Archive for August, 2010
The Business Leader of the Future
Today the Small Business Owner blog welcomes James Mason, Managing Director of Mindshop, a provider of support services to fast track the success of Business Leaders and Advisors around the world. James shares his insights into being the business leader of the future.
World strategy guru and author, Gary Hamel in his best-selling book “The Future [...]
The Bigger Issues
The Big Issue is a fabulous way for homeless and marginalised people to improve their health, well-being, social connection and self-worth.
This sterling initiative also offers valuable sales lessons to business people.
Two Cities
I live in a schizophrenic area.
Hip Street teems with bright, well-heeled young things in groovy restaurants.
Just a few blocks away, Mean Street is haunted [...]
Will You Won’t You Join the Dance?
Where there’s a will, there’s a way.
Do you have a will?
Many people are too scared, squeamish or confident of immortality to make one.
Yet if you’re in business, you really should.
One of my Brutal Briefing Questions for new clients is:
What would happen to your business if you died tonight?
More than 80% say their business would [...]
Call to Arms
((( TRANSMITTING )))
Just when you think it’s safe to get back to business, one of your gun staff leaves.
This has happened to Andrew Preston. You’ve met him before.
Just as I should be ace at birthday cards, this recruiter ought to find a new employee in a snap.
But the world is awfully different today.
Situation
Yes, Andrew’s ally [...]
Black Marketing
Nice, but VERY naughty.
Last month a pub taught me a lesson.
Their new customer loyalty program is inspired.
Unfortunately, it’s also illegal.
That aside, this story flags a wellspring of ideas from which we can draw.
Beer O’Clock
It was a cold, huddle-at-home night that required just a couple more beers.
I braved the rain to the only place open [...]
Law of the Letter
Another gym membership down the drain.
What is it with gym memberships?!
Like napalm, they cling and burn no matter what you do.
I was pleased to see the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission agreed with our assessment of that Gold Coin to Join ‘deal’.
Alas, I’ve had less success at my local pool.
Technically, they’re correct.
Morally, I feel [...]
Solar Flare
For once, the sun will set on Empire.
You may recall my enthusiastic bid to switch Empire House to solar power.
Alas, this initiative has failed, but not without imparting valuable lessons.
Perhaps you’ll make a better fist of it than I.
Price Crash
As a long-time fan of Origin Energy’s green credentials, I jumped at their offer to buy [...]
Leverage
I’m mighty impressed with my client, Naomi Oakley, from U-NOME Security Services.
When she got on national television the other week, she chased up the footage and got her IT boffin to put it front and centre on her website.
Though the word ‘leverage’ has been done to death, this is its true meaning: taking something you’ve [...]
Radio. Get ‘em Where They Live!
Radio ads are cheaper than you may think.
Radio ads are so cheap and effective, I’m amazed clients don’t use them more often.
They’re particularly useful when your audience is remote, passive or oblivious to your existence.
Radio is great fun to do. And because people choose to listen, it really gets them where they live.
Here are [...]
