By Nick Williams
When I was stuck in the corporate world many years ago, I dreamed of escape to the freedom of running my own small business. Eventually I plucked up the courage to leave and started my own small business, with the goal of training and inspiring people. In order to run my business, I taught myself how to do VAT, keep my books, do my accounts and keep stock of products. While I was free of the pressures of a boss and organisational structures and politics, but I still didn’t feel very free and I even felt a little disappointed. I felt a slave to my business, and had left the corporate world to work for love, but seemed to end up working for money, and working for my business, rather than my business working for me.
Today I see there is a big difference between the small business owner that I was then, and the inspired entrepreneur I have become today. I realise I had the heart and soul of an inspired entrepreneurs, but was trying to squeeze myself into the straightjacket of being a small business owner. Below I am sharing what I have identified as being the ten main differences between being a small business owner and an inspired entrepreneur.
Difference one - Inspired entrepreneurs follow their inner calling.
Inspired entrepreneurs have found the work they were born for, and are following their particular and unique calling. There is a great fit between what they do and who they are, and feel they are constantly drawn forward to become the person they were born to be.
Difference two - Inspired entrepreneurs create a business that supports their own talents, passions and lifestyle.
Inspired entrepreneurs create businesses that supports them and their lifestyle and don’t sacrifice their lifestyle to their businesses. Many small business owners sacrifice their own needs in order to be successful. Inspired entrepreneurs know their business can be a vehicle for discovering and expressing their own unique gifts and talents.
Difference three - Inspired entrepreneurs have a higher purpose than just making money.
Inspired entrepreneurs love making money and are very willing to make money, but that is not the sole purpose of their business. They didn’t set up a business to become an expert on tax and bookkeeping. Inspired entrepreneurs are motivated to create and contribute and that much of the conventional stuff needs to be done well, but is for the maintenance of the business, but not the purpose of the business.
Difference four - Inspired entrepreneurs are always evolving their business.
Inspired entrepreneurs love working on their business as well loving to work in their business. Small business owners tend just to work in their business, doing what needs doing to make the business work. Inspired entrepreneurs intrinsically love what they do, but also love stepping back and thinking creatively about their business, how it can be more fun, inspiring, profitable and effective.
Difference five- Inspired entrepreneurs love growing themselves.
Inspired entrepreneurs love learning and growing themselves through running their business. They know that running their own business is the best personal growth seminar on the planet, becoming a mirror to highlight both their strengths and their weaknesses. They are curious about what they can become and love discovering what they capable of. They are less interested in being competitive and more interested in realising their own potential.
Difference six - Inspired entrepreneurs are fuelled by inspiration rather than motivation.
Motivation is often about getting pumped up by some external force, whilst inspiration is about being lit by a fire within that can burn forever. Inspired entrepreneurs don’t need to pumped up, but they know they need to regularly kindle and rekindle their flame of inspiration, by going to their own wells of inspiration and inspiring themselves.
Difference seven - Inspired entrepreneurs love understanding how they find and attract their ideal clients.
Inspired entrepreneurs are endlessly curious about how to attract and serve their clients better. They love serving and contributing, and believe that what they do makes a difference. They enjoy getting the word out about what they do, and getting people to act, but only in ways that are grounded in honesty and integrity. They are willing to give up being anonymous.
Difference eight - Inspired entrepreneurs work in inspired, smart and strategic ways.
Inspired entrepreneurs know that hard work alone is no guarantee of success. They don’t confuse being busy with being strategic. They have shed the prevailing belief of the protestant work ethic and know that success doesn’t come from pain, struggle and sacrifice, but instead know it comes from brilliant ideas, well implemented. They know that “time out” to generate new ideas and think strategically is often more valuable than another hour at their desk.
Difference nine - Inspired entrepreneurs navigate their life by using joy as their compass.
Small businesses tend to be more mechanical and repetitive, whilst inspired entrepreneurs navigate their business and life through a sense of joy, inspiration and aliveness. They also have a sense of destiny and rightness about what they do, knowing that their particular talents are being used to the maximum and that they and their business evolve through a sense of ongoing revelation about their next steps. They hate being bored and are always asking, “How can I inspire myself next?”
Difference ten - Inspired entrepreneurs value their heart and their thinking.
Inspired entrepreneurs know that they bring the love and the money together by marrying their inspired heart together with their brilliant entrepreneurial thinking. They become potent by using one to support the other and not have them be enemies. They use great business strategies to support their inspired ideas.
So start inspiring yourself and setting your sights higher by become an inspired entrepreneur rather than a small business owner. It is one of the best ways on the planet of being happy, inspired and fulfilled, and making the contribution you were born to make.
Nick has created a free 8 part transformational e-course “Secrets of an Inspired Entrepreneur” (value £79.99) You can sign up now by going to www.inspired-entrepreneur.com right now.
Nick Williams is one of the world’s experts on inspiration at work and is passionate about helping create a new kind of entrepreneur. He is the best selling author of five books including The Work We Were Born To Do.
Showing posts with label Networking. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Networking. Show all posts
Friday, July 11, 2008
Guest Article: Body Language – It’s What You Don’t Say
By Bill Willard
You’ll be judged from the moment you walk into a room; the way you stand, sit, and use your hands can send messages—intended or otherwise. Sometimes good, sometimes not so good—and sometimes contradicting your intended meaning.
Because body language is often subconscious, it’s more spontaneous and less controlled, and shows our true feelings and attitudes. “Our nonverbal messages often contradict what we say in words,” says Jo-Ann Vega, president of JV Career and Human Resources Consulting Services in Nyack, N.Y., “When we send mixed messages or our verbal messages don’t jibe with our body statements, our credibility can crumble.”
People tend to believe the non-verbal.
Body language works both ways, of course. So learn to read the signals prospects and clients are sending during interviews. Here’s rundown of common types of body language and nonverbal communication, and what they can mean. I say “can” mean because there are not always hidden meanings behind every gesture. If a client rubs her forehead while you’re speaking, for example, she may just have an itch.
Body Language Tips You Can Put to the Test
Here’s a rundown of some nonverbal cues that can maintain your credibility and professionalism–and just might save your day!
Make a Confident Entrance – Get down to business the minute you walk into a prospect’s home or business. Don’t rummage through your briefcase or pour over papers if you have to wait a few minutes (read a magazine, instead). Shake the person’s hand firmly (that goes for both the popular genders), and take charge of yourself by choosing the most appropriate-seeming chair and being seated without waiting to be asked.
Watch Your Distance — Prospects and clients may be uncomfortable when their personal space is invaded. Outgoing types like keeping a 20-to-50-inch zone around their bodies, while introverts prefer more space. Until you know otherwise, give people plenty of room, but lean in to make key points or display self-confidence.
Maintain Eye Contact – Secure people with high self-esteem match their facial expressions to their message, rather than always wearing the same one. Smile and maintain eye contact to project openness, sincerity and honesty (without staring, which can be intimidating); looking down and sketchy eye contact implies lack of confidence.
Pay Attention to How You Speak – Slipping over to the verbal, use a natural tone and stick to your normal speaking volume, rate and rhythms. Secure SBOs and professionals have relaxed, well-modulated voices that let them express enthusiasm and interest. Speak in simple, straightforward sentences, avoid clearing your throat, using “ah” and “um” or other vocal ticks that are signs of nervousness or being over-rehearsed.
Mind Your Posture and Gestures – You want to come across as confident, relaxed, positive and well-balanced. Stand up straight, but walk freely, swinging your arms and taking determined strides. Careful attention to what is being said is often indicated by peering out over eyeglasses; cupping chin between thumb and fingers; putting hands to bridge of nose, or stroking chin. Fidgety mannerisms mean the person isn’t paying attention. Avoid appearing rigid or tense, and be aware of the other signals you’re sending…
• Disagreement is signaled by folded arms, crossed legs, picking imaginary lint from your clothing or running your hands over your face are signs of disagreement.
• Cooperation is demonstrated by sitting on the edge of chair; hand to face; hands open, arms uncrossed.
• Negative attitudes or deception are commonly indicated by frequent eye blinking; hand covering mouth while speaking; frequent coughing; looking away while speaking; or rapid sideways glances.
• Frustration is shown by pointing an index finger; rubbing hair or back of neck; wringing hands, sighing and tightly clenched hands.
• Boredom or indifference are generally indicated by eyes not focused at speaker or looking elsewhere; head in hand; sloppy or informal body posture; or preoccupation with something else.
Remember, because all of this works both ways, learn to read what prospects aren’t telling you. Look for confirming communications either verbal or nonverbal.
Cross-Cultural Differences
Toss people from different cultures into the mix, and body language can become even more meaningful.
For example:
• If you’re telling a Japanese prospect how well you understand his situation and objectives, but happen to be casually waving your hand in front of your face with the palm facing outward, don’t be surprised if your prospect looks somewhat bewildered. In Japan, that gesture can signal that you don’t know something or feel unworthy of a complement.
• Patience is an important virtue to people from Mexico, so don’t appear impatient at delays or interruptions.
• In the Korean culture, men have priority. It is customary for a man to walk through the door first, ahead of a woman, and for the woman to help the man with his coat.
Want More? Send questions and comments to w.willard3@knology.net.
Reference Sources:
1. National Business Employment Weekly and Princeton Creative Research Inc., a Princeton, N.J.. consulting firm.
2. Teach Yourself Body Language, by Gordon Wainwright.
3. The Secret Language of Relationships: Your Complete Personology Guide to Any Relationship With Anyone, by Gary Goldschneider, Joost Elffers.
4. Never Be Lied to Again: How to Get the Truth in 5 Minutes or Less in Any Conversation or Situation, by David J. Lieberman.
About the Author: Bill Willard has been writing high-impact marketing and sales training for over 30 years—but as Will Rogers put it: “Even if you’re on the right track, you’ll get run over if you just sit there.” Through interactive, Web-based “Do-While-Learning™” programs, e-Newsletters and straight-talking articles, Bill helps small-business owners and independent professionals get the job done: profitably improving performance, helping grow your business, skipping expensive mistakes, making the journey to success faster, smoother, easier. And fun!
Source: www.isnare.com
You’ll be judged from the moment you walk into a room; the way you stand, sit, and use your hands can send messages—intended or otherwise. Sometimes good, sometimes not so good—and sometimes contradicting your intended meaning.
Because body language is often subconscious, it’s more spontaneous and less controlled, and shows our true feelings and attitudes. “Our nonverbal messages often contradict what we say in words,” says Jo-Ann Vega, president of JV Career and Human Resources Consulting Services in Nyack, N.Y., “When we send mixed messages or our verbal messages don’t jibe with our body statements, our credibility can crumble.”
People tend to believe the non-verbal.
Body language works both ways, of course. So learn to read the signals prospects and clients are sending during interviews. Here’s rundown of common types of body language and nonverbal communication, and what they can mean. I say “can” mean because there are not always hidden meanings behind every gesture. If a client rubs her forehead while you’re speaking, for example, she may just have an itch.
Body Language Tips You Can Put to the Test
Here’s a rundown of some nonverbal cues that can maintain your credibility and professionalism–and just might save your day!
Make a Confident Entrance – Get down to business the minute you walk into a prospect’s home or business. Don’t rummage through your briefcase or pour over papers if you have to wait a few minutes (read a magazine, instead). Shake the person’s hand firmly (that goes for both the popular genders), and take charge of yourself by choosing the most appropriate-seeming chair and being seated without waiting to be asked.
Watch Your Distance — Prospects and clients may be uncomfortable when their personal space is invaded. Outgoing types like keeping a 20-to-50-inch zone around their bodies, while introverts prefer more space. Until you know otherwise, give people plenty of room, but lean in to make key points or display self-confidence.
Maintain Eye Contact – Secure people with high self-esteem match their facial expressions to their message, rather than always wearing the same one. Smile and maintain eye contact to project openness, sincerity and honesty (without staring, which can be intimidating); looking down and sketchy eye contact implies lack of confidence.
Pay Attention to How You Speak – Slipping over to the verbal, use a natural tone and stick to your normal speaking volume, rate and rhythms. Secure SBOs and professionals have relaxed, well-modulated voices that let them express enthusiasm and interest. Speak in simple, straightforward sentences, avoid clearing your throat, using “ah” and “um” or other vocal ticks that are signs of nervousness or being over-rehearsed.
Mind Your Posture and Gestures – You want to come across as confident, relaxed, positive and well-balanced. Stand up straight, but walk freely, swinging your arms and taking determined strides. Careful attention to what is being said is often indicated by peering out over eyeglasses; cupping chin between thumb and fingers; putting hands to bridge of nose, or stroking chin. Fidgety mannerisms mean the person isn’t paying attention. Avoid appearing rigid or tense, and be aware of the other signals you’re sending…
• Disagreement is signaled by folded arms, crossed legs, picking imaginary lint from your clothing or running your hands over your face are signs of disagreement.
• Cooperation is demonstrated by sitting on the edge of chair; hand to face; hands open, arms uncrossed.
• Negative attitudes or deception are commonly indicated by frequent eye blinking; hand covering mouth while speaking; frequent coughing; looking away while speaking; or rapid sideways glances.
• Frustration is shown by pointing an index finger; rubbing hair or back of neck; wringing hands, sighing and tightly clenched hands.
• Boredom or indifference are generally indicated by eyes not focused at speaker or looking elsewhere; head in hand; sloppy or informal body posture; or preoccupation with something else.
Remember, because all of this works both ways, learn to read what prospects aren’t telling you. Look for confirming communications either verbal or nonverbal.
Cross-Cultural Differences
Toss people from different cultures into the mix, and body language can become even more meaningful.
For example:
• If you’re telling a Japanese prospect how well you understand his situation and objectives, but happen to be casually waving your hand in front of your face with the palm facing outward, don’t be surprised if your prospect looks somewhat bewildered. In Japan, that gesture can signal that you don’t know something or feel unworthy of a complement.
• Patience is an important virtue to people from Mexico, so don’t appear impatient at delays or interruptions.
• In the Korean culture, men have priority. It is customary for a man to walk through the door first, ahead of a woman, and for the woman to help the man with his coat.
Want More? Send questions and comments to w.willard3@knology.net.
Reference Sources:
1. National Business Employment Weekly and Princeton Creative Research Inc., a Princeton, N.J.. consulting firm.
2. Teach Yourself Body Language, by Gordon Wainwright.
3. The Secret Language of Relationships: Your Complete Personology Guide to Any Relationship With Anyone, by Gary Goldschneider, Joost Elffers.
4. Never Be Lied to Again: How to Get the Truth in 5 Minutes or Less in Any Conversation or Situation, by David J. Lieberman.
About the Author: Bill Willard has been writing high-impact marketing and sales training for over 30 years—but as Will Rogers put it: “Even if you’re on the right track, you’ll get run over if you just sit there.” Through interactive, Web-based “Do-While-Learning™” programs, e-Newsletters and straight-talking articles, Bill helps small-business owners and independent professionals get the job done: profitably improving performance, helping grow your business, skipping expensive mistakes, making the journey to success faster, smoother, easier. And fun!
Source: www.isnare.com
Wednesday, July 9, 2008
Guest Article: The 10 Crucial Differences Between Being a Small Business Owner and an Inspired Entrepreneur
By Nick Williams
When I was stuck in the corporate world many years ago, I dreamed of escape to the freedom of running my own small business. Eventually I plucked up the courage to leave and started my own small business, with the goal of training and inspiring people. In order to run my business, I taught myself how to do VAT, keep my books, do my accounts and keep stock of products. While I was free of the pressures of a boss and organisational structures and politics, but I still didn’t feel very free and I even felt a little disappointed. I felt a slave to my business, and had left the corporate world to work for love, but seemed to end up working for money, and working for my business, rather than my business working for me.
Today I see there is a big difference between the small business owner that I was then, and the inspired entrepreneur I have become today. I realise I had the heart and soul of an inspired entrepreneurs, but was trying to squeeze myself into the straightjacket of being a small business owner. Below I am sharing what I have identified as being the ten main differences between being a small business owner and an inspired entrepreneur.
Difference one - Inspired entrepreneurs follow their inner calling.
Inspired entrepreneurs have found the work they were born for, and are following their particular and unique calling. There is a great fit between what they do and who they are, and feel they are constantly drawn forward to become the person they were born to be.
Difference two - Inspired entrepreneurs create a business that supports their own talents, passions and lifestyle.
Inspired entrepreneurs create businesses that supports them and their lifestyle and don’t sacrifice their lifestyle to their businesses. Many small business owners sacrifice their own needs in order to be successful. Inspired entrepreneurs know their business can be a vehicle for discovering and expressing their own unique gifts and talents.
Difference three - Inspired entrepreneurs have a higher purpose than just making money.
Inspired entrepreneurs love making money and are very willing to make money, but that is not the sole purpose of their business. They didn’t set up a business to become an expert on tax and bookkeeping. Inspired entrepreneurs are motivated to create and contribute and that much of the conventional stuff needs to be done well, but is for the maintenance of the business, but not the purpose of the business.
Difference four - Inspired entrepreneurs are always evolving their business.
Inspired entrepreneurs love working on their business as well loving to work in their business. Small business owners tend just to work in their business, doing what needs doing to make the business work. Inspired entrepreneurs intrinsically love what they do, but also love stepping back and thinking creatively about their business, how it can be more fun, inspiring, profitable and effective.
Difference five- Inspired entrepreneurs love growing themselves.
Inspired entrepreneurs love learning and growing themselves through running their business. They know that running their own business is the best personal growth seminar on the planet, becoming a mirror to highlight both their strengths and their weaknesses. They are curious about what they can become and love discovering what they capable of. They are less interested in being competitive and more interested in realising their own potential.
Difference six - Inspired entrepreneurs are fuelled by inspiration rather than motivation.
Motivation is often about getting pumped up by some external force, whilst inspiration is about being lit by a fire within that can burn forever. Inspired entrepreneurs don’t need to pumped up, but they know they need to regularly kindle and rekindle their flame of inspiration, by going to their own wells of inspiration and inspiring themselves.
Difference seven - Inspired entrepreneurs love understanding how they find and attract their ideal clients.
Inspired entrepreneurs are endlessly curious about how to attract and serve their clients better. They love serving and contributing, and believe that what they do makes a difference. They enjoy getting the word out about what they do, and getting people to act, but only in ways that are grounded in honesty and integrity. They are willing to give up being anonymous.
Difference eight - Inspired entrepreneurs work in inspired, smart and strategic ways.
Inspired entrepreneurs know that hard work alone is no guarantee of success. They don’t confuse being busy with being strategic. They have shed the prevailing belief of the protestant work ethic and know that success doesn’t come from pain, struggle and sacrifice, but instead know it comes from brilliant ideas, well implemented. They know that “time out” to generate new ideas and think strategically is often more valuable than another hour at their desk.
Difference nine - Inspired entrepreneurs navigate their life by using joy as their compass.
Small businesses tend to be more mechanical and repetitive, whilst inspired entrepreneurs navigate their business and life through a sense of joy, inspiration and aliveness. They also have a sense of destiny and rightness about what they do, knowing that their particular talents are being used to the maximum and that they and their business evolve through a sense of ongoing revelation about their next steps. They hate being bored and are always asking, “How can I inspire myself next?”
Difference ten - Inspired entrepreneurs value their heart and their thinking.
Inspired entrepreneurs know that they bring the love and the money together by marrying their inspired heart together with their brilliant entrepreneurial thinking. They become potent by using one to support the other and not have them be enemies. They use great business strategies to support their inspired ideas.
So start inspiring yourself and setting your sights higher by become an inspired entrepreneur rather than a small business owner. It is one of the best ways on the planet of being happy, inspired and fulfilled, and making the contribution you were born to make.
Nick has created a free 8 part transformational e-course “Secrets of an Inspired Entrepreneur” (value £79.99) You can sign up now by going to www.inspired-entrepreneur.com right now.
Nick Williams is one of the world’s experts on inspiration at work and is passionate about helping create a new kind of entrepreneur. He is the best selling author of five books including The Work We Were Born To Do.
When I was stuck in the corporate world many years ago, I dreamed of escape to the freedom of running my own small business. Eventually I plucked up the courage to leave and started my own small business, with the goal of training and inspiring people. In order to run my business, I taught myself how to do VAT, keep my books, do my accounts and keep stock of products. While I was free of the pressures of a boss and organisational structures and politics, but I still didn’t feel very free and I even felt a little disappointed. I felt a slave to my business, and had left the corporate world to work for love, but seemed to end up working for money, and working for my business, rather than my business working for me.
Today I see there is a big difference between the small business owner that I was then, and the inspired entrepreneur I have become today. I realise I had the heart and soul of an inspired entrepreneurs, but was trying to squeeze myself into the straightjacket of being a small business owner. Below I am sharing what I have identified as being the ten main differences between being a small business owner and an inspired entrepreneur.
Difference one - Inspired entrepreneurs follow their inner calling.
Inspired entrepreneurs have found the work they were born for, and are following their particular and unique calling. There is a great fit between what they do and who they are, and feel they are constantly drawn forward to become the person they were born to be.
Difference two - Inspired entrepreneurs create a business that supports their own talents, passions and lifestyle.
Inspired entrepreneurs create businesses that supports them and their lifestyle and don’t sacrifice their lifestyle to their businesses. Many small business owners sacrifice their own needs in order to be successful. Inspired entrepreneurs know their business can be a vehicle for discovering and expressing their own unique gifts and talents.
Difference three - Inspired entrepreneurs have a higher purpose than just making money.
Inspired entrepreneurs love making money and are very willing to make money, but that is not the sole purpose of their business. They didn’t set up a business to become an expert on tax and bookkeeping. Inspired entrepreneurs are motivated to create and contribute and that much of the conventional stuff needs to be done well, but is for the maintenance of the business, but not the purpose of the business.
Difference four - Inspired entrepreneurs are always evolving their business.
Inspired entrepreneurs love working on their business as well loving to work in their business. Small business owners tend just to work in their business, doing what needs doing to make the business work. Inspired entrepreneurs intrinsically love what they do, but also love stepping back and thinking creatively about their business, how it can be more fun, inspiring, profitable and effective.
Difference five- Inspired entrepreneurs love growing themselves.
Inspired entrepreneurs love learning and growing themselves through running their business. They know that running their own business is the best personal growth seminar on the planet, becoming a mirror to highlight both their strengths and their weaknesses. They are curious about what they can become and love discovering what they capable of. They are less interested in being competitive and more interested in realising their own potential.
Difference six - Inspired entrepreneurs are fuelled by inspiration rather than motivation.
Motivation is often about getting pumped up by some external force, whilst inspiration is about being lit by a fire within that can burn forever. Inspired entrepreneurs don’t need to pumped up, but they know they need to regularly kindle and rekindle their flame of inspiration, by going to their own wells of inspiration and inspiring themselves.
Difference seven - Inspired entrepreneurs love understanding how they find and attract their ideal clients.
Inspired entrepreneurs are endlessly curious about how to attract and serve their clients better. They love serving and contributing, and believe that what they do makes a difference. They enjoy getting the word out about what they do, and getting people to act, but only in ways that are grounded in honesty and integrity. They are willing to give up being anonymous.
Difference eight - Inspired entrepreneurs work in inspired, smart and strategic ways.
Inspired entrepreneurs know that hard work alone is no guarantee of success. They don’t confuse being busy with being strategic. They have shed the prevailing belief of the protestant work ethic and know that success doesn’t come from pain, struggle and sacrifice, but instead know it comes from brilliant ideas, well implemented. They know that “time out” to generate new ideas and think strategically is often more valuable than another hour at their desk.
Difference nine - Inspired entrepreneurs navigate their life by using joy as their compass.
Small businesses tend to be more mechanical and repetitive, whilst inspired entrepreneurs navigate their business and life through a sense of joy, inspiration and aliveness. They also have a sense of destiny and rightness about what they do, knowing that their particular talents are being used to the maximum and that they and their business evolve through a sense of ongoing revelation about their next steps. They hate being bored and are always asking, “How can I inspire myself next?”
Difference ten - Inspired entrepreneurs value their heart and their thinking.
Inspired entrepreneurs know that they bring the love and the money together by marrying their inspired heart together with their brilliant entrepreneurial thinking. They become potent by using one to support the other and not have them be enemies. They use great business strategies to support their inspired ideas.
So start inspiring yourself and setting your sights higher by become an inspired entrepreneur rather than a small business owner. It is one of the best ways on the planet of being happy, inspired and fulfilled, and making the contribution you were born to make.
Nick has created a free 8 part transformational e-course “Secrets of an Inspired Entrepreneur” (value £79.99) You can sign up now by going to www.inspired-entrepreneur.com right now.
Nick Williams is one of the world’s experts on inspiration at work and is passionate about helping create a new kind of entrepreneur. He is the best selling author of five books including The Work We Were Born To Do.
Friday, June 27, 2008
Guest Article: The Power of Asking
This week's Fantastic Friday post will be a guest article from my favorite professional speaker and author, Jack Canfield. I listen to his "Success Principles" on CD whenever I need a boost in my productivity.
The Power of Asking; 7 Ways to Boost Your Business
by Jack Canfield
by Jack Canfield
The gift called "asking" has been around for a long, long time. One of life's fundamental truths states, "Ask and you shall receive." Kids are masters at using this gift, but we adults seem to have lost our ability to ask. We come up with all sorts of excuses and reasons to avoid any possibility of rejection.
Yet the world responds to those who ask! If you are not moving closer to what you want, you probably aren't doing enough asking.
Here are seven asking strategies you can implement in your business (and in life) to boost your results and your bottom line:
Asking Strategy 1: Ask for Information
To win potential new clients, you first need to know what their current challenges are, what they want to accomplish and how they plan to do it. Only then can you proceed to demonstrate the advantages of your unique product or service.
Ask questions starting with the words who, why, what, where, when and how to obtain the information you need. Only when you truly understand and appreciate a prospect's needs can you offer a solution. Once you know what's important to them, stay on this topic and find solutions for them.
Asking Strategy 2: Ask for Business
Here's an amazing statistic: after giving a complete presentation about the benefits of their product or service, more than 60 percent of the time salespeople never ask for the order! That's a bad habit, and one that could ultimately put you out of business.
Always ask a closing question to secure the business. Don't waffle or talk around it—or worse, wait for your prospect to ask you. No doubt you have heard of many good ways to ask the question, "Would you like to give it a try?" The point is, ask.
Asking Strategy 3: Ask for Written Endorsements
Well-written, results-oriented testimonials from highly respected people are powerful for future sales. They solidify the quality of your product or service and leverage you as a person who has integrity, is trustworthy and gets the job done on time.
When is the best time to ask? Right after you have provided excellent service, gone the extra mile to help out, or in any other way made your customer really happy.
Simply ask if your customer would be willing to give you a testimonial about the value of your product or service, plus any other helpful comments.
Asking Strategy 4: Ask for Top-Quality Referrals
Just about everyone in business knows the importance of referrals. It's the easiest, least expensive way of ensuring your growth and success in the marketplace.
Your core clients will gladly give you referrals because you treat them so well. So why not ask all of them for referrals? It's a habit that will dramatically increase your income. Like any other habit, the more you do it the easier it becomes.
Asking Strategy 5: Ask for More Business
Look for other products or services you can provide your customers. Devise a system that tells you when your clients will require more of your products. The simplest way is to ask your customers when you should contact them to reorder. It's often easier to sell your existing clients more than to go looking for new ones.
Asking Strategy 6: Ask to Renegotiate
Regular business activities include negotiation. Many businesses get stuck because they lack skills in negotiation, yet this is simply another form of asking that can save a lot of time and money. Look at your vendors and suppliers and see if there are areas where you can be saving money. Just ask.
All sorts of contracts can be renegotiated in your personal life, too, such as changing your mortgage terms and rate, reviewing your cell phone plan and requesting a policy review with your insurance agent. As long as you negotiate ethically and in the spirit of win-win, you can enjoy a lot of flexibility. Nothing is ever cast in stone.
Asking Strategy 7: Ask for Feedback
This is a powerful way to fine-tune your business that is often overlooked. How do you really know if your product or service is meeting your customers' needs? Ask them, "How are we doing? What can we do to improve our service to you? Please share what you like or don't like about our products." Set up regular customer surveys that ask good questions and tough questions.
HOW TO ASK
Some people don't enjoy the fruits of asking because they don't ask effectively. If you use vague language you will not be clearly understood. Here are five ways to ensure that your asking gets results.
Ask Clearly
Be precise. Think clearly about your request. Take time to prepare. Use a note pad to pick words that have the greatest impact. Words are powerful, so choose them carefully.
Ask with Confidence
People who ask confidently get more than those who are hesitant and uncertain. When you've figured out what you want to ask for, do it with certainty, boldness and confidence.
Ask Consistently
Some people fold after making one timid request. They quit too soon. Keep asking until you find the answers. In prospecting there are usually four or five "no's" before you get a "yes." Top producers understand this. When you find a way to ask that works, keep on asking it.
Ask Creatively
In this age of global competition, your asking may get lost in the crowd, unheard by the decision-makers you hope to reach. There is a way around this. If you want someone's attention, don't ask the ordinary way. Use your creativity to dream up a high-impact presentation.
Ask Sincerely
When you really need help, people will respond. Sincerity means dropping the image facade and showing a willingness to be vulnerable. Tell it the way it is, lumps and all. Don't worry if your presentation isn't perfect; ask from your heart. Keep it simple and people will open up to you.
© 2008 Jack Canfield
Jack Canfield, America's 1 Success Coach, is the founder and co-creator of the billion-dollar book brand Chicken Soup for the Soul and a leading authority on Peak Performance and Life Success. If you're ready to jump-start your life, make more money, and have more fun and joy in all that you do, get your FREE success tips from Jack Canfield now at: http://www.freesuccessstrategies.com/
Friday, June 13, 2008
Fantastic Friday
Yea! I see Lynn figured out how to add our SuperWAHMz logo!
We have set a schedule and Friday is my official day to post to SuperWAHMZ. What shall I call my Friday posts? What else starts with F?
- Furniture
- Frenzy
- Fun
- Fish
- Funky
- Fantastic
Oooooh... Fantastic, that's a good one. Fantastic Friday.
Sidebars are in purple: My 9 year old just walked in the my office wearing a long pink skirt with silver sequins trimming the bottom, a camo cammy and a pink knit shrug. I'm glad she has her own sense of style. It shows she is comfortable with herself.
Let's see. What shall I chat about?
Since this is basically my introductory post, I guess I'll talk about myself.
I sell custom furniture. Unlike the other SuperWAHMz, I do not actually create and make the items my company sells. My husband, Shane, is the creative one. Before Shane, (a time I like to refer to as BS) I was a buyer for a chain of specialty ski shops. Before that, I was a Territory Manager for The North Face. (Yes, I belong to the TNF Alumni Club.)
Check out Plaxo. It's a nifty tool to keep my address book up to date. It also helps me reconnect with people I USED to know. All of a sudden, I have found all sorts of old TNFers and am amazed at what some of them are doing. I had one buddy, James, that was the only person that would eat Thai Food with me. After he left the corporate office and went into outside sales, we still made a point to eat one Thai meal together when we were at trade shows. James and I have reconnected and he is now a journalist specializing in "lifestyle storytelling." Check out James's website: http://www.theoutdoorprofessional.com/ and listen to his podcast interview of our mutual buddy, professional climber, Conrad Anker.
Uh oh. I stopped talking about myself. What else?
I've worked at home for over 7 years. Before that, I took my daughter to work with me. The company that I co-own with Shane is as old as our marriage: 10 years. Which reminds me, this is our 10 year anniversary, so I should be throwing a big hoopla over it on our website, eh?
We just have the one daughter. 2 dogs. 2 cats. We live in Texas. I've been in Texas for 12 years. Came here for the buyer gig.
The transition from working at a glamorous company like TNF - to a bankrupt 20 store chain - to a mom & pop operation wasn't the easiest. I have tried really hard to approach our business with corporate objectivity. It's not easy. Especially since Shane has never worked for anyone but himself. Yes, that's right. He started making and selling his custom furniture at 17 and has never had to seek other sources of income.
Two more things before I blog off:
- I am a HUGE supporter of Girl Scouts.
- Yesterday I achieved my Competent Communicator designation with Toastmasters International. I will post my speech here soon.
Smooches!
Kandas
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