More successful CEOs are beginning to see the value of having a coach, Eric Schmidt hit the nail on the head.  If it works for athletes it certainly would work in Business.

What are your thoughts?

{ 3 comments }

Social Media; Are you missing out?

by Toye on March 8, 2010

Some months ago I was at an event sponsored by IBM and the Telegraph Business Club  and was thinking, “am I good at spotting opportunities?”

The emphasis of the main talk was on trends of how more Small and Medium sized companies will do business in the future. Although the audience were a bit sceptical, the statistics are showing that more networking and communication is taking place via social network sites etc.

So here are some questions I think every business owner needs to be asking:

1.  How long do I want my business to be around for?

Sounds like a simple question, but the answer does have its consequences. First, if your target market are 21 year olds and above, then in 10 years time these are the 11year olds of today; if in 10 years time you are going to be marketing to 35 year olds and above, then these are the 25 year olds of today.  So here is what I am thinking: are some of us missing the opportunity to begin the change now or are we waiting to hear, ‘I told you so?’

Twitter, Facebook, Myspace, Blogs, Linkedin, etc are becoming part of many businesses’ strategy to build relationships with potential and existing clients.

2.  Is it worth the time?

I think this is what a lot of us are asking; how much time do I have to invest in this before I get a return on my investment?  My thoughts would go back to question one: If your target audience are in this platform, then learn to embrace it! The future of your business lies in the hands of the clients and customers you will keep and the ones you will attract in the future.

3.  Where do I start?

You know, this is a question I have asked myself – I would suggest first doing some internet research on your topic of interest.  Make a few comments on some blogs and forums, begin writing your own thoughts and set up a blog.

The main challenge I think majority of people have is the commitment that is necessary e.g. updating fresh content could be an issue, but if it is something you are passionate about, I think something will always flow.

What do you think?

I don’t see myself as an expert, however, I do have a few friends that know this industry inside out. I am thinking of doing a few teleseminars giving them a chance to teach us how to make the most of this. Do you think this will help you?  Your feedback and any comments on this will help.

{ 7 comments }

In Effective Leadership, Character Counts

March 2, 2010

5 Simple Points for Character Development
What can we learn from Tiger Woods since the revelation of his extra-marital affairs, being dropped by his major sponsors and having to take a step back from playing golf?
That Character counts!  It was Ghandi that said “One man cannot do right in one department of life whilst he [...]

Read the full article →

Effective Leadership: Personal Purpose

February 12, 2010

Why do you get out of bed in the morning? Do you have a clear concise answer?

Because building and growing a business could be a life-long journey, it is essential that you know why you are doing this. Are you clear on your personal purpose?

The Common Problem
As I speak to various business owners, I am sometimes surprised that many haven’t really thought of the ‘why’ question. Many times the answer ends up being that I want to make more money to take care of my family e.t.c. Is that really all?

Read the full article →

Servant Leadership

February 3, 2010

Also, what is the purpose of your business? These are thought-provoking questions that need to be answered first before we can ever become the great leader that we aspire to be, and through your answer you will see how you can adopt the servant leaders approach.

Read the full article →

5 Things to know about Marketing

December 23, 2009

Have you ever been asked this question: If you were offered (a) £1000 a day for 30 days, or (b) a Penny on day 1, two pennies on day 2, four pennies on day 3, and so on, doubling the amount everyday for 30 days, which would you take?
For those that know the answer, you [...]

Read the full article →