Professional development Archives | Page 4 of 167

The thing about kindness

November 13, 2018 by Jim Connolly

Photo: Shutterstock.

Your friends, colleagues, customers and contacts have something in common.

They’ll remember what you did when times were tough for them. They’ll recall how you treated them when they needed a break… when your support meant everything.

Yes, even those who fail to say thank you, will remember you. Not everyone finds it easy to show gratitude, especially when they’re embarrassed by their situation.

On a personal note, I still remember people who helped me when I was starting out in business. I remember those who believed in me, when no one else did. I remember those who introduced me to useful contacts. And I remember those who mentored me and guided me.

Of course, the opposite is also true

People soon forget yet another pat on the back, when they’re going through a boom period. And they’ll quickly forget yet another offer of help, when they clearly have absolutely no need for it.

As a business owner, you already know that your time is scarce. So, use it wisely. Where it can have the greatest impact.

Australian business owners topped my list

November 12, 2018 by Jim Connolly

Photo: Shutterstock.

As regular readers will know, I have long been an advocate for adopting a global approach to business. It’s not something that works for every industry, but where it’s possible, it’s exceptionally effective. That’s because it affords you greater protection against economic conditions, whilst also providing you with a wider spread of business.

I was mindful of this earlier today. I discovered what I’d already guessed: That the biggest market for my paid services in 2018 has been Australian business owners. If you’re interested, here’s the top 5.

Australia.
UK.
Canada.
Ireland
New Zealand.

The United States has topped my list, every year for almost 20 years. But things change in business. And the rate of change has never been greater. Which is why as business owners, we need to adopt an agile mindset. Because what looks certain today can change in a heartbeat.

Let your competitors make you better, not bitter

November 6, 2018 by Jim Connolly

Photo: Shutterstock.

There’s an old saying that tells us: “Let your past make you better, not bitter”.

Business owners should use a revised version of that saying: “Let your competitors make you better, not bitter”.

I’ve worked with thousands of business owners, since starting my own business in 1995. I’ve noticed a strong tendency among many, to drastically underestimate their competitors. This then creates bitterness, especially toward the most successful of their competitors. It seems totally unfair.

I get to see both sides. And there’s always a reason why one business is ahead of the pack.

They market their services extremely effectively.
They offer an outstanding service.
They offer a unique variation of a service.
They do all of the above… and more.

The most useful place to look when our business is struggling against competitors, is the mirror. We’re either failing to market our business as effectively as they are, (or / and) we’re offering a less valuable service. This means we either need to improve our marketing, or we need to improve what we do. Preferably both.

It isn’t luck.

It isn’t magic.

It is fair.

And it produces predictable results. Every. Single. Time. But only if we care enough to do it correctly.

In business, the winners get moving

November 2, 2018 by Jim Connolly

Photo: Shutterstock.

There’s some real power in the 6 word title of today’s post; “In business, the winners get moving”.

Here’s why.

Every business owner has great ideas.
Every business owner is presented with opportunities.
Every business owner can choose to be a leader.
Every business owner can instigate.
Every business owner has potential to be better today than they were yesterday.
And every business owner has the same 24-hours available to them every day.

It’s what we do that counts.

Not our intentions.
Not our plans.
Not our targets.
Not our qualifications.
Not our goals.

Action precedes success. That’s why in business, the winners get moving.

Well they would say that, wouldn’t they?

October 31, 2018 by Jim Connolly

Photo: Shutterstock.

Have you ever looked at the marketing promises made by your competitors?

Your most unreliable competitors will promise to deliver on time, every time.
Your lowest quality competitors will promise to provide premium quality at low prices.
Your least competent competitors will promise a great, professional service.
And they’ll all have testimonials. Testimonials that are the opposite of what a real client or customer will experience from them.

It makes sense. It’s horrible, but it makes sense. After all, they’re hardly likely to admit that working with them or buying from them is a bloody nightmare. You see, the mindset that says it’s okay to produce low quality work and charge over the odds for it, has no problem being dishonest in other areas of their business.

What does this have to do with you?

Your prospective clients or customers have been lied to before. So, the claims you legitimately make in your marketing will only be treated seriously, if you back them up.

Here are a couple of ideas, to help the truth of your marketing stand out.

Adding credibility to your marketing

One way to add credibility, is to link from your website to external (preferably independent) sources. For example, link from your website to external reviews or positive press / media coverage on news sites. (Here’s how I do it). Similarly, if you’ve been accredited by a respected organisation, link to the page on their website, where you’re mentioned.

Another way to add credibility, is to show up regularly with useful information, via a blog, vlog, podcast or on social. By providing genuinely useful, informed advice, you demonstrate your knowledge. You also have an opportunity to show your personality. By demonstrating your knowledge and allowing your marketplace to get to know you, you create a potent marketing mix, which helps build trust.

The key is to realise that unsubstantiated marketing claims and testimonials are close to useless. And that showing is massively more powerful, than telling.

Business Success 101: Showing up

October 30, 2018 by Jim Connolly

Photo: Shutterstock.

Showing up is extremely important. That’s because it says something remarkable about you. And as such, it has a huge impact on the way people feel about you.

Showing up is especially important:

When people are relying on you to be there.
When people need your help, your understanding or your support.
When it would be easier for you not to show up.
And when you not only show up, but show up on time with the right attitude.

It’s easy to make promises. It’s easy to agree deadlines. It’s easy to tell people that they can rely on us.

Ultimately, it’s what we do that matters.

By showing up when people are relying on us, we give them confirmation. We prove that they were right to trust us. And we show them what they can expect from us in the future.

Showing up is a powerful way to build strong business relationships, and an outstanding reputation.