We are all probably guilty of leading busy lives these days that it becomes routine to keep on going. Many of us forget to stand still occasionally and take a look over our shoulders to see just how far we have come.
Over the last four or five years I’ve had the privilege of working and networking with some amazing and enterprising women. Many of which aren’t receiving the recognition they deserve for the constant hard work, determination and oodles of self belief required to get their business up and running and to keep that momentum strong enough to overcome the inevitable challenges that occur as business evolves.
It’s high time these women in were recognised not only for their success but also for their contribution to the community and local economy. That’s why I launched the all new Hampshire Winning Women Business awards last week – which will take place at the Langstone Hotel on Thursday 24th June.
In celebrating these inspiring women we aim to encourage even more women to follow their dreams and start a business that is run on their own terms.
To find out more about the benefits of entering the awards and to make your nominations visit the website here.
Tuesday 27 April 2010
Thursday 22 April 2010
Is Your Diary Alway Crammed full?
Is your diary always crammed full?
When did you last spent some quality time alone
doing the things you choose with just yourself for
company?
In this day and age of constant and instant
communications, it can be quite difficult to literally
switch off. You know the feeling, 'I must just check my
emails' or, 'I'll just text to see if', this internal language
and the demands on our time could be far better
spent on our own individual needs rather than those
of someone else.
I recently read an article that states ' if you
are continually in a process of reviewing yourself and
changing how you approach things, you get more of
what you want'.
What more of an excuse do you need? Drop the
guilt,
its a fruitless exercise anyway, instead turn off your
mobile, switch off your pc and take some well
deserved time out to re-connect with yourself, to
reflect upon your days activities, consider your actions
and make new plans.
How you choose to go about this is up to you, I
personally enjoy getting out on my bike or going for a
run and if the weather isn't good I write in my journal.
What really matters is that you allow yourself some
time to just simply get in touch with your thoughts and
emotions. So if you aren't taking the time for you just
now I challenge you to book some time in your diary.
Book it in today and do let me know how you
get on. After all, if you can't look after yourself what use
are you to anybody else?
Go on you deserve it!
When did you last spent some quality time alone
doing the things you choose with just yourself for
company?
In this day and age of constant and instant
communications, it can be quite difficult to literally
switch off. You know the feeling, 'I must just check my
emails' or, 'I'll just text to see if', this internal language
and the demands on our time could be far better
spent on our own individual needs rather than those
of someone else.
I recently read an article that states ' if you
are continually in a process of reviewing yourself and
changing how you approach things, you get more of
what you want'.
What more of an excuse do you need? Drop the
guilt,
its a fruitless exercise anyway, instead turn off your
mobile, switch off your pc and take some well
deserved time out to re-connect with yourself, to
reflect upon your days activities, consider your actions
and make new plans.
How you choose to go about this is up to you, I
personally enjoy getting out on my bike or going for a
run and if the weather isn't good I write in my journal.
What really matters is that you allow yourself some
time to just simply get in touch with your thoughts and
emotions. So if you aren't taking the time for you just
now I challenge you to book some time in your diary.
Book it in today and do let me know how you
get on. After all, if you can't look after yourself what use
are you to anybody else?
Go on you deserve it!
Tuesday 6 April 2010
Who Is Your Ideal Client?
If You enjoy this article why not check out The Secrets To Making It Happen - Free Teleclass on Wednesday 7th April
A couple of weeks ago someone approached me at a networking event, we got talking about her business and she explained she was feeling fed up because she consistently seemed to attract difficult clients - late payers, cancelled appointments, quibbling with fees, lack of committment etc. So I asked a simple question, "Who is your ideal client?"
"Anyone really" was her reply.
Immediately I knew there was an opportunity for us to work together - she was my ideal client.
How did I know? Because I know exactly the kind of client I want to work with.
If you feel you are spending a lot of time marketing and networking but not attracting the 'right' clients then it's either down to one of two things. Your selling skills or more probably you aren't clear on who you are ideally selling too.
So now is a good time to get clear. Go on grab a piece of paper and do this exercise right now as you are reading this article. I know you've got good intentions but unless you pick up that pen and take action now, you will probably become distracted by something else.
Ok got that pen and paper? Then let's meet your ideal client.
Here are a few prompts to stimulate your thoughts. Write down whatever comes to mind, your first thoughts are usually right and you can always make alterations later on.
Ideal age/generation, gender, location, home ownership, marital status, education, career, hobbies or interests, values, lifestyle -are they active in community events, clubs or professional groups? health status, where they shop, books/magazines they buy, where they socialise, where they typically turn when they need help. Are they computer literate? What online activities do they participate in? What makes them tick? Are they willing to invest? Are they open to new ideas? Describe your ideal client - how do they dress, what do they say, what are their attributes?
Don't you think carrying out this simple exercise will make it more easy for you to start building relationships with the right clients?
For a start communicating with them will be more effective as you will be able to use their language. It will improve your conversion rate, because you will no longer be trying to sell meat to a vegetarian and you will also increase the lifetime value of your clients and develop lasting relationships rather than having lots of one time sales.
One last tip to leave you with, why not use your profile in your marketing material, in your bio or FAQ's. e.g The clients who receive the maximum benefits from working with me are...............
Now go and pin your ideal client profile somewhere you can see it on a regular basis to ensure you no longer work with difficult clients.
"The ideal client is the wealthy man in great trouble" - John Sterling
A couple of weeks ago someone approached me at a networking event, we got talking about her business and she explained she was feeling fed up because she consistently seemed to attract difficult clients - late payers, cancelled appointments, quibbling with fees, lack of committment etc. So I asked a simple question, "Who is your ideal client?"
"Anyone really" was her reply.
Immediately I knew there was an opportunity for us to work together - she was my ideal client.
How did I know? Because I know exactly the kind of client I want to work with.
If you feel you are spending a lot of time marketing and networking but not attracting the 'right' clients then it's either down to one of two things. Your selling skills or more probably you aren't clear on who you are ideally selling too.
So now is a good time to get clear. Go on grab a piece of paper and do this exercise right now as you are reading this article. I know you've got good intentions but unless you pick up that pen and take action now, you will probably become distracted by something else.
Ok got that pen and paper? Then let's meet your ideal client.
Here are a few prompts to stimulate your thoughts. Write down whatever comes to mind, your first thoughts are usually right and you can always make alterations later on.
Ideal age/generation, gender, location, home ownership, marital status, education, career, hobbies or interests, values, lifestyle -are they active in community events, clubs or professional groups? health status, where they shop, books/magazines they buy, where they socialise, where they typically turn when they need help. Are they computer literate? What online activities do they participate in? What makes them tick? Are they willing to invest? Are they open to new ideas? Describe your ideal client - how do they dress, what do they say, what are their attributes?
Don't you think carrying out this simple exercise will make it more easy for you to start building relationships with the right clients?
For a start communicating with them will be more effective as you will be able to use their language. It will improve your conversion rate, because you will no longer be trying to sell meat to a vegetarian and you will also increase the lifetime value of your clients and develop lasting relationships rather than having lots of one time sales.
One last tip to leave you with, why not use your profile in your marketing material, in your bio or FAQ's. e.g The clients who receive the maximum benefits from working with me are...............
Now go and pin your ideal client profile somewhere you can see it on a regular basis to ensure you no longer work with difficult clients.
"The ideal client is the wealthy man in great trouble" - John Sterling
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