Fear of rejection – is it holding your business back?

By Nigel Temple3 Comments
Fear is a strong emotion, isn't it? Its purpose is to protect you from harm. Fear stimulates a 'flight or fight' response, which can be difficult to control. From a business perspective, fear can set invisible parameters to your success. In business, fear of rejection can stop you from asking for help, requesting a meeting, asking for the order or even chasing payment. I have asked thousands of seminar delegates how they feel about rejection. For some business owners, the fear of rejection is so strong that they have simply stopped asking. They rationalise this behaviour by saying that they "don't want to expand their business", or that they are "quite happy with things as they are." The challenge is that a business is either growing or slipping backwards. Here is a mantra for you. More customers = more cash = more choices (which may include taking a well earned holiday, supporting a family member or donating to charity). “Failure is only a temporary...
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Mastering Meeting Management

By Jacqui-Hogan2 Comments
Mastering Meeting Management, is, for most of us, a chore. Most of us would really rather not have to have meetings, but they are hard to avoid. If, like me, you attend lots of meetings where you come away thinking 'what was that for?', then the following tips may help you to run your meetings more effectively. Be clear what the meeting is forMeetings are for sharing information and then making decisions based on that information. Nothing else. Limit attendee numbersDon't invite anyone (or attend) to a meeting if they aren't crucial to the purpose. The effectiveness of a meeting will drop off rapidly beyond about 6-8 attendees. Send out an agenda in advance of the meetingHow will people know how to prepare otherwise? Don't have AOB on your agendaIt just encourages the wafflers, the complainers and the unprepared. Put agenda items in order of importanceThat way you have a fighting chance of getting the most important stuff done. Set a time limit for the meetingThere is nothing...
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Creating new ideas for your business

By Nigel TempleNo Comments
Creating new ideas for your business should be high on your list of priorities. In a fast changing world, money gravitates towards the innovators. New ideas can add value to your products / services, your brand and your business. Anyone can produce new ideas on demand, as long as they believe that they can. In the 21st century, we are all busy. This certainly applies to business owners. We work long hours, in order to get everything done. When you are working, your mind produces 'high energy' beta brainwaves. When you are relaxed, calmer alpha brainwaves are produced. It is easy to become a workaholic. You may find yourself feeling guilty, when you are not 'working' during office hours. There is so much to do! Replying to / sending emails, handling phone calls and attending meetings are seen as work. Going for a walk or sitting there and not doing anything isn't. Interestingly, our most creative ideas arrive when we are not working....
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The elements of marketing success

By Nigel TempleNo Comments
"What are the elements of marketing success?" or "How successful will this be?" I am often asked these questions by business owners, managing directors and nervous investors. They may be about to launch. Or they may be about to kick their product or service hard enough so that it is, hopefully, propelled into orbit. The product or service itself is only one part of the jigsaw puzzle of success. Here are some of the other jigsaw pieces: VISION Successful people know where they are heading. They know their compass bearing. No matter what happens during their journey, they keep on course. Do you have a clear vision of your future business? If I spoke to you right now - could you describe this picture to me in detail? BUSINESS MODEL The internet, rising competition and economic turmoil have disrupted entire industries. The ubiquitous use of technology has slashed costs, made old skills irrelevant and created new opportunities for fast learners. Does your business model reflect...
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What is success?

What is success?

By Nigel TempleNo Comments
In a complex society such as ours, what is success and what does it mean to you? For some, the answer is more money and more possessions. However, for most of us, true success is founded on happiness and well being. Relationships A key aspect of success is the number and depth of relationships you have. For independent professionals and business owners, this is where networking can make a significant contribution to happiness. Getting to know other entrepreneurs who face the same challenges as you do - and building professional relationships with them - can be deeply gratifying, on an emotional level. Motivation Why did you decide to launch your own business? Is it something that you always dreamed of doing? Would you ever go back to corporate life (if this is where you started)? What, exactly, does motivate you? To what extent is the answer 'money', as opposed to the satisfaction of walking your own path, making your own decisions and proving to yourself...
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