Jody and I are doing something a little different today. We are an in-person recording from Rosen College of Hospitality. Today is a milestone for us, as we record episode 350. After almost seven years, if there is something I have learned about digital communication, it is that it is a great tool and it is here to stay.

Take podcasts for example. Podcasts are not just for talking about one topic anymore. They can be used by an organization for internal communication. It is a powerful medium that you can use to share wins, updates and help reinforce company culture in short, but powerful episodes. You can use it to connect weekly with your team.

Another tool that we have learned to use, especially over the last 18 months, is video messaging tools like Zoom or Skype. They may take a while to get used to, but their potential is impressive. Whether it is a meeting with your team or a presentation for a conference, these video conferencing tools allow you to connect with many people in a way that can feel very personal.

I find some of my most useful best practices for video conferencing are the simplest. If you want to be effective, make sure you are honest. Cover the real issues. Don’t just have meetings for the sake of meetings. Make sure your team or audience is learning something. Utilize the chat features and invite people to participate and ask questions. Avoid being too structured. When you are communicating digitally, being too prepared and formal can make it feel sterile and forced. Have fun with it. Keep it casual, and you will keep people engaged.

Another way you can be effective by keeping it casual is by handing your vacation planning over to Magical Vacation Planners. Be honest about what you are looking for and watch them run with all the heavy lifting. You can reach them at 407-442-2694.

And if Creating Disney Magic has been impactful to you, you may want to jump into the Cockerell Academy. We are categorizing all of our episodes for easy navigation, and all of our Cockerell Academy members will have access.

Sometimes it can be frightening to take a risk or to start something new. Sometimes, it can pay off. Today, Sarah and Preston Lowder join us to share their own experience in starting their own business and leaving careers behind.

Sarah and Preston started Lowder Baking Company officially in 2019. Before their official start, they were selling King Cakes during Mardi Gras as a side business. Sarah was a realtor, and Preston was an ICU nurse when they decided to get serious. They started with simple but necessary steps: making a business plan, approaching investors, securing a location, and streamlining their focus.

On their journey, some people thought they were crazy. People wondered what business a realtor and nurse had jumping lanes into baking fresh goods in Shreveport, LA? Rather than listen to those who doubted their endeavor, they focused on what they uniquely possessed from their previous careers to set them apart. Preston used his understanding of micro measurements to influence how they bake, by weighing out their ingredients to ensure quality and consistency. Sarah put her social media skills acquired in real estate to work.

Even with the pandemic, they were not discouraged. They found ways to pivot and meet the needs of their customers and expand their offerings. Now, two years after starting their business, they have won multiple awards, including the best King Cake in Lousianna in 2020.

If you have a dream that you are concerned about taking on, Sarah and Preston have some advice for you. Once you have a plan, commit to going for it. Accept in your mind that you are going all in. Have faith in yourself. You don’t have to have it all figured out, just plan as much as you can. If you treat people right and take your past experiences with you, you will find ways to improve your new endeavor.

If one of your new endeavors happens to be planning a vacation, make sure you reach out to Magical Vacation Planners at 407-442-2694. They lean into what makes them unique, and they plan amazing vacations because of it, at no extra cost to you.

I am live from Coffee for the Soul in Orlando again. Today, we are answering a listener question that hits close to home.

Will asks, “How do you allow for individuals in the organization to not neglect family and close relationships, but also not become unreliable or inconsistent?

It falls into the responsibility of both the employee or team member and company leadership. As a prospective employee, you need to have that discussion before you join. Make sure you join the "right" organization, one that you are in alignment with. Taking care of your family is of the utmost importance. If you do not take care of them, you won't be able to do the job you need to. When you apply, apply for culture, not just a paycheck.

As an executive, work with your employees. The place will not collapse without them. Find a win/win. Can they work remotely, while they are taking care of family business? Let them take care of their family. Take care of your employees. If you take care of people, they will take care of you. Help set your organization up for success. Help set expectations for asking in advance whenever possible. Empower your employees to find their cover and be willing to step in if they need help. If you create the right culture, people will help.

Commitment is built on mutual understanding and respect. If you prepare your systems and your people, you’ll be ready. Get ahead of the game. Don’t wonder what you will do if, but plan for what you will do when.

If you hope to get into Disney this summer, make sure you reach out to Magical Vacation Planners at 407-442-2694. Parks are hoping to open back up fully soon, but limited capacity has already created sold-out dates.

If you want me to answer your question, you can reach me by visiting leecockerell.com and Jody at jodymaberry.com.

This week, I am taking you to my favorite coffee shop, Coffee for the Soul, in Orlando. After a three-night stay in the hospital, I’m glad to be getting out and about and to offer some tips for those who may be looking to land their dream job.

Now is the time. As everywhere is opening back up and capacity limits are starting to lift, everywhere is hiring. I often get asked how to get a foot in the door at Disney. If you have dreamed of working for Disney, there is no better time than now. These tips can be applied to most prospective employers.

If you are looking for work, pick the company (or 2 or 3) that you want to work for and apply. It may not be your dream job or your end goal, but now is the time to get your foot in the door. Once you are in, you can set yourself apart and show what you can bring to the table.

Don’t be afraid of short-term suffering to set yourself up for long-term satisfaction. For example, if your dream is to work for Disney, you will have more success with your feet on the ground in Orlando than you will be sending in a resume from the West Coast. If you can, take the leap and get yourself to Orlando. Go where the jobs are. Then apply. Get your foot in the door. Go to the bars the cast members hang out, and start networking. At Disney, promotions come from within, so your first step is gaining entry.

There is a huge need right now and, there is no reason you can’t be the one to fill it. 

Another thing that can help you stand out once you get your foot in the door is joining the cockerellacademy.com. You can be a leader long before you have the title or position.

And if want to make sure you can get in while capacity is still limited at Disney, make sure to connect with Magical Vacation Planners at 407-442-2694.

You can reach me by visiting leecockerell.com and Jody at jodymaberry.com

Everyone likes to know what they are signing up for. I know I do. It can be easy, as an employer, to leave new hires with unclear expectations on what the day-to-day of their job will entail.

As a leader, it is crucial to be 100% truthful, especially when discussing what they should expect. Let them know your expectations of them. Misunderstandings happen because we aren’t clear with each other. A lack of clarity can leave people feeling duped. Especially when the job gets hard or turns out different than they expected. 

When you spell out the good and the bad, people can have realistic expectations. Let them know when they need to arrive to be on time. Include any tasks that need to be completed before they are in their place. Help equip them for success. Will they be on their feet? What are the specific difficulties and challenges of their role? Preparing people for the worst will build trust and set them up to be surprised when things are easier than expected. 

If you are on the other side and are the one interviewing, remember to ask questions to prepare yourself. The individual interviewing you may not think to tell you what you need to know about the day in and day out. Do your research and come prepared with questions that will help you succeed.

Another thing that can help you succeed is joining the cockerellacademy.com. The newest Course, Real Leadership will help you stand out as a leader, no matter your position.

And if you hate sitting on hold as much as I do, make sure to connect with Magical Vacation Planners at 407-442-2694 and let them make all the calls for you.