Leaders talk (and listen)

Are you still there?

You’re a trooper! So much has happened since our last newsletter.

We are trying to protect ourselves and loved ones from COVID. Many of us are trying to keep our finances afloat during economic uncertainty. And now we are grappling with deep-rooted issues of race and power.

It’s all a bit overwhelming.

We’re also finding out people we know, and love, can have opposing core values from ours with equally strong conviction – and it seems we’ve collectively given up on finding common ground or even the will to listen to, learn from, and educate each other.

At Bounce, we measure people by their character, words, actions, and skills. We have always understood that our differences are what give us strength. And being from the most diverse borough in the world (yay Queens!) and a certified Minority and Woman-Owned Business Enterprise (MWBE), we know firsthand there is so much we can learn from one another.

We listen and speak with intent in order to achieve peace, equity, and understanding in all of our interactions. We speak humanity, compassion, and love with each other and with our clients. Because we’ve seen that kind words can have a tremendous impact to affect change.

We’re committed to sharing positive content, supportive actions, and moments where equality shines – like in this month’s newsletter.

Stay strong, stay healthy, and nurture your human spirit.

With love,
Ada Rosales
Founder & Chief Strategist
Bounce Marketing & Consulting

p.s. Please share this with anyone you think will enjoy it. Thank you!
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Something to Consider

Never in my entire professional career did I ever think that I would be giving (or getting) a lesson on washing my hands. Washing. My. Hands. A lesson… from another adult!

But here we are, braving a new world that requires us, as business leaders, to add a basic technique to a long list of complex change. As of this writing, we are immersed in an uber-COVID world and are still working remotely, which means being even more efficient with our words and more accurate with the information we share.

If the last few months have taught us anything besides better hygiene, it’s how important solid communication is, especially when navigating unmapped territory.

Business leaders can’t just lead these days – we need to be strategic communicators as well. Teams need to be engaged, encouraged, and reassured – and this is of equal importance to properly washing your hands.

+ Read More (3 minutes)

At Bounce, we use a set of principles to shape our own internal strategy, and it may be helpful for you:

Remind Them of the Why

The beating heart of any organization is that intangible quality that makes people want to work there. Your brand and reputation are shaped by what you stand for, what you promise, and what you deliver. It’s the “why” behind what you and your team do each day. If you aren’t having conversations about why, it’s a missed opportunity to turn your employees into your best ambassadors.

It Flows Both Ways

The mark of a great communicator is knowing when to speak and when to listen. Invite your employees to share ideas, ask questions and voice concerns. This will help you identify problems and generate solutions. It will also build trust. How you listen matters too. Thankfully new technology is constantly evolving, so adopt tools that best fit the culture and needs of your team.

Communicate Often

Throughout the Covid-19 crisis there were probably times you didn’t have answers, yet you knew that your staff was clamoring to hear from you. The lesson we heard most from our clients was that in times of uncertainty, err on the side of over-communicating, lest the vacuum be filled with gossip and rumors. Provide regular updates even if new information is scarce.

Be Strong, Be Authentic

Research has shown that employees look to their managers for cues about how to react to challenging situations. Validating their anxiety in tough times, while affirming your faith in their ability to persevere, can help your employees focus on the tasks at hand with a renewed sense of confidence and purpose.

Use Visuals

There’s a reason social media posts with visuals garner up to 650 times more engagement. Use photography and graphics, video, typography, charts and more to capture your staff’s attention and convey ideas simply and quickly.

Plan Your Work and Work Your Plan

If you didn’t have an internal communication plan before, you know you need one now, right? Start to map out a plan, even if it’s rough, to help you guide your staff through these choppy waters. Include all possible scenarios as well – you want to be prepared with messaging and content when critical situations come up.

BTW, we'd love to hear how you're doing.
Send us a note at: ideas@bouncemarketingconsulting.com to say hello.

Things Worth Sharing

Organizations must reimagine their work and the role of offices in creating safe, productive, and enjoyable jobs and lives for employees. McKinsey & Company takes a closer look at reimagining the office and work life post-COVID 19.
Thanks to Rob McKay and our friends at the Queens Tourism Council at the QEDC, for its latest edition of It’s In Queens! Check out this incredible line up of cultural, community and educational events occurring all over our beloved borough.
New York City Enters Its Broadest Reopening Yet: Offices. As the city enters Phase 2, thousands will return to work even as many companies, worried about new cases, keep their workers home, the New York Times reports.
BONUS! BRANDING DILEMMA: Kellogg's redesigns Fruit Loops mascot Toucan Sam – and people are NOT happy. What do you think?
BONUS! DIY FACE-MASKS: The inventive team at Real Thread have created a downloadable template which includes instructions for making your own face mask out of an old t-shirt, plus a cutout to guide you through it. Too cool!

(Small) Businesses We Love

For more than 10 years, we have worked exclusively with Anthony Francis and the accounting experts at A. Francis & Associates, for all of our tax preparation needs.

A few months ago, we asked Tony to take Bounce on, as a business client and it has proven to be a great move. Since day 1, we have been receiving timely, thorough, and thoughtful business analysis and insights. A big difference from before -- thanks, Tony and team!

In business for more than 20 years, A.Francis & Associates is a minority-owned, full-service tax and accounting firm serving the tri-state area. If you are looking for expert tax consultants, look no further than the team at A. Francis & Associates.

About Create

Leaders talk (and listen)

Leaders talk (and listen)

Something to Consider

Things Worth Sharing

(Small) Businesses We Love

Bounce at Work