Business Connections by Adams

W I N T E R 2 0 1 9 7 BUSINESS connections Employee Profile David Skinner Business Account Executive David Skinner joined the Adams team in September 2018 after working 12 years at a local IT firm in bench support and consulting. Prior to then, Skinner spent three years at Radio Shack, primarily selling wireless phones and other consumer electronics. As Business Account Executive, Skinner is responsible for learning the customer’s needs/wants, providing guidance on IT best practices for their organization, preparing quotes, and helping secure financing when appropriate. What does he find most rewarding about his job at Adams? Skinner replies, “It’s the appreciation from customers and fellow employees. For the first time in a long time, I feel like what I do is genuinely appreciated and makes a difference to people. It’s not just about profitability here at Adams; it’s about earning and keeping the respect of our customers as well as the respect of the community.” In his free time, Skinner enjoys getting away from technology as much as possible. He says, “I go camping and fishing whenever time allows. I think it helps keep me balanced. I also enjoy a good road trip.” He and his girlfriend Michelle have two daughters, Rayanne and Hailey. Sticking to traditions from the past may be hurting your business in the present T raditions are beloved parts of family life—the first-day-of-school photo, a recurring Thanksgiving menu, when and where you open holiday gifts. Doing the same thing year after year is comforting. But what works well at home doesn’t work as well in the business world. Why? Because blindly following tradition causes us to turn off our brains and can get in the way of critical thinking, imagination, and innovation. Unless your business is brand new, it has traditions. To identify them, think about these questions: Do you handle tasks a certain way simply because that’s the way you’ve always done them? Do you hold regular meetings more out of habit than necessity? Do you still have the same marketing materials, merchandising displays, or products that you had five years ago? The problem with holding on too tightly to traditions is that it prevents your business from moving forward. Instead, stay open to fresh ideas and encourage your employees to look for better, faster, and more efficient ways to do their jobs and serve your customers. Many resources are available to help your business develop fresh approaches to replace those tired traditions. For example, consider the following: • Join a business or community group to hear inspiring speakers and network with new people. • Expand your knowledge by studying the success stories of businesses outside your community or field of business. • Stay updated on trends by reading books, taking classes, and traveling. • Check out Pinterest for images that may spark a more creative tactic for items such as your office interior, product packaging, or advertising. While the past should be respected, great business leaders are advocates for change. Make sure you stay curious and have the courage to challenge the status quo. Tradition is Not a Business Model