I'm a responsible person ...

... everytime something goes wrong I'm responsible!

You've probably heard this joke a few times, but there is an element of truth to it.

If a staff member gets an instruction wrong, was it because I didn't explain it clearly? How could I explain it better next time?

If one of my kids didn't finish one of their chores, was it because the incentive wasn't targeted enough?

Global warming? Not entirely my fault - but I can do things to make a difference!

If a prospect decides not to go ahead with my recommendation, is it because I didn't explain the benefits in a way they saw the value?

By taking responsibility you are able to learn and improve. If you always blame others you miss this opportunity.

Have a go - be responsible!

Cheer team to promote your brand

Last week on a big run, I thought a company could get excellent mileage by having their "cheer team" 1 or 2 kms from the finish line, or at the finish line.

For every runner, there was an internal satisfaction of doing well, but an external recognition would have been even more rewarding. I know I felt great when my family cheered me on.

I could imagine a company sponsoring a small group of enthusiastic supports to yell and cheer when runners came past. They could wear logos on their tee shirts and have a sign so that participants would know where they were from and a positive imprint would be left about that company.

The cheer team could be made up of employees, they don't have to fit the profile of young women in skimpy outfits.

Got enough time?

I hear it all the time and have been guilty myself of saying "I'm too busy".

Busy can be an excuse for not being organised and one of the best ways to get organised is to get into a routine.

I used to be "too busy" to help my wife with the housework, until I started a routine of cleaning the bathrooms and toilets every week.

Now I'm in the routine it's easier and I feel better about helping out. It doesn't feel like I've given up doing anything else.

Now if I want to do something, I schedule it & guess what? It gets done!

Focus

I've been reading about how to improve my golf and it all came together on the par 4 13th.

I had a couple of practice swings then lined up to have a shot, thinking about my feet, the ball, my swing, club position and direction ... and you guessed it, the ball ended in the bushes, down a bank a few metres to my left!

Sometimes our brains are filled with so much clutter, it can be hard to focus.

My best holes were the 17th & 18th with great drives - better than anything I had ever done. I simply focused on 1 thing (where the ball was in my stance).

Great results are often achieved by simple, single minded focus!

Qaulity solutions

I recently saw a sign at a seminar advertising a company that specialised in "Qaulity Solutions".

Ok, I don't profess to be great with spelling or grammar, but if you're advertising quality, make sure that what you say & do is consistent with your brand.

It might mean getting collateral professionally proofed. Yes, it will cost money, but it's worth the cost through extra business.

Having said that, you can often use the spelling error as an attention grabber - just make sure you mention that the error is intentional.

Lessons from a salesman

Last night I hosted a seminar with Guy Baker, author of "Why People Buy" who shared some of his thoughts and insights.

One of the most engaging moments for me was his 3 step introduction:

1. Successful people are too busy being successful to deal with the important stuff - how can you help them?


2. Everybody has a plan by design or default.


3. Every plan has a price tag. Do your clients know what their plan costs? If they don't know, you can help them.

In answer to the question, why do people buy? His answer was "Because they want it".

He believes salespeople should focus on problems rather than solutions to uncover the pain, then be the expert to solve the problem.

Parasite marketing - ugly name, beautiful concept

I'm a member of our industry's professional body and today I received an e-mail offering me a special cell phone deal. If this telco had sent me the e-mail directly it would've ended up in my spam box.

By "parasiting" or "partnering" they were able to be seen by a targeted group of professionals. There is also a "feel good" factor when I receive an offer that feels like it's tailored for me and I'm in a more receptive frame of mind when I read the offer.

Another time parasiting is effective is when your brand awareness isn't strong. By parasiting with a well known brand, you will find doors can be opened more easily.

Pick your hosts carefully, to ensure they share your philosophies and strengthen your own brand.