Business Coaching: Want success for your business? Simple. Follow my ten rules

This is my latest thinking based on what I see working in the “real world”. Enjoy – hopefully there’s a point (or two) that you can apply to yourself or your business…

 

1 Target


You are not all things to all people. Decide on your niche. Narrow your focus and you’ll broaden your appeal. The quickest way to fail is to try and be everything to everyone…

 

2 Be different


If your competitors are doing it, don’t. Stand out from an overcrowded marketplace where so much of the advertising and so many products look the same. What are those things you wish you could do but haven’t? Realistically, most of your ideas can be done – do them and be different to the rest. Different is good.

 

3 Build a team


Don’t hire an employee to fill a position, employ a person to be part of a team to build your business. And if they don’t ooze your values, don’t touch them with a bargepole – you can’t change someone’s values, so make sure the people you bring on board are the same as you, values-wise. Trust your gut feeling.

 

4 Be fast


Time is the most precious commodity. When delivery is expected Friday, show up Thursday afternoon. Return calls and emails now. And if you can’t meet the deadline, tell them “yesterday” rather than at the last minute. Preferably, of course, just deliver!

 

5 Say thank you


A lot. Tell your customers and employees how much you appreciate them. Better yet, do it the old fashioned way: take pen to paper and write them a note.

 

6 Be consistent


Make sure your business has a consistent look and feel. A customer must get the same flavour from everyone within your organisation and every piece of communication from your business. Always. Full stop.

 

7 Smile


Don’t think people only buy from you because of price, product quality or your warranty. They buy because they like you. And when you are employing someone, unless they smile a lot, pass on them…

 

8 Fanatical optimism

The glass must always be half full. Attitude will always win out in the end and infect all of those around you. Google, Apple and Facebook were all one-man bands at one stage, which shows the sky really is the limit (in fact, make that the stars!) if you go about your business and personal goals the right way.

 

9 Sell soft


Don’t ever hard sell. Instead solve problems; satisfy wants. Do what is truly best for your customer. Do that and watch the word of mouth referrals roll in…

 

10 Leave your comfort zone


Never accept the idea that this is the way you’ve always done it. Never accept that a new idea or technology could never work for you. Try new things. If you don’t, someone else will and you will kick yourself for not having persevered and given it a go… You can do it (thanks Nike)! So, just do it!

 

Ok now it is time for me to consider all the above for myself and Business Changing and make sure I walk the talk! I can!! I will!! If you need help following the Ten Rules to Success or any sort of business coaching or advice, don’t hesitate to get in touch: zac@businesschanging.com, 021 775 660 or www.businesschanging.com