Businesses Forget How to Listen to Customers
Really listening to customers is so rare today that it’s possible to gain a competitive edge just by doing it. Read the rest of this entry »
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How to Take an Email Sabbatical
We all need time off – time when we feel like we're able to rejuvenate without spending the whole time worrying about the backlog of things we are going to have to deal with when we return. Have you ever considered an email sabbatical? Read the rest of this entry »
Over-Commitment Syndrome
Small business owners must be able to plan well and execute well, and both of these things depend heavily on your ability to make reasonable commitments that you're prepared to follow through.
Before you agree to anything, you need to ask yourself a few questions that will determine if you really understand what you're getting yourself into. Read the rest of this entry »
Do you want fries or lifetime membership with that?
Increasingly I’m seeing the light bulbs switch on in business owners’ heads as they realise that seemingly small changes and thoughtful customer benefits make a significant difference to their profit margins. Read the rest of this entry »
What’s in it for your employees?
A salary is not a sufficient means of offering value, appreciation and motivation to your staff. Read the rest of this entry »
Open for business
This is a photo of a jewellery store that has recently opened. What is wrong with this picture? Read the rest of this entry »
The DOs and DON’Ts of media interviews
Stick this list on your computer, fridge, forehead, or somewhere else where you won’t be able to miss it. It could save your name and/or your business! Read the rest of this entry »
Speaking in front of 2,000 or 200 people
Some people are natural public speakers. It’s as though they came out of the womb mid-anecdote. Others are not so good... Read the rest of this entry »
How to stay calm and on message in a media interview
The most important thing to remember in a media interview is to stay ‘on message’. Read the rest of this entry »
Survival tips for media interviews
Once all of your preparation is done, it is time for the media interview. How do you make the interview a success? Read the rest of this entry »
Use the quiet time to brace yourself for growth in 2012
In a growth period, a small business will suffer if there is a lack of consistency, systems, processes, outsourcing and customer care. If you do not have these areas under control mistakes will be made, existing clients may feel neglected, your workload will not be sustainable, and you will not encourage long-term growth.
Small businesses should see quieter periods such as the Christmas break as opportunities to prepare their business for growth. Read the rest of this entry »
What do you want to get out of a media interview?
Like a game of football, there are two sides to every media interview. Read the rest of this entry »
Preparing for a media interview
.So, the hard part’s done - you’ve landed an interview with a journalist. Now you just have to sit back and take it as it comes, right? Read the rest of this entry »
Is being cheap costing your business?
Unless you blow your nose with hundred dollar bills and own a villa for each day of the week (let me know if you do!), saving money is up there with eating and breathing. Read the rest of this entry »
Make your business uniquely you
Your main goal is to make your business stand out to potential customers by giving them that unique thing that only you can provide. Once you know what this is, shout it from the rooftops. Read the rest of this entry »