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Leaders: Plan for Chaos So You Can Keep Control

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In business, there are two things that are guaranteed: change and chaos. Chaos here isn’t referring to the disorganization and lawlessness of companies under bad leadership. Instead, like change, the chaos I’m talking about is the unpredictable circumstances that come with running your own company. It’s this chaos that makes the widely used phrase “expect the unexpected” so befitting of leadership.

You can show up to work every morning with a tactical to-do list for the day, but before you know it, you’re putting out multiple fires and working on projects that weren’t on your radar earlier that morning. As much as we want to excuse these hectic days as exceptions, we know they’re not. The ‘unexpected’ is the norm. And if you don’t work well in chaos, leadership might not be the career path for you.

Consider the recent pandemic. No one could have imagined that in just a few short months their entire business operations would be turned upside down. While this example may be an outlier given how severe the circumstances and impacts of this crisis have been, it’s a nod to how capricious leadership can be at times.

These moments can be defeating, but expending your energy bemoaning the challenges of leadership won’t set you up for success. You have to accept that chaos is part of the process. Instead of letting it disrupt your day, plan for it. When you’re prepared for the unexpected, you’ll be in better control of your day, your employees, and your operations.

“No matter what, expect the unexpected. And whenever possible be the unexpected.” – Lynda Barry  

1. Plan for what you can’t control

Your company is like a sponge — it will absorb all of your time and energy if you let it. As a business owner, you must thoughtfully disperse your focus to ensure you’re dedicating your expertise to the areas of business that make the most sense. As such, it might seem a tad senseless spending time trying to plan for the unexpected. If you don’t know the exact circumstances you’re dealing with, how can you prepare a plan of action?

Preparing for the unexpected doesn’t mean you have to nail down every meticulous detail. That would be impossible. Instead, it forces you to be flexible and deliberate about every decision you make that could impact any facet of your company, as well as any projects that you take on.

Any time you start something, begin with the conscious realization that anything could happen so you can be prepared to course correct at a moment’s notice. Some suggest scenario planning. Let’s play this out. 

There is perhaps no better example than the pandemic. No leader could have fully prepared for how COVID-19 would affect their operations, but scenario planning helped some companies stay afloat because it forced them to consider how they could operate in a very different sales climate. Some leaders looked at the contingency plan they had for other natural disasters like hurricanes. Taking pages from their hurricane contingency plan and adapting for this new scenario allowed them to pivot and more easily transition people to working from home. This allowed them to focus on their clients and provide world-class client care without having to make too many internal changes.

You can never predict chaos, but if you’re adequately prepared for the unexpected, you maintain control over everything you do. 

“Control what you can control. Don’t lose sleep worrying about things that you don’t have control over because, at the end of the day, you still won’t have any control over them.” – Cam Newton

2. Embrace disruption

If you ask any entrepreneur or business owner what they wanted from their company before they were responsible for its success, I’m sure their answers were rooted in feelings of security and stability. You believe that once you get your business in a good place, you can step back and let it run on autopilot.

It does get easier, but it never becomes autonomous. It shouldn’t, and for two reasons. First, consistency begets complacency. And all business owners know that this is the kiss of death for growth and profitability. Second, it’s just not possible. Every day there is a new hurdle to jump over or an issue that demands your critical eye. Chaos never stops. You’ll become a more resolute leader over time, but you will always have to deal with disruption.

In the moment, disruption may feel futile, but it engenders change and innovation not only within your company, but your industry as well. If you believe that the chaos of leadership will one day subside, you are setting yourself up for a life of frustration. Disruption is unavoidable, but it’s also transformative. It forces you to think creatively and make radical changes within your organization that will set you up for long-term success.

Chaos is only your enemy if you never learn to control it. When you plan for disruption in every decision you make, you can command your company to surpass every milestone you’ve set out to achieve. 

How do you plan for the best but prepare for the worst in life? Share your advice with our readers below!

Beth Pradelli is Cofounder of NatureCity, a nutritional supplement company that focuses on scientifically-backed ingredients. Their motto, "If we won't take it, we don't make it!", stems from their long-term commitment to their clients in everything they do.

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Success Advice

15 Essential Habits to a Stronger, Healthier, and Happier You

The journey towards transformation is not about perfection but about progress

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building positive habits

What habits can truly transform your life? That’s what you’re here to uncover. In our no-nonsense guide, we’ll introduce you to 15 habits to change your life, each with the power to improve your day-to-day existence.  (more…)

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19 Common Characteristics All Visionary Leaders Have

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visionary leadership qualities

When you look at business leaders like Bill Gates, Sam Walton, Sir Richard Branson, and philosophers like Bertrand Russell, Martin Heidegger, Ludwig Wittgenstein, David Bohm,  C. S. Peirce and inventors like Nikola Tesla, Paolo Soleri, Harvey W. Bailey, Thomas Edison, Alexander Graham Bell and Wright brothers and political leaders like Mahatma Gandhi, Martin Luther King, Jr. and Aung San Suu Kyi, it becomes very clear that they are all connected through one leadership—visionary leadership. (more…)

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Wealth Lessons Everyone Should Hear for Every Stage of Your Life

Do you have the courage to rewrite your story?

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How to Choose the Best Affiliate Programs for Your Blog

If you follow these steps, you can create an affiliate marketing plan that makes money, fits well with your content, and connects with your readers

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how to choose the best affiliate programs for your blog

Picking the right affiliate programs for your blog is really important. It can make a big difference in how much money you can make and how much your readers get out of your blog. With so many choices out there, deciding which ones to go with can be tricky. 

This guide is here to make it easier for you. It will give you clear steps and helpful tips to choose affiliate programs that fit well with what your blog is about, what your readers like, and what you stand for. 

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Understanding Affiliate Marketing

Before you start picking affiliate programs, it’s important to really understand what affiliate marketing is and how it works. 

Basically, affiliate marketing is when you promote a product or service on your blog, and then you get paid a little bit every time someone buys something or does something because you recommended it. 

It’s great for both the person selling the product and the blogger, because the seller gets more sales with low risk, and the blogger can make money from their blog.

How to Choose the Right Affiliate Programs for Your Blog

1. Assess Your Niche and Audience

The key to doing well in affiliate marketing starts with really knowing what your blog is about and who reads it. Consider the following:

  • Your blog’s content: What topics do you cover? Ensure the products or services you promote are relevant.
  • Your audience’s interests and needs: What solutions are they seeking? Choose affiliate programs that offer products or services that solve their problems or enhance their lives.

2. Research Potential Affiliate Programs

Once you know what your blog is about and what your readers want, start looking for affiliate programs. Choose ones that are well-known for good products, great customer service, and helpful support for affiliates. Resources to find these programs include:

  • Affiliate networks like ShareASale, Commission Junction, and ClickBank.
  • Direct searches for “[Your Niche] affiliate programs” in search engines.
  • Recommendations from other bloggers in your niche.

3. Evaluate the Commission Structure

The commission structure is a critical factor to consider. Look for programs that offer competitive rates that make your efforts worthwhile. Consider:

  • The percentage of commission per sale.
  • Whether the program offers a flat rate per action (e.g., per sign-up).
  • The cookie duration, which affects how long after a click you can earn commissions on sales.

4. Consider the Program’s Reputation and Sureness

Join affiliate programs with a solid reputation for quality and sureness. This not only ensures that you’re promoting good products but also that you’ll be paid on time. You can:

  • Read reviews from other affiliates.
  • Check the program’s history and background.
  • Look for any complaints or issues reported online.

5. Analyze the Support and Resources Offered

A good affiliate program gives you things like ads to use, training on their products, and helpful managers. Having access to these resources can really help you do a better job at promoting their products.

6. Understand the Terms and Conditions

Before signing up, thoroughly review the program’s terms and conditions. Pay close attention to:

  • Payment thresholds and methods.
  • Any restrictions on how you can promote their products.
  • The program’s policy on affiliate marketing on social media platforms.

7. Test the Product or Service

If possible, test the product or service before promoting it. This firsthand experience allows you to offer genuine charge and build trust with your audience.

8. Look for Recurring Commission Opportunities

Some affiliate programs pay you again and again for subscriptions or services that charge fees regularly. These can provide a more stable income compared to one-time sales commissions.

Implementing Your Choice

After choosing the best affiliate programs, the next step is to smoothly include your affiliate marketing in your content plan. This includes:

  • Creating valuable content that naturally incorporates affiliate links.
  • Disclosing your affiliate affairs transparently to maintain trust with your audience.
  • Tracking your results to understand what works best for your audience and adjusting your strategy accordingly.

Picking the best affiliate programs for your blog involves careful planning, research, and making sure they match what your audience likes and needs. 

If you follow these steps, you can create an affiliate marketing plan that makes money, fits well with your content, and connects with your readers. 

The real key to doing well with affiliate marketing isn’t just about the products you talk about, but also how much your audience trusts and values your advice. 

With enough time, patience, and hard work, your blog can grow into a successful space that earns a good amount of affiliate money and helps your readers choose the right products.

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