

★ Spotlighted from Julie Myers

“I have always been a fan of W. Edwards Deming. He believed that the little people are the individuals that make a company successful.”

JF

Jennifer Finnell · 12:19 AM

@Julie, one of my favorite sayings is "it takes a village to raise a child." I believe the same sentiment applies to growing a business.
RM

Rachel McDonnell · 12:19 AM

★ Spotlighted from Rebecca Westbrook Toker

“I feel like, as a client, you have to listen, too - people will tell you everything you need to know if you just keep smiling and nodding, and then you can decide whether to hire or not. So - when you're courting clients, that's important to note. :D”

JF

Jennifer Finnell · 12:19 AM

True, Rebecca.
RM

Rachel McDonnell · 12:19 AM

Jenn if you want to spotlight any comments go right ahead :)
JF

Jennifer Finnell · 12:20 AM

Just trying to keep up, Rachel. lol
RM

Rachel McDonnell · 12:20 AM

no problem :)
RM

Rachel McDonnell · 12:20 AM

★ Spotlighted from Brian Klebenoff

“I'm a small business owner, one can really go crazy on all of the social media outlets.”

RM

Rachel McDonnell · 12:20 AM

social media seems to be where it is at these days in the way of promotion
JF

Jennifer Finnell · 12:21 AM

It is, but multiple social media outlets can be hard to manage, especially for the small business owner that has his/her hands full every moment of the day just running their biz.
JF

Jennifer Finnell · 12:21 AM

★ Spotlighted from Rebecca Westbrook Toker

“Oh, I LOVE that! I'm a cooperative effort person myself. I got in trouble in my sales days for directing people to competitors when we couldn't get what they needed. :D”

RM

Rachel McDonnell · 12:21 AM

yes and also when you know need to pay to promote on certain sites
JF

Jennifer Finnell · 12:22 AM

@Rebecca, I too am guilty of directing clients to a more appropriate venue. It's just the right thing to do, you know?
RM

Rachel McDonnell · 12:22 AM

@Brian which is why I love Tawkers :)
RM

Rachel McDonnell · 12:22 AM

People over Profit.. you two are singing my song! :)
RM

Rachel McDonnell · 12:23 AM

@Jordan yes we all need t-shirts.. Tawkers Community Unite! :)
JF

Jennifer Finnell · 12:23 AM

But that's a good point to introduce outsourcing - not overseas, but out of the office. Delegation is important when it comes to imperative but time consuming tasks such as business promotion.
RM

Rachel McDonnell · 12:23 AM

★ Spotlighted from Jordan Birnbaum

“@Brian - we should print that on a t-shirt”

RM

Rachel McDonnell · 12:24 AM

★ Spotlighted from Brian Klebenoff

“Tawking is free”

RM

Rachel McDonnell · 12:24 AM

★ Spotlighted from Rebecca Westbrook Toker

“Heck yes, Jordan. I would wear that t-shirt! Outside the house, even.”

JF

Jennifer Finnell · 12:24 AM

AND, that's frees the biz owner up to focus more intently on the needs, wants, achievements and ideas of their staff! Which is where magic happens in any biz.
JF

Jennifer Finnell · 12:25 AM

★ Spotlighted from Rebecca Westbrook Toker

“I was listening to Joel Salatin last week, and he said the same - he's a farmer, but he says spend your time on your passions and let someone else keep the books!”

RM

Rachel McDonnell · 12:25 AM

so delegation is very important to the CEO or owner of a company. I can see that.. one of the best things a successful leader can do is learn how to delegate responsibilities properly which is where your employees come in :)
RM

Rachel McDonnell · 12:25 AM

and happy employees mean an smoother flowing business wouldn't you agree?
JF

Jennifer Finnell · 12:26 AM

@Rebecca, AMEN! No one really gets into business to RUN their business. They get into business to follow a passion.
JF

Jennifer Finnell · 12:26 AM

Yes, Rachel.
JF

Jennifer Finnell · 12:26 AM

I would not have a business at all without all the brilliantly talented people I've been lucky enough to lure into my organization...
RM

Rachel McDonnell · 12:27 AM

Except for those greedy runners of business.. and there are a lot. Which is why it is so refreshing to find a company like yours who takes a more humanitarian approach to leadership :)
JF

Jennifer Finnell · 12:28 AM

And here's the thing. I started this business with an idea. But that idea has expanded into a wonderful expansion of opportunities I never even dreamed of until these ideas were introduced by my team.
JF

Jennifer Finnell · 12:29 AM

So, in my mind, it serves no purpose to adopt a dictatorial role in my leadership of these brilliant minds. It's in everyone's best interest to keep a free flowing exchange of ideas going on.
JF

Jennifer Finnell · 12:29 AM

★ Spotlighted from Julie Myers

“Have you ever had an issue with delegating tasks to an employee and how did you handle it?”

JF

Jennifer Finnell · 12:30 AM

@Julie, I've always had issues with delegating. As my VP will tell you, however, I'm getting much better at it!
JF

Jennifer Finnell · 12:30 AM

That's another issue in which trust between management and employees is so crucial.
RM

Rachel McDonnell · 12:30 AM

★ Spotlighted from Jordan Birnbaum

“do you think that giving other people credit is any less satisfying for your ego? I always found that when I gave credit to my employees, people credited me with being a great boss!”

RM

Rachel McDonnell · 12:31 AM

I am not sure Jenn has an ego Jordan lol
JF

Jennifer Finnell · 12:31 AM

@Jordan, absolutely not! That's really the point here, I guess. When you empower your employees, and then appreciate them when they shine under the influence of that empowerment, their true greatness really comes shining through.
JF

Jennifer Finnell · 12:32 AM

Which is better for business, to be sure, but also much more satisfying as an employer...and a human being.
RM

Rachel McDonnell · 12:32 AM

★ Spotlighted from Rebecca Westbrook Toker

“It's also tough to "order people around." I think women have a harder time with that.”

RM

Rachel McDonnell · 12:32 AM

★ Spotlighted from Rebecca Westbrook Toker

“I mean, not to be sexist. I have a lot of trouble telling other adults what to do.”

RM

Rachel McDonnell · 12:32 AM

@Rebecca I do too..
JF

Jennifer Finnell · 12:32 AM

I think you're right, Rebecca. We just need to get over that. I mean, everyone knows we're right! lol
RM

Rachel McDonnell · 12:32 AM

haha
RM

Rachel McDonnell · 12:33 AM

exactly!
RM

Rachel McDonnell · 12:33 AM

so what would you say is the difference between a good leader and a bad one?
RM

Rachel McDonnell · 12:33 AM

★ Spotlighted from Julie Myers

“It is tough to give up control. :-)”

RM

Rachel McDonnell · 12:34 AM

@Julie aren't we ALL control freaks? ;)
RM

Rachel McDonnell · 12:34 AM

★ Spotlighted from Jordan Birnbaum

“I am so ready to hand over the reins of society to the ladies!”

RM

Rachel McDonnell · 12:34 AM

no complaints here Jordan ;)
JF

Jennifer Finnell · 12:35 AM

Certainly there is a control issue present in bad leadership, but I think it's the DESIRE for control that really makes these people become the tyrants that they are. Control is an illusion anyway...
RM

Rachel McDonnell · 12:35 AM

yes I think the love of power and controlling others definitely is a big part of it
JF

Jennifer Finnell · 12:36 AM

Good leadership, on the other hand, focuses on the collective. As in, the whole is greater than the sum of its parts. When you give everyone the OPPORTUNITY to contribute, you will be amazed at the contributions they make. I know I am...constantly
JF

Jennifer Finnell · 12:37 AM

★ Spotlighted from Julie Myers

“Yes! Control is an illusion. Good leaders know when to let their employees take over and shine.”

RM

Rachel McDonnell · 12:37 AM

yes I agree... teamwork and just showing employees mutual respect is huge!
JF

Jennifer Finnell · 12:37 AM

I guess I really look at it the same way I look at raising my kids. lol
JF

Jennifer Finnell · 12:38 AM

It's more guiding than controlling...
JF

Jennifer Finnell · 12:38 AM

It's also important to be accessible to your employees.
JF

Jennifer Finnell · 12:39 AM

They're PEOPLE, first and foremost, and I think a lot of companies forget that...
RM

Rachel McDonnell · 12:39 AM

Have you had employees take advantage of your generosity as a leader?
RM

Rachel McDonnell · 12:39 AM

I would think that would be one issue with this type of leadership
RM

Rachel McDonnell · 12:40 AM

some people think because you are nice that they can take advantage
JF

Jennifer Finnell · 12:40 AM

Absolutely. That happens in every aspect of life. But I don't let it change my outlook or effect my impression of the employees that have stood by me every step of the way.
RM

Rachel McDonnell · 12:40 AM

That is amazing...
JF

Jennifer Finnell · 12:40 AM

There are always people out there who will take advantage. You can let it jade you, or you can take it on the chin and move on. I'm a mover.
JF

Jennifer Finnell · 12:41 AM

★ Spotlighted from Seth Hochman

“Empower your employees and watch how powerful the company becomes”

RM

Rachel McDonnell · 12:41 AM

one of the things I admire most about you! :)
JF

Jennifer Finnell · 12:41 AM

Exactly, Seth!
JF

Jennifer Finnell · 12:41 AM

Thanks, Rachel. :)
RM

Rachel McDonnell · 12:41 AM

sure! :) so what do you think motivates your employees to work harder?
JF

Jennifer Finnell · 12:42 AM

Well...I think it's because they see Team Wildflower as being their company, too. Which it absolutely is.
JF

Jennifer Finnell · 12:42 AM

We're pretty new to the scene, but I think everyone's already had the opportunity to see the difference their own, personal contributions are making.
RM

Rachel McDonnell · 12:43 AM

yes it is a very group oriented company and each employee has their individual and important part to play
JF

Jennifer Finnell · 12:43 AM

And I intend to keep it that way.
RM

Rachel McDonnell · 12:43 AM

do you think this will change as the company grows?
RM

Rachel McDonnell · 12:43 AM

or just answered my question :)
JF

Jennifer Finnell · 12:44 AM

I think the term "teamwork" is over-used sometimes these days, but that's definitely our M.O.
JF

Jennifer Finnell · 12:44 AM

No. I wouldn't have a company without them. I acknowledge and appreciate that.
JF

Jennifer Finnell · 12:45 AM

★ Spotlighted from Seth Hochman

“Companies listed on the Top 100 employers list outperform other companies by about a two to one average on the stock market, it literally pays off”

JF

Jennifer Finnell · 12:45 AM

@Seth, we're gonna get there!!!
RM

Rachel McDonnell · 12:45 AM

double spotlight Seth! right on! :)
RM

Rachel McDonnell · 12:45 AM

go ahead jenn
JF

Jennifer Finnell · 12:46 AM

Okay, well...how many times have any of you come to your employer with an idea, only to be blown off? Or, how many times has your boss taken credit for an idea that you presented?
RM

Rachel McDonnell · 12:46 AM

audience?
JF

Jennifer Finnell · 12:46 AM

That mentality is so ridiculous in my mind.
RM

Rachel McDonnell · 12:47 AM

I think it is awful that they would take credit for your idea... I think the idea that business has to be "cut-throat" to survive has become all too prevalent in today's working world :/
JF

Jennifer Finnell · 12:48 AM

The thing that really blows my mind is that there should be any question as to what "good" leadership entails. It's simple. We're all human beings. We should treat each other accordingly; with respect.
JF

Jennifer Finnell · 12:48 AM

★ Spotlighted from JJ Van Parys

“you tend to give up and loose interest in your job”

RM

Rachel McDonnell · 12:49 AM

I agree Jenn unfortunately this seems to be something rare in today's world.. and in the past.. I think only recently has "good" leadership become a viable option for companies which boggles my mind as well
JF

Jennifer Finnell · 12:49 AM

Right, JJ. Where's the inspiration? What could be the possible motivation for loyalty when there's no sense of personal satisfaction or worth?
RM

Rachel McDonnell · 12:49 AM

★ Spotlighted from Seth Hochman

“Thx...conversely there are the companies run by Scrooges and they almost always lose money in the long run”

RM

Rachel McDonnell · 12:49 AM

★ Spotlighted from Rebecca Westbrook Toker

“Ha! Turnover cuts into profits BIGTIME. That's the biggest loss in the fast food industry.”

RM

Rachel McDonnell · 12:50 AM

★ Spotlighted from Julie Myers

“I have been fortunate to work with a group of instructors who are a true team. I will not say that for the rest of the college but it getting there!”

JF

Jennifer Finnell · 12:50 AM

Right. It's a much better investment not only financially, but on all fronts, to cultivate the team you have to their best potential.
RM

Rachel McDonnell · 12:50 AM

I only hope companies that value their employees and good leadership continue to grow and thrive... because they are truly better for the employees, owners, and customers
JF

Jennifer Finnell · 12:51 AM

You raise a good point there, Rachel...the customers.
JF

Jennifer Finnell · 12:51 AM

Isn't it better for a customer to be dealing with a happy employee???
RM

Rachel McDonnell · 12:51 AM

hell yes it is!
JF

Jennifer Finnell · 12:52 AM

Aren't sales so much better when your people are passionate about your company???
RM

Rachel McDonnell · 12:52 AM

anyone dealing with cranky customer service providers knows this :p
RM

Rachel McDonnell · 12:52 AM

definitely!
RM

Rachel McDonnell · 12:52 AM

★ Spotlighted from Jennifer "JD" Arbuckle

“It's essential to the human condition to have validation and most people find validation through their jobs. Nice Jenn...”

RM

Rachel McDonnell · 12:52 AM

★ Spotlighted from Seth Hochman

“Disgruntled employees aren't motivated to sell or perform and leave a bad image on customers. Not to mention if you treat your employees like garbage chances are you do the same thing for your customers”

JF

Jennifer Finnell · 12:52 AM

Well, you don't cultivate passionate employees by talking down to them. That's for sure. Plus, work is so much more fun for me with an enthusiastic team!
JF

Jennifer Finnell · 12:53 AM

Excellent point, Arbuckle!
RM

Rachel McDonnell · 12:53 AM

@Rebecca we should do a tawk on the public school system :p
JF

Jennifer Finnell · 12:53 AM

Also a good point, Seth. A douchebag is a douchebag is a douchebag...
JF

Jennifer Finnell · 12:54 AM

★ Spotlighted from Julie Myers

“What advise do you have for employees that are stuck in a job without a good leader?”

RM

Rachel McDonnell · 12:54 AM

ok so before we have to wrap this up.. I would love for you to tell the audience about the great SEO content writing Team Wildflower does because I think it goes above and beyond a lot of SEO companies
JF

Jennifer Finnell · 12:54 AM

@Julie, KEEP LOOKING!!! There is a place out there, somewhere, that will treat you right. Life's too short to have a sucky job.
RM

Rachel McDonnell · 12:55 AM

and maybe looking into starting your own company? I think that is becoming a more attractive option to people stuck working with douchebag bosses... especially when you can create a business online
JF

Jennifer Finnell · 12:55 AM

Oh! Okay...thanks, Rachel! Well, Team Wildflower creates 100% custom packages based on individual business needs and budget, to get their websites to the front page of the search engines...
RM

Rachel McDonnell · 12:56 AM

@Jordan yes we need a tawkers convention! I keep saying! :)
JF

Jennifer Finnell · 12:56 AM

We differentiate ourselves with a personal approach. We actually talk to our customers!!! Sometimes, we even invite them to the company party. They become part of the Wildflower family.
JF

Jennifer Finnell · 12:57 AM

Our business model is based on achieving success for our customers and satisfaction among our employees. Happy, happy, happy!
RM

Rachel McDonnell · 12:57 AM

yes it is a very friendly company and I love that the content is so imaginative and informative it is not the "same old" SEO writing
RM

Rachel McDonnell · 12:58 AM

Thanks Jordan :)
JF

Jennifer Finnell · 12:58 AM

As far as advice for starting your own business...just go for it! I mean, have a plan and all, but your dreams are important, and they're not going to build themselves! :)
RM

Rachel McDonnell · 12:58 AM

★ Spotlighted from Rebecca Westbrook Toker

“Jennifer, Iam so glad that you said that! You can't really sit your boss down and teach him/her how to treat people...it's best to just go somewhere else. :)”

RM

Rachel McDonnell · 12:59 AM

I think if it is where you are meant to be and what you are meant to be doing.. you will find a way as will the universe in helping you achieve it! :)
RM

Rachel McDonnell · 12:59 AM

Thanks so much Jenn! :)
RM

Rachel McDonnell · 12:59 AM

This was a fun tawk! And very informative I hope the audience got something out of it! :)
JF

Jennifer Finnell · 1:00 AM

Awww! I don't want this to be over yet! lol. Thanks everyone! This has been an absolute pleasure.
RM

Rachel McDonnell · 1:00 AM

If you are up for it we should plan another one soon.. I feel like there are many more things we can discuss when it comes to good, effective, and humanitarian leadership! :)
RM

Rachel McDonnell · 1:00 AM

★ Spotlighted from Julie Myers

“Excellent Tawk!”

JF

Jennifer Finnell · 1:01 AM

I'm down, Rachel. Maybe we can inspire some change in the biz world.
RM

Rachel McDonnell · 1:01 AM

I would LOVE to do that! :D
JF

Jennifer Finnell · 1:01 AM

★ Spotlighted from Jordan Birnbaum

“All right amigos - I'm off to my Tawk with Rebecca - I absolutely LOVED this Tawk - people like Rach and Jenn make me optimistic.”

RM

Rachel McDonnell · 1:01 AM

Alright folks thanks for coming and thanks again Jenn! :) check out: teamwildflower.com for more information on this amazing and ever growing business! :)
JF

Jennifer Finnell · 1:02 AM

Night night, everybody! :)
RM

Rachel McDonnell · 1:03 AM

If you are late to the tawk you can scroll up to the top of the tawk on the left hand side to view it in its entirety... thanks again Jenn! :)
JF

Jennifer Finnell · 1:03 AM

My pleasure, Rachel. Thank you!