Top
10 Business Tips
From Peter Perivolaris, General Manager, Hardings
Consulting
www.hardingsconsulting.com.au
- Three lessons
in negotiating:
(1) Don’t become emotional – it stops you thinking
clearly under pressure;
(2) Ask lots of questions, and listen, to find out what your client
really wants; and
(3) Always remember the higher purpose you have in common, as this
will draw you closer to making the deal you both want.
- If you have
a large or difficult project and can’t find the motivation
or inspiration to start, try taking small bites, one at a time.
This will make it seem less overwhelming. Just starting will
get your mind turning on how to do the next part.
- Consider the
possibility of having a number of staff work from home. If all
they do all day is sit in front of a computer screen and telephone,
why do they need to be in the office? They can come in a couple
of times a week for meetings. They will save travel time and
cost, and you can reduce your office space overhead.
- You must
stick to the core of your business. It is your business’ essence
and defines its culture. Taking your eye off your core product
may cannibalise it’s sales and fatally change the business’ culture.
Unless you are still trying to sell typewriters into the computer
market, your core product has growth potential, so keep it core.
- Having backup
for key people is vital. Appoint a 2IC for the most important
person – you. A warning, though, ensure that your 2IC has
the same agenda as you, which is to prosper the business; not
further their aims at its expense.
- Rising stars
have a stage in their working life – 3 or 4 years - when
their planets are aligned: they are healthy, have gained some
good experience and education, are not weighed down by personal
commitments, and opportunities beckon. It is their time. Involve
them in your business during this period and you will both benefit.
- It is okay,
even important, for robust, healthy discussion and disagreement
at board and management level, in order to make the best decisions.
But once the decision is made, everyone must fall in line behind
it, if it is to work.
- Promoting
from within is an excellent first up policy. But beware of the “peter
principle”, where you promote someone ahead of their ability.
Sometimes it’s just better to bring in someone new with
fresh ideas and experience.
- Everyone gets
stale after a few years, especially sales people. You might have
the best sales manager in the world, but if he thinks he’s
explored every opportunity and can’t see any new ones,
you can bet a good new sales manager will see plenty.
- There is much
to be said about “the early bird catches the worm”.
After a good night’s sleep, the mind is freshest, and your
thinking is clearest. You can plan your day, mull over difficult
problems. This is when the brain comes up with your best ideas.
You will be fully prepared while everyone else is still asleep.
http://www.hardingsconsulting.com.au |
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Strategies
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