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How To Thrive
05 March 2009
Submitted by: Laurie Bernard
Thrival Tips
Members and guests of the North West London Chamber enjoyed a lively motivational evening at Barclays Bank, Harrow. The main speaker at the event was Laurie Bernard from The Business Services Partnership. Attendees learnt how to:
Keep their business glass full – that will make them drunk with success
“Value¨ 2009 style – to make their customer’s mouths water
Marketing and communication strengths – gaining profit boosters
Ten Top Tips – for building their business:
Ten Top Tips
1. Stay Optimistic - No one wants to associate with losers and pessimists. They drain you. We want to be encouraged, inspired and motivated – optimists recharge you. Be optimistic and positive. When the economy gets smaller, there is still business being done. You may just have to work harder and smarter. There are winners; be one.
2. Spend time planning – good business is like anything else; time spent in planning will reap rewards. If you rub down paint work before decorating or produce a business and marketing plan you will have improved results.
3. Always set an objective – attending a meeting think what is your objective, what do you want to achieve and act on it e.g. why a web site?
4. Stay visible, communicate regularly - Use the senses – a picture paints a thousand words, upbeat music, the right smells etc.
5. Network - “press the flesh”. Make sure you are fishing in the right pool. If you want to feed your family it’s no good fishing for gold fish.
6. Look to be a helper – your web site, addressing meetings etc.
7. Know what to:
a. Spend on - marketing, professional advice, customer service, critical technology, equipment, new skills and going green.
b. Save on - new office furniture, “cool” stuff, panic purchases;
8. Look for deals – negotiate, ask e.g. for late booking discounts for advertising
9. E mail – newsletters and e blasts.
10. Look to target market - don’t be tempted by the scatter gun approach, concentrate on what you are good at.
The members then shared their own “Thrival” Tips:
1. Look for free consultations:
a. Banks
b. Professionals
c. Networks
2. Be creative with your marketing e.g. host a pamper evening
3. Competitor Comparisons e.g. Norwich Union/Aviva
4. Treat Complaints as “Nuggets” – happy resolution can make a loyal customer
5. Work the “why” and the “how” will follow – know why your customer wants to buy
6. Target affinity groups
7. Always complete the objectives
8. Passion and belief are sellers
9. Read inspirational and motivational books e.g. Mcdonalds: Behind the Arches by John F. Love or Grinding it out: The Making of Mcdonalds by Ray Kroc
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