By Matt Manero

You are not alone in your difficulty hiring and keeping good people. President Trump has gone through 15 people since taking office just 192 days ago.

People are the backbone of your organization, and how you find them, hire them and keep them is a crap shoot. Or is it? Is there really a method to the madness of finding great people to grow your company?

Not really, it’s really hard. But here are my 5 tips on how to hire better, retain more and have more success in growing your staff.

#1.     Know your limits. How low will you go? Does an applicant have to have perfect credit? Must they have a book of business? Do they have the aptitude to learn your business? You must know the minimum levels of skills that you are willing to accept when you hire someone. Many business owners are just so happy to have a resume that they drop their standards and hire anyone to just fill the seat. Bad idea. No matter how desperate you are to find people, keep your standards high.

#2.     Do personality testing. Once you know you limits, you can conduct a personality test to see if the applicant meets your criteria. If you are hiring for someone who will be asked to do daily repetition like data entry, don’t hire someone who’s personality test shows that they want and need new experiences often. The results of the test don’t match the requirements of the job. At my company, we use the PREDICTIVE INDEX TEST, and we believe it is spot on.

#3.     Train and then train some more. The biggest obstacle you will face with your inexperienced staff is overcoming their lack of confidence. Confidence is built through skill mastery. The most effect way I have found to help employee’s build their confidence and skill up is to train them often. You need to train your staff MUCH more than you think. Training is not an occasionally thing. Training is an everyday thing.

#4.     Role play. Create real life scenarios for your team before they are real life scenarios. I remember listening to Navy Seal Jocko Willink tell how he trained his Seal teams. In one example, during a training exercise, he had people hide in a room dressed in clown costumes. When his team breached the door, they found a group wild and crazy clowns eating and throwing pies at his team. He created unique, and dangerous situations during training so that when his team went on their “mish” to Ramadi, they had seen almost anything. Game time is not practice time. Role play often so that you team don’t waste real opportunities.

#5.     When it ends, don’t be a jerk. When it’s over it’s over, but you don’t have to be a jerk. Part on good terms. Have an adult conversation that provides the opportunity for everyone to leave on good terms. Firing is not fun for anyone, do it with dignity.

As the leader of your company, you should understand that staffing your organization is a full-time job. Always have resumes on your desk, always have ads placed, always be hiring. Because it is hard and nobody as the perfect recipe.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Matt Manero is the Founder and President of Commercial Fleet Financing, Inc. (CFF) located in Dallas, TX. CFF is celebrating its 22nd year in business and provides financing for commercial fleet vehicles such as box trucks, cargo vans, big rigs, tow trucks, dump trucks and construction equipment. CFF is a 4-time winner of the 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017. Inc. Magazine Top 500/5000 Fastest Growing Private Companies in America. Matt and his world class team has helped thousands of small business owners move closer to the money they deserve. He is the author of, “The Grit”, and his forthcoming book, “YOU NEED MORE MONEY” will be out in March 2018. Learn more at www.cffnationwide.com or call 972.247.8447 phone or on all social media platforms via @Matt Manero.

By Matt Manero

I attended Muster 003 in Austin, TX last month. The event is put on by the team at Echelon Front lead by Jocko Willink and Leaf Babin. Both are retired Navy Seals, and along with the rest of their staff…they are downright bad asses.

The attendees of the event were looking for something. Maybe to test their fitness by doing the 4:30 am workouts, or to honor veterans who fought for our freedom or maybe to just feel more like a bass ass themselves. I wanted these things, but most of all I wanted to find ONE primary takeaway from the event that I could bring back and install into my company and my life. I got lucky…I found three and here they are.

#1.      There are no bad teams, only bad leaders. Great leaders don’t blame their team, they blame them themselves first. Great leaders are not afraid to fall on the sword and accept blame. The ability to look inside yourself and really take responsibility for the problems within your team was a point that Jocko and Leif drilled home over and over during the 3-day event. Stop blaming others for the problems in your life or company. You are the leader, and great leaders build great teams. Bad leaders are the reason for bad teams, not the other way around.

#2. Role play “real life” before “real life”. The Seal Teams are placed in hundreds of training missions that simulate “real world” situations long before they get to the “real world” situation. The ability to train your team through role playing “real” situation before they happen is vital. Without question, prior to Muster003, our company did not train our team members on actual situations before they happened. For us, every day we used real life situation as training sessions and it cost us business.  Now, we train our staff in a “real life” setting long before the “real life” setting of talking with clients occurs.

#3. My favorite: Effective or Ineffective. There is no middle ground. The activity within your team is either effective or ineffective. Don’t get caught in the grey area the so many of us do. It’s not about the conversation or the memo or the group email you have sent to address an issue. It is about the result. The result is either effective or ineffective. This clarity has been a gamechanger for me. Everything in my company and my life is now viewed as either effective or ineffective.

Muster 004 is happening in San Diego in September. Get signed up. Get training too, the 4:30 workouts are tough.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Matt Manero is the Founder and President of Commercial Fleet Financing, Inc. (CFF) located in Dallas, TX. CFF is celebrating its 22nd year in business and provides financing for commercial fleet vehicles such as box trucks, cargo vans, big rigs, tow trucks, dump trucks and construction equipment. CFF is a 4-time winner of the 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017. Inc. Magazine Top 500/5000 Fastest Growing Private Companies in America. Matt and his world class team has helped thousands of small business owners move closer to the money they deserve. He is the author of, “The Grit”, and his forthcoming book, “YOU NEED MORE MONEY” will be out in March 2018. Learn more at www.cffnationwide.com or call 972.247.8447 phone or on all social media platforms via @Matt Manero.

By Matt Manero

If you were born in the 50’s, 60’s, 70’s and maybe even the 80’s, you watched the Muscular Dystrophy Telethon during Labor Day weekend. In most of our homes, we simply called it “The Jerry Lewis Telethon.” Jerry Lewis and MDA were one in the same in America. It was an annual tradition. It often raised tens of millions per year and during its 50-year history, the telethon raised over $2.3 billion for MDA.

It is one of the greatest examples of two things.

1. The importance of finding purpose for in your life
2. The power of personal branding.

The power of purpose: MDA became his purpose.  All  you had to do was watch it once to see how committed he was to it.  His goal each year was simple: ”TO RAISE ONE DOLLAR MORE THIS YEAR THAN LAST YEAR.” When Jerry asked, the biggest of the big names, put their tux or formal dress on and came on the show to lend their support. For that 24-hour period, his purpose became their purpose and the MDA benefited. Of course, there was controversy, and Jerry fought it against it every chance he could. It has been reported that Jerry gave over $7 million of his own money to support MDA. The power of one person, on purpose, is incredible.

The power of personal branding. Jerry Lewis was known around the world. His personal brand was tops in the industry, and without it, there is no doubt that the MDA would not have benefited to the tune of billions. Having a personal brand, that connects with a purpose, it unstoppable.

Build both in your life. Pick either one first, it doesn’t matter. Start with purpose and then build or brand or vice versa. But if you really want to make a difference in your life or the lives of millions…you need both.

RIP Jerry.

What can we learn from Hurricane Harvey? A LOT!

By Matt Manero

“Harvey” has already made his mark. Houston schools have closed for Monday already. Countless businesses are planning on closing for the next 3-5 days. Some areas are already on mandatory evacuation. It jacked with me too. I had a TEDX talk scheduled for Saturday and that was just cancelled and rescheduled for September.  Let’s hope it is another overblown storm story, and that everyone in the Gulf Coast area of Texas are safe.

But what can we learn from this? A BUNCH! You can’t control everything in your business. You have no idea when regulation, competitors, economic downturns or Hurricane Harvey can rock your world.

Think of all the restaurants that were “hoping” for one more banner sales week from tourists this weekend. Not going to happen. How about Uber drivers who are short on their upcoming rent payment and were “hoping” to earn it this weekend from tourists? Not going to happen. How about the small grocery store owner who can’t get shelves restocked because trucks can’t get into the area? Bummer for them.

NEVER RUN YOUR BUSINESS ON “HOPE” THAT NOTHING WILL GO WRONG. SOMETHING WILL GO WRONG, AND IT CAN ROCK YOUR WORLD.

Here are 4 important tips that will keep you ahead of uncontrollable events.

1. Hoard cash: You need reserves set aside to protect you against the unknown.
2. Plan for problems: Role play, have a “What if” plan.
3. Stop working in the present: Think more about the future.
4. Think outside the box. How can you capitalize on the unknown when it happens?

I wish everyone in South Texas good luck.

#goeasyonHoustonHavey.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Matt Manero is the Founder and President of Commercial Fleet Financing, Inc. (CFF) located in Dallas, TX. CFF is celebrating its 22nd year in business and provides financing for commercial fleet vehicles such as box trucks, cargo vans, big rigs, tow trucks, dump trucks and construction equipment. CFF is a 4-time winner of the 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017. Inc. Magazine Top 500/5000 Fastest Growing Private Companies in America. Matt and his world class team has helped thousands of small business owners move closer to the money they deserve. He is the author of, “The Grit”, and his forthcoming book, “YOU NEED MORE MONEY” will be out in March 2018. Learn more at www.cffnationwide.com or call 972.247.8447 phone or on all social media platforms via @Matt Manero.

By Matt Manero

Don’t be fooled by the word FREE. Nothing in life is FREE. Until the end of this month, I’m giving away FREE copies of my ebook and audio book version of THE GRIT. But don’t think FREE means FREE…it never does.

Nothing was done for FREE regarding my book. The book took me time, effort, energy not just to write it, but to also offer to you for FREE. And it really isn’t FREE for you either. You have to take action to download it, and then read it. Your time and energy are not FREE, but if you put them to work in the right places, the rewards can be incredible.

YOUTUBE is FREE. But you have to load the website, take time to search for you want and then take your time to watch it. The videos are FREE, but the effort to get to then isn’t.  But think of the return. The dollar cost to watch videos on youtube is zero, but the return can be incredible. You can literally learn anything you want without spending a dollar out of your pocket. Every subject you could ever want to learn about lives on the platform. You can learn to play piano, hit a baseball better, skill up to be a master salesperson…all for FREE. But your effort will cost you.

Effort is never FREE. The effort it takes to make cold calls is never FREE. To jump in your car to see a potential client isn’t FREE. It costs you time, and time is the most precious thing we have.

Now is the greatest time in the history of America to take advantage of FREE stuff, but don’t think for a second that any of it is FREE. You can now skill up to become great at anything your heart desires and your out of pocket cost is zero. But your time, effort and energy is never FREE so choose wisely my friends. Be careful who you read, what you watch and who you listen too. In a world of FREE, search out the best. The proven one’s. The people who have done something at a level you want to do it at.

It is my hope that my book proves to you that getting it for FREE is just the start. Taking the time to download it, read or listen to it and then put the simple but powerful steps inside it are worth it. My effort to write it, promote it and now give it to you for FREE as been worth every cent of my time.

Jump on this offer. Available to you FREE OF CHARGE til the end of the month only at www.mattmanero.com

#staygritty

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Matt Manero is the Founder and President of Commercial Fleet Financing, Inc. (CFF) located in Dallas, TX. CFF is celebrating its 22nd year in business and provides financing for commercial fleet vehicles such as box trucks, cargo vans, big rigs, tow trucks, dump trucks and construction equipment. CFF is a 4-time winner of the 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017. Inc. Magazine Top 500/5000 Fastest Growing Private Companies in America. Matt and his world class team has helped thousands of small business owners move closer to the money they deserve. He is the author of, “The Grit”, and his forthcoming book, “YOU NEED MORE MONEY” will be out in March 2018. Learn more at www.cffnationwide.com or call 972.247.8447 phone or on all social media platforms via @Matt Manero.

By Matt Manero

Let’s face it, average sucks. Average anything sucks. Having an average company, average marriage or average life just downright sucks. In my opinion, it is not worth doing at all. If you are going to do it average, don’t do it at all. Make the choice to be leave a meaningful thumbprint or just simply quit.

Ask yourself…what will my thumbprint be? Go a step further…what will my legacy be?

It’s the most important question you should be asking yourself each day. What thumbprint/impact/contribution will I make on my life and my career?

Everyone has the power to place their thumbprint on everything they touch. I don’t care if you are picking up the trash, pulling weeds, leading a company, raising kids, or creating a happy marriage, NOW IS THE TIME TO PUT YOUR THUMBPRINT ON IT ALL.

Why? Because so few people are doing it. In this economy, people are comfortable, satisfied, even downright lazy. It is a gift for all of us. When others are complacent…it is our time to pounce.

Here are 4 tips to help you create your own thumbprint…NOW.

1.  Have a plan. Stop wandering around within your life. Dream more, visualize your future more, build what I call a “lifestyle by design”. You get one shot at this thing called your life, so max it out. Take the time to see your future, and build a plan to make it a reality.
2. Go big or go small…either is OKAY. I don’t think you must change the world…but you do have to be in control of your world. Start with a big idea like climate change, or a small idea like dressing better. I really don’t care if you want to change the world, or just change your wardrobe…I just want you to get on a path to make an impact of some kind.
3. Commit to greatness. Average anything doesn’t matter anymore. If you want to put your thumbprint on your career, your life or your business, greatness is the foundation. Sure, you can make videos in front of your rented mansion or lambo, but unless you have a real expertise behind it, it will fade. As my friend Grant Cardone says, “BE GREAT. NOTHING ELSE PAYS.”
4. Be consistent. Doing something once doesn’t count. Putting your thumbprint on something means you will consistently perform. You will show up, even when you don’t want to. You will have the tough conversations with yourself or others, and you will do it all often. Doing something every once and a while kills momentum and confidence. Putting your thumbprint on anything requires consistency.

The challenge has been made to you by me. Plan your thumbprint, make it big or small, get great and do it often. Let me know how you are doing. Email me your progress at mmanero@cffnationwide.com

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Matt Manero is the Founder and President of Commercial Fleet Financing, Inc. (CFF) located in Dallas, TX. CFF is celebrating its 22nd year in business and provides financing for commercial fleet vehicles such as box trucks, cargo vans, big rigs, tow trucks, dump trucks and construction equipment. CFF is a 4-time winner of the 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017. Inc. Magazine Top 500/5000 Fastest Growing Private Companies in America. Matt and his world class team has helped thousands of small business owners move closer to the money they deserve. He is the author of, “The Grit”, and his forthcoming book, “YOU NEED MORE MONEY” will be out in March 2018. Learn more at www.cffnationwide.com or call 972.247.8447 phone or on all social media platforms via @Matt Manero.