Information-2-Knowledge, LLC The 21 Indispensable Qualities of a Leader This presentation adapted from the book of the same title by John C. Maxwell (1999)

Information-2-Knowledge, LLC What are the 21 indispensable qualities of a Leader? What are the 21 indispensable qualities of a Leader?

Information-2-Knowledge, LLC 21 Traits of a Leader CharacterCharismaCommitment CommunicationCompetenceCourage DiscernmentFocusInitiative GenerosityListeningPassion Positive Attitude Problem Solving Relationships ResponsibilitySecuritySelf-Discipline ServanthoodTeachabilityVision

Information-2-Knowledge, LLC Independent Information Professional AKA Information Brokers Information Brokers Consultants Consultants Independent Analyst Independent Analyst Independent Researchers Independent Researchers Freelancers Freelancers Fee-Based Information Providers Fee-Based Information Providers Independent Information Professionals (IIP) Independent Information Professionals (IIP)

Information-2-Knowledge, LLC What does an Independent Information Professional Do? Provide information & knowledge services to: organizations (all sizes and types) organizations (all sizes and types) with existing staff with existing staff independent of existing staff independent of existing staff contract contract short term or long term short term or long term

Information-2-Knowledge, LLC 1: Character More than talk More than talk Talent is Gift, Character is a Choice Talent is Gift, Character is a Choice Lasting Success with People Lasting Success with People Leaders cannot rise above the limitations of their character Leaders cannot rise above the limitations of their character

Information-2-Knowledge, LLC Personal Assessments Take assessments Take assessments Look for character flaws Look for character flaws Identify the patterns Identify the patterns Repair your character Repair your character Rebuild your character Rebuild your character

Information-2-Knowledge, LLC Where can you demonstrate your character? Library Associations Library Associations Private Companies Private Companies Public Companies Public Companies Health Agencies Health Agencies Attorneys Attorneys Government Agencies Government Agencies Educational Institutions Educational Institutions

Information-2-Knowledge, LLC 2: Charisma Love Life Love Life Put a 10 on Every Persons Head Put a 10 on Every Persons Head Give People Hope Give People Hope Share Yourself Share Yourself

Information-2-Knowledge, LLC Build Rapport Focus on others Focus on others Make a good 1 st impression Make a good 1 st impression When meeting new people, learn their name and focus on their interest When meeting new people, learn their name and focus on their interest Be positive and treat them like a 10. Be positive and treat them like a 10.

Information-2-Knowledge, LLC 3: Commitment When it comes to commitments, there are really only four types of people When it comes to commitments, there are really only four types of people Cop-outs (people with no goals, dont commit) Cop-outs (people with no goals, dont commit) Holdouts (people who dont know if theyll reach their goals Holdouts (people who dont know if theyll reach their goals Dropouts (people who quit when the going gets touch) Dropouts (people who quit when the going gets touch) All-outs (people who set goals, commit to learn and pay the price to reach them) All-outs (people who set goals, commit to learn and pay the price to reach them)

Information-2-Knowledge, LLC Getting Started Create a Plan that includes: Create a Plan that includes: Research Research Self-Assessment Self-Assessment Select a Niche Select a Niche Develop a Business Plan Develop a Business Plan Join Professional Associations Join Professional Associations

Information-2-Knowledge, LLC 4: Communication The leader must be able to share knowledge and ideas to transmit a sense of urgency and enthusiasm to others. The leader must be able to share knowledge and ideas to transmit a sense of urgency and enthusiasm to others.

Information-2-Knowledge, LLC Effective Communicator Effective Communicator Simplify Your Message Simplify Your Message See the Person (be audience oriented) See the Person (be audience oriented) Be Credible Be Credible Believe what you say Believe what you say Show conviction Show conviction Be a catalyst for action (Give people something to feel, remember, and do) Be a catalyst for action (Give people something to feel, remember, and do)

Information-2-Knowledge, LLC Communicating with Clients Advertising [Cards, Brochures, Website] Advertising [Cards, Brochures, Website] Articles & Books Articles & Books Word-of-Mouth Word-of-Mouth Customer and Colleague Referrals Customer and Colleague Referrals Association of Independent Information Professionals (AIIP) Association of Independent Information Professionals (AIIP) Public Speaking, Radio Interviews Public Speaking, Radio Interviews Social Networking Social Networking

Information-2-Knowledge, LLC 5: Competence Competence goes beyond words. Competence goes beyond words. Its the leaders ability to say it, plan it, and do it in such a way that others know that you know how--- and know that they want to follow you. Its the leaders ability to say it, plan it, and do it in such a way that others know that you know how--- and know that they want to follow you.

Information-2-Knowledge, LLC Competence Show up every day Show up every day Keep Improving Keep Improving Follow Through with Excellence Follow Through with Excellence Accomplish More than Expected Accomplish More than Expected Inspire Others Inspire Others

Information-2-Knowledge, LLC Basic Requirements You need: You need: Experience to develop confidence in your own abilities. Experience to develop confidence in your own abilities. Develop expertise in information services Develop expertise in information services Familiarity with information resources Familiarity with information resources Understanding of the information industry Understanding of the information industry Network for referrals Network for referrals Business Sense Business Sense

Information-2-Knowledge, LLC Research (Books) Building and Running a Successful Research Business: A Guide For the Independent Information Professional, by Mary Ellen Bates (Information Today Inc. 2003), Building and Running a Successful Research Business: A Guide For the Independent Information Professional, by Mary Ellen Bates (Information Today Inc. 2003), Information Brokering: A How-To-Do-It Manual by Florence M. Mason and Chris Dobson (Neal-Schuman Publishers, 1998) Information Brokering: A How-To-Do-It Manual by Florence M. Mason and Chris Dobson (Neal-Schuman Publishers, 1998) Super Searchers Make It On Their Own by Suzanne Sabroski Super Searchers Make It On Their Own by Suzanne Sabroski

Information-2-Knowledge, LLC Research Trends and Impact Articles Articles Internet Internet Examine Websites Examine Websites Personal Interviews Personal Interviews

Information-2-Knowledge, LLC 3 Types of Competent People Those who can see what needs to happen. Those who can see what needs to happen. Those who can make things happen Those who can make things happen Those who can make things happen when it really counts. Those who can make things happen when it really counts.

Information-2-Knowledge, LLC Self Assessment Do you have the Right Stuff ? (temperament and skills) Do you have the Right Stuff ? (temperament and skills) Identify knowledge gaps Identify knowledge gaps Find available resources (enhance skills) Find available resources (enhance skills) graduate library schools graduate library schools community colleges courses community colleges courses database vendors (LexisNexis, Dialog and Factiva) database vendors (LexisNexis, Dialog and Factiva) Small Business Development Small Business Development

Information-2-Knowledge, LLC Know the Tools of the Trade Different vocabulary Different vocabulary Primary/Secondary Research Primary/Secondary Research Competitive Intelligence Competitive Intelligence Due Diligence Due Diligence Deliverables Deliverables Not to Exceed Budgets Not to Exceed Budgets Error & Omissions Insurance Error & Omissions Insurance Non-compete clause Non-compete clause

Information-2-Knowledge, LLC 6: Courage Courage is rightly esteemed the first of human qualities…because it is the quality which guarantees all others Courage is rightly esteemed the first of human qualities…because it is the quality which guarantees all others

Information-2-Knowledge, LLC Be Courageous Courage begins with an inward battle Courage begins with an inward battle Courage is making things right, not just smoothing them over Courage is making things right, not just smoothing them over Courage in a leader inspires commitment from followers Courage in a leader inspires commitment from followers Your life expands in proportion to your courage Your life expands in proportion to your courage

Information-2-Knowledge, LLC Only one key to success: Marketing Become Visible Become Visible Develop Marketing Strategies Develop Marketing Strategies Develop Marketing Tactics Develop Marketing Tactics Create Marketing Kit Create Marketing Kit Niche Marketing (Show Uniqueness) Niche Marketing (Show Uniqueness) Free Advertising Free Advertising Life Long Learning Life Long Learning

Information-2-Knowledge, LLC Warm Calls Read Sam Richters Book

Information-2-Knowledge, LLC 7: Discernment Smart leaders believe only half of what they hear, Discerning leaders know which half to believe Smart leaders believe only half of what they hear, Discerning leaders know which half to believe John G. Maxwell John G. Maxwell

Information-2-Knowledge, LLC Maximize Effectiveness Discover the root issues Discover the root issues Enhance your problem solving Enhance your problem solving Evaluate your options for maximum impact Evaluate your options for maximum impact Multiply your opportunities Multiply your opportunities

Information-2-Knowledge, LLC Put your foot in the water Before diving in. Building a business takes time, and an information business is no different. Building a business takes time, and an information business is no different.

Information-2-Knowledge, LLC 8: Focus Focus 70% on your Strengths Focus 70% on your Strengths 25% on New Things 25% on New Things 5% on Areas of Weakness 5% on Areas of Weakness

Information-2-Knowledge, LLC Focus Work on yourself Work on yourself Shift to strength Shift to strength Staff your weaknesses Staff your weaknesses Work at your priorities Work at your priorities Create a competitive edge Create a competitive edge

Information-2-Knowledge, LLC Cardinal Virtues Being Organized Being Organized Self-Motivated Self-Motivated Resilient Resilient Determined Determined Dependable Dependable Trusted Trusted Perseverance Perseverance

Information-2-Knowledge, LLC 9: Generosity Be grateful for whatever you have Be grateful for whatever you have Put people first Put people first Dont allow the desire for possessions to control you Dont allow the desire for possessions to control you Regard Money as a resources Regard Money as a resources Develop the habit of giving Develop the habit of giving

Information-2-Knowledge, LLC You have not lived today until you have done something for someone who can never repay you. You have not lived today until you have done something for someone who can never repay you. ---John Bunyan ---John Bunyan

Information-2-Knowledge, LLC Find Opportunities to Give Volunteer to Speak for nonprofit organizations Volunteer to Speak for nonprofit organizations Volunteer to help a nonprofit set up their library Volunteer to help a nonprofit set up their library Create a network of resources Create a network of resources Give away tips for finding resources Give away tips for finding resources Become a mentor Become a mentor

Information-2-Knowledge, LLC 10: Initiative Know what you want Know what you want Push yourself to act Push yourself to act Take more risk Take more risk

Information-2-Knowledge, LLC Only those who dare to fail greatly can ever achieve greatly Only those who dare to fail greatly can ever achieve greatly --- Senator Robert Kennedy --- Senator Robert Kennedy

Information-2-Knowledge, LLC Develop a Business Plan You will need to: You will need to: secure financing secure financing buy equipment buy equipment select a name select a name corporate structure corporate structure identify potential clients identify potential clients develop a marketing plan develop a marketing plan create 30, 60, 90 day plans create 30, 60, 90 day plans

Information-2-Knowledge, LLC 11: Listening Change your focus and listen Change your focus and listen Hear your customers concerns, complaints, and suggestions Hear your customers concerns, complaints, and suggestions Learn from your competitors Learn from your competitors Listen to a mentor Listen to a mentor

Information-2-Knowledge, LLC Tune into your Clients For ways to improve a project or process For ways to improve a project or process Identify clear lines of accountability Identify clear lines of accountability Willingness to take advice Willingness to take advice Need for value added services Need for value added services Internal financial issues Internal financial issues Ethical and honest behavior Ethical and honest behavior Industry referrals opportunities Industry referrals opportunities

Information-2-Knowledge, LLC 12: Passion Passion is the 1 st step to acheivement Passion is the 1 st step to acheivement Passion increases your willpower Passion increases your willpower Passion changes you Passion changes you Passion makes the Impossible possible Passion makes the Impossible possible

Information-2-Knowledge, LLC Let Passion Drive Your Niche Specialization Specialization technology technology research technique research technique industry industry type of service type of service type of product type of product

Information-2-Knowledge, LLC Niche Development Niche Development Online Searching Online Searching Bibliographic Instruction Bibliographic Instruction ILL/Doc Delivery ILL/Doc Delivery Strategic Planning Strategic Planning Public Speaking Public Speaking Telephone Reference Telephone Reference Space Planning Space Planning Competitive Intelligence Training Rapid Doc Delivery Facilitation Expert Witness Testimony Primary Research

Information-2-Knowledge, LLC You Can NOT Do Everything Specialization Specialization makes marketing your services easier makes marketing your services easier make it possible for you to maintain your expertise make it possible for you to maintain your expertise helps you stay highly competitive in this information-intense environment helps you stay highly competitive in this information-intense environment

Information-2-Knowledge, LLC 13: Positive Attitude Your Attitude is a Choice Your Attitude is a Choice Your Attitude determines your actions Your Attitude determines your actions Your people are a mirror to your Attitude Your people are a mirror to your Attitude

Information-2-Knowledge, LLC Attitude, Aptitude, Altitude Select work that you enjoy doing Select work that you enjoy doing Hire people with positive attitudes Hire people with positive attitudes Create a fun work environment Create a fun work environment Apply your talents to worthwhile causes Apply your talents to worthwhile causes Allow yourself to be creative Allow yourself to be creative

Information-2-Knowledge, LLC Client Attitudes about IIP work Client Attitudes about IIP work Independent Information Professionals that transform information from: Independent Information Professionals that transform information from: DescriptivePrescriptive DescriptivePrescriptive ReactiveProactive ReactiveProactive Data CollectionInsight Data CollectionInsight Detailed SummaryPower Pages Detailed SummaryPower Pages

Information-2-Knowledge, LLC 14: Problem Solving Anticipate problems Anticipate problems Accept the truth Accept the truth See the big picture See the big picture Handle one thing at a time Handle one thing at a time Dont give up on a major goal when you are in the valley Dont give up on a major goal when you are in the valley

Information-2-Knowledge, LLC Find Solutions identifying & handling information challenges identifying & handling information challenges comprehensive due diligence comprehensive due diligence expert research expert research competitive services competitive services global market global market customizing deliverables customizing deliverables complex and/or rush request complex and/or rush request accuracy and rapid turnaround accuracy and rapid turnaround

Information-2-Knowledge, LLC Use outside resources to find solutions Use outside resources to find solutions Small Business Administration Small Business Administration SCORE SCORE Community Colleges Community Colleges Executive Coaches Executive Coaches Chamber of Commerce Chamber of Commerce Business Associations Business Associations Small Business Development Centers Small Business Development Centers

Information-2-Knowledge, LLC Strategic Imperatives Must be very organized very organized self-motivated self-motivated able to handle isolation, tolerance for uncertainty and disappointment able to handle isolation, tolerance for uncertainty and disappointment able to balance multiple task able to balance multiple task able to keep good records able to keep good records capable of handling rejection capable of handling rejection capable of keeping yourself physically fit capable of keeping yourself physically fit

Information-2-Knowledge, LLC 15: Relationships Work towards understanding people Work towards understanding people Have a leaders heart – love people Have a leaders heart – love people Extend a leaders hand – help people Extend a leaders hand – help people

Information-2-Knowledge, LLC Relationship Building Keep Lines of Communication Open Keep Lines of Communication Open Dont rely on technology to create relationships Dont rely on technology to create relationships The Best Surprise is No Surprise at all The Best Surprise is No Surprise at all Provide Clarity in your Work Provide Clarity in your Work Develop a Networking Plan Develop a Networking Plan Help people connect to one another Help people connect to one another

Information-2-Knowledge, LLC 16: Responsibility Get the job done Get the job done Go the extra mile Go the extra mile Be driven by excellence Be driven by excellence Produce regardless of the situation Produce regardless of the situation

Information-2-Knowledge, LLC The buck stops here!

Information-2-Knowledge, LLC Contingencies Develop a contingency plan Develop a contingency plan Develop a disaster plan Develop a disaster plan Backup Computer Backup Computer Develop a network of subcontractors Develop a network of subcontractors Identify alternatives Identify alternatives

Information-2-Knowledge, LLC 17: Security You must feel secure to make others feel secure You must feel secure to make others feel secure Give more to people than you take Give more to people than you take Dont limit your best people Dont limit your best people Dont limit your organization Dont limit your organization

Information-2-Knowledge, LLC Past Work Experience Helps Minimize Insecurity Solo Librarian Solo Librarian Reference Librarian Reference Librarian Technical Service Librarian Technical Service Librarian Library Director Library Director Academic Librarian Academic Librarian Corporate Librarian Corporate Librarian Information Specialist Information Specialist Part-time Consultant Part-time Consultant ID Client Needs Primary & Secondary Research Negotiating & Estimating Project Management Proposal Writing Business Management

Information-2-Knowledge, LLC 18: Self-Discipline Develop and follow your priorities Develop and follow your priorities Make a disciplined lifestyle your goal Make a disciplined lifestyle your goal Challenge your excuses Challenge your excuses Remove rewards until the job is done Remove rewards until the job is done

Information-2-Knowledge, LLC Set a Priority to Build a Professional Network Resource People Resource People Subcontractors Subcontractors Temporary Employees Temporary Employees Freelancers Freelancers Other Specialist Other Specialist Experts In the Field Experts In the Field Client List Client List

Information-2-Knowledge, LLC Contact-to-Contract Process Initial Client Identification Initial Client Identification Contact with Client Contact with Client Face-to-Face Meeting Face-to-Face Meeting Submit Proposal Submit Proposal Contract Negotiation Contract Negotiation Deliverables Deliverables Final Reports Final Reports Presentations Presentations

Information-2-Knowledge, LLC 19: Servanthood Put others ahead of your agenda Put others ahead of your agenda Possess the confidence to serve Possess the confidence to serve Initiate service to others Initiate service to others Dont be position conscious Dont be position conscious Serve out of love Serve out of love

Information-2-Knowledge, LLC Opportunities to Serve Opportunities to Serve Association of Independent Information Professionals Association of Independent Information Professionals Affiliate Relationships, Marketing, Negotiating, Technology, Meeting Planning Affiliate Relationships, Marketing, Negotiating, Technology, Meeting Planning Special Libraries Association Special Libraries Association Committee Work, Network Development, Presentation, Mentorship Committee Work, Network Development, Presentation, Mentorship

Information-2-Knowledge, LLC 20: Teachability Keep growing Keep growing Overcome your success Overcome your success Swear off shortcuts Swear off shortcuts Trade in your pride Trade in your pride Never pay twice for the same mistake Never pay twice for the same mistake

Information-2-Knowledge, LLC Lifelong Learning Business Operations & Management Business Operations & Management Marketing & Public Relations Marketing & Public Relations Networking & Teambuilding Networking & Teambuilding Primary & Secondary Research Skills Primary & Secondary Research Skills Financial Resources Management Financial Resources Management Estimating & Contract Negotiation Estimating & Contract Negotiation Training and Facilitation Training and Facilitation

Information-2-Knowledge, LLC 21: Vision Vision starts within (see what could be) Vision starts within (see what could be) Vision draws on your history Vision draws on your history Vision meets others needs Vision meets others needs Vision helps you gather resources Vision helps you gather resources

Information-2-Knowledge, LLC Strategic advantages determine your own future destiny determine your own future destiny decide projects/special interest to pursue decide projects/special interest to pursue decide how your time is spent decide how your time is spent develop your budget and expenditures develop your budget and expenditures flexible scheduling flexible scheduling mobile technology mobile technology virtual services virtual services new innovative information challenges new innovative information challenges

Information-2-Knowledge, LLC Dare to March to a Different Drummer! In a time of change, Independent Information Professional/Consultant work appeals to those with an independent spirit - people who have always been able to handle the rewards and the rejection, but who prefer to do so on their own time. In a time of change, Independent Information Professional/Consultant work appeals to those with an independent spirit - people who have always been able to handle the rewards and the rejection, but who prefer to do so on their own time.

Information-2-Knowledge, LLC Dont Quit Your Day Job until youve mastered at least half of the 21 Traits of a Leader!

Information-2-Knowledge, LLC Acknowledgement The content of this presentation was adapted from John C. Maxwells Book The content of this presentation was adapted from John C. Maxwells Book The 21 Indispensable Qualities of a Leader: Becoming the Person Others Will Want to Follow The 21 Indispensable Qualities of a Leader: Becoming the Person Others Will Want to Follow

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