The Nice Guy With the Tandem?

I was once told that I was "too nice" to go into business. Well, I did it anyway - just to test the theory, and here I am three years later - still testing the theory.

Once more, today I was told that I am "too nice to be in that kind of business". Hmm, is there a pattern here? Am I missing the point? Should I be a cold, grasping, nose to the grindstone kinda guy like Scrooge instead of the "nice guy with the tandem"?

I think not. Indeed, I make every effort to be "nice" to my clients and potential clients. In fact I try to be nice to everyone, an approach that my clients endorse here.

Has the World Changed?
In my opinion, the world has changed over the last few years, including the world of business and commerce. People no longer want to be sold to (did they ever?). They no longer want to be preached to, controlled, told what to think or do. They like to feel "safe" in the knowledge that their input is appreciated, that they can rely on you (yes you) to do what you promise and that they will not be taken for granted.

So many large companies still seem to have a culture which is grasping and predatory, where the customer or client is made to feel like an unwelcome necessity rather than a partner in a transaction for mutual benefit. I used to work for a company where the MD insisted that attack was the best line of defence when dealing with customer enquiries. Sadly, some small companies also seem to think that this is the way to do business. It really isn't.

Oops! I think I'm preaching to you! I'd better back off, but what I will say is that engaging politely with your market place really can be a very positive and effective way of going about your business.

Do Something Nice Today!
At the risk of being patronising, here are a few simple ways of being nice that some of those big and small companies might like to consider:

• Smile, it costs nothing
• Be a go-to person, the one who helps others solve problems
• Be genuine when you enquire as to their well-being
• Listen actively
• Ask how you can HELP them
• Ask for THEIR advice
• ** Leave your problems out of the conversation **

Have a smashing day!

PS, the guy who told me I was too nice today was actually being very positive and the conversation was a truly enlightening one. I will continue to be someone who holds his clients' hands, or puts an arm around their shoulder!

Vision? I see no vision!

The use of vision in your business....

A picture paints a thousand words, or so it is said. Great if you are someone who is "visual", but not everyone is. Some of us are kinaesthetic, others auditory or maybe a mixture. If you are not a visual person, stay with me, it's not all about pictures.

In business, we all need a vision, whether it be a small specific goal, a long term strategy or the "ideal" customer. The vision, in this sense, doesn't have to be pictures, it might be words or maybe even a "feeling" but without it , there is no way of knowing whether you have achieved your goal, or found that elusive ideal customer!

Indeed, if we don't have a vision, how can we convey it to those we want to help us? It's no use blundering along, hoping that something will turn up and everything will be ok, you need to take action

Having a vision puts you in a very strong position - many of your competitors won't be working on their business like you. Get the jump on them now!

Find that vision

It can be hard to establish a vision, especially after you have been in business for a while and difficult trading conditions are taking up your all of your time. But you may just find that taking a bit of time-out to think about your vision opens up a whole new world of possibilities and revive your flagging enthusiasm!

Here are a few simple steps to building a vision:

• Decide what the vision is for - long term strategy, short term goals, finding a new customer
• Find a quiet place and time
• Imagine what success might look like
• Start recording your ideas - writing words, doodling, search for pictures, use the voice recorder on your mobile. Whatever works for you
• Take as long as you like, but give your thoughts free reign
• When you're ready, gather the ideas together and you will find that a theme may well have started to form.
• Take this theme and refine it further by writing it on a large piece of paper, or gather pictures that represent it. Stick it on a vision board, whatever works for you
• Keep it somewhere where you can see it, add to it and be inspired by it
• Take action!

It can be extremely beneficial to do this exercise with a friend/colleague, or better still, someone who is not emotionally involved with you or your business and can help you stand back and take the helicopter view as opposed to the microscope view we all seem to be so fond of!

I hope this has inspired you to think about your vision, maybe even start working on it.

PS. if you need a bit of help finding your vision give Graham a call on 07814 125053 or contact him via the website

Happy envisioning!

Harsh words?

How are we perceived by others?

The great poet Robbie Burns posed the question much more eloquently than me.... 

O wad some Power the gift tae gie us 
To see oursels as ithers see us!  

Most (might I venture all?) small business owners find it difficult to know how they and their business is perceived by others. So, how might we find out? And does it matter anyway?

Well, let me answer the second question first:

Yes it does matter - a great deal!

The way that you and your business are perceived is all part of your brand, whether you're a Virtual Assistant or Managing Director of a company employing a hundred staff; you are part of the brand. The smaller your company, the bigger the part you play!

I recently had the privilege of meeting with a business consultant for whom I have the utmost respect, and had the opportunity to ask for feedback on my business and the way it is perceived by others. It was quite an eye opening conversation because I hadn't realised quite how some of my activities were being perceived - there's that word again. Perception is the truth in the eye of the beholder. What she sees is the truth to her. Needless to say I started acting immediately! 

So, how do we find out what other people think?
The answer is right at the top of the page - keep it simple - ask! I know, this raises more questions;

• Who do I ask?
• Anyone you trust to be honest and constructive and who knows you and your company/services
• People you meet regularly at networking events
• A truusted business advisor
• Clients
• When do I ask?
• At the end of a project/order/contract
• A periodical survey
• Over a coffee with someone who knows you well
• How do I ask?
• Make it part of your terms & conditions that feedback is given
• A simple conversation
• There are plenty of free survey sites on the internet
  

Whatever you do, keep it simple. People will soon get fed up with a survey containing more than a few questions, or will be very unhappy to have to write you an "essay". A simple short conversation or a request for a testimonial from a client will often reveal something of interest. And don't take it personally if they say something that makes you feel a bit uncomfortable. The chances are you need to take action!

Act

Having got feedback, act on it, otherwise, what's the point? By listening carefully and taking appropriate action, you can move your business forward. And maybe prevent your business going down the wrong route.

If you would like to know more about how In-tandem Management Solutions Ltd can help you improve your business, follow the links below, or give us a call.

visit:  http://i-tms.co.uk/
email:  graham@i-tms.co.uk
call:  07814 125053