News January 2010
This year we will all be experiencing some unique and exciting times. We will have the upheaval of a general election, there will be reductions in public sector spending and there will be opportunities for us all to win new business. To be effective in 2010 we cannot continue with "more of the same". With so much change all around us we will need to adapt, that's why I have prepared 10 New Year's Resolutions.
If you question what you're doing and challenge the way you work then you are already starting to make the changes which will bring you a successful year.
1. Build sales in 2010, before anything else - A lot of people spend too much time getting things such as a nice design and an expensive brochure sorted, instead of getting out there and closing a sale. Selling is the key to success in 2010 get out there and sell with pride from day one in 2010.
2. Don't try to rush. - There are very few propositions that mean you must get ahead of the competition. Winning clients takes time - sell, tweak your offering, then sell again. Nothing can replace experience and you don't want to alienate potential clients by getting it wrong.
3. If it's not core - outsource it. Why trap yourself into recruiting a full time permanent member of staff because you are missing a specific resource and expertise.
4. If It's Not Working, Ditch It - Let's be honest. Not every marketing strategy, fundraising strategy, partnership, or product line will be a winner. If you tried something in 2009 and it wasn't working, you might want to admit that and move on.
5. Familiarise yourself with Google AdWords The growing use of the Web is facilitated by the use of Google, the UK's dominant search engine. Google AdWords allows you to effectively target prospective customers who are looking today!
6. Review your prices and charge more! Too many new businesses stumble and fall at the pricing hurdle. Pricing often determines who is successful. When only a small proportion buy based on price, experiment with your pricing.
7. Make time for action! All information has no value until you take action. Your ability to take large amounts of action will determine your level of success. The top 1% of highly successful entrepreneurs are virtually "addicted" to taking action.
8. Think Big! - If you're reading this you are obviously seeking some form of personal or business improvement. Sadly, today too many business owners are not beginning to touch their real potential. Set your targets high and seek support from like minded entrepreneurs.
9. Get it right NOT perfect- Too often we want everything perfect before we take action. The problem is that nothing happens. It may be necessary to achieve 100% perfection in a recording studio. For the other 99% of us it is not necessary to be perfect before we take action!
10. Have a mentor. The hard work is up to you and your team. Having a mentor can be a huge support and can help you see the wood from the trees. Entrepreneurs often fail because they don't have a more experienced mentor from whom they can learn and turn to for ad hoc advice. Everyone needs a sounding board.
