My friend and business mentor, Laura Belgray, told me that whenever her and her husband mention Coronavirus, they sing it to the tune of My Sharona; a catchy hit from 1979. I really hate her for that, because now I’m doing it too. (I’ve linked to the song at the end of this piece - whatever you do, don’t listen to it). What’s this got to do with marketing you and your business in these challenging times? It’s a great lesson in standing out and being memorable. You see, … [Read more...] about I just called to say I love you (and other marketing ideas for right now)
Forward Thinking
Under pressure right now? Here’s what you need to do
If your business is under pressure right now, you need to do something. Greg Brenneman, the number 1 turnaround guru in the world, has a simple playbook for managing in uncertain times. (FYI - I’ve linked to a full presentation from Greg at the end of this article, but have adapted some of his material for owner-operated financial planning firms). You Need A Plan If you are trying to turn things around in your business right now, you need a plan. I’m not talking a full Business … [Read more...] about Under pressure right now? Here’s what you need to do
The third leg of the stool
Great advisers attract more clients...and more clients...and more clients. Before you know it, you’re facing a bunch of business management issues you didn’t sign up for at the start of your career. You hit a ceiling and get stuck. The solution? Business owners try all sorts of things to get their business moving again, using the skills they deployed in the startup and early phases of their career. For example: Working harderWorking longer hoursHiring support staffHiring more … [Read more...] about The third leg of the stool
Goals, effort, legacy – three ingredients for success
I’m a casual NBA (American Basketball) fan and love to watch a few games whenever I’m in the US. I was on a skiing holiday in Utah in January and had the chance to see some NBA games in the right time zone. On Saturday 25th January I watched one legend, Le Bron James, pass another legend, Kobe Bryant, in terms of total career points scored. (33,644 points in case you were wondering)On Sunday, 26th January, Kobe Bryant was dead; killed in a helicopter crash with his daughter Gianna, and seven … [Read more...] about Goals, effort, legacy – three ingredients for success
Want to avoid a fee face-off? Here’s how.
Do you ever get resistance to the fees you’re trying to charge? I’m certain that everyone has faced-off with a ‘negotiator’ client more than a few times in their career. What should you do if you’re sitting across the table from one? Do you: Hang tough and tell them it’s this fee or nothing? (and risk losing some work)Negotiate? (which means discounting your fee) If you negotiate: When does it make sense to do so? And importantly, when doesn’t it make sense to do … [Read more...] about Want to avoid a fee face-off? Here’s how.