The quick and easy solution to business problems

She had a crack in her windshield. She decided she would go to the repair shop to have it looked at, but of course not today, she was too busy today. And not tomorrow, because what if they hold on to the car for hours and she needs it. At some point, when the opportunity…

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The things in your business that you can’t control

In business, you have to focus on the things you can control.  Things like knowing how to pass the so what test, and creating systems for your three business pillars.  In part because your business will always be open to things that you can’t control.  Those sudden surprises, whether good or bad.  External surprises There…

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How to make your business pass the So What test?

New year, new you, new resolutions, new goals.  But all in the service of what, exactly? As you start the new year – or any new day – make sure you know why you do the things you do and why others should take interest.  Make sure your business passes the so what test. What…

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This one is all about you

Let’s talk about you.  “Best of the year” lists can sometimes seem a little self-indulgent. But really: when I am looking at the content you consumed the most this year, it is telling me something about you: what you are interested in, and what you are working on in your business.  So let’s get down…

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The two things that need to change

The new calendar year is around the corner. For many business owners, this means new plans, new goals, and new strategies. It means change.  But change is not a light switch you turn on the morning of Jan 1.  Change is a process.  How does change happen Change is hard. People are used to doing…

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How to be the smartest person in the room

Who is the smartest person? The person who knows the most? Or the person who learns the most? Conversation  When you are trying to connect with somebody, you probably won’t pull out a PowerPoint and give them a 20-minute presentation.  You will engage in a conversation, which means more than one person speaking and some…

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Three easy ways to keep your brain curious.

Curiosity is good for business.  It improves collaboration, keeps your business goals fresh, and can lead to greater innovation.  Most importantly, curiosity has been shown to increase adaptability, an essential trait for running your business in the long term.  When you demonstrate curiosity in what you do, others will start to emulate that approach. But…

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Do you know what you are selling?

Nobody goes to a restaurant for scrambled eggs.  It is both easier and faster to make scrambled eggs at home.  People go to a restaurant for everything else: the atmosphere, the service, not having to do the dishes.  Chances are: your profession has a DIY option too.  What makes the difference to buyers between DIY…

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Three ways to measure customer satisfaction

“Our customers love us, we have never had a complaint.” Ahem.  The speaker, here, is drawing a rather unscientific conclusion. Just because clients have never complained, does not necessarily mean that they love the service they are getting.  To be able to say “Our customers love us”, collect some empirical evidence using one of the…

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How to stop thinking (and why)

Let’s start with the homework today: write down five things you know to be true about your business. Make them simple sentences, describing 5 facts that you know thanks to your expertise.  A realtor might write down that unexpected repairs are the biggest regret of over 33% of home buyers. A plumber might say that…

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