Finding new business
No means YES!
Truth is best. And good guys can finish first.
For ten years I never said ‘no’ to a client or prospect.
The other day, I did.
Contrary to my deep fears, the consequences have been wonderful.
I can’t wait to naysay again.
No dice
I was really busy with a big job for a fabulous new client.
This unusual combo saw [...]
Non Capisco*
We get heaps of pizza fliers in our letterbox.
I seldom read them, let alone use them.
Last night, however, saw a rare aligning of Venus and Mercury. I was ready to try the latest pizza parlour to letter-drop us.
Unfortunately, their flier was too clever by half.
First Quarter
It started well.
A nice red brochure, with a top-ten newspaper [...]
Sky High Quoting
Though illuminating, our Building Fences debate didn’t generate one fence builder inquiry.
Number 8’s dad is now doing her fence and Number 12 has decided to sell!
My great social media vs tradies experiment is a fizzer.
Or is it?
From Damp Squib to Space Rocket
I was set to conclude that tradespeople have no use for the internet.
Then I [...]
Trust Me, I’m a Hoax Speaker
The quality of our guest bloggers continues to blow me away. Today we welcome the very talented and very funny Graeme Bowman, corporate comedian, MC and hoax speaker. What’s a hoax speaker, you may ask? Guess you’ll just have to read on .
How many times have you clambered onto an elephant in a Thai [...]
What Clients Do You Want?
When I first went solo, my answer to this question was ANYONE!
As I got established, I gained the power to choose.
I’ve since sacked a few clients for wilful misconduct and worrying affiliations.
But it took me 12 years to sit down and describe my preferred client.
I should’ve done it at the start.
Opportunity Knocks
This wasn’t one of [...]
Marketing your small business: Step away from the Great Idea
I always love to intro a new guest blogger to Small Business Owner, and today is no exception. Please extend a warm welcome to Bambi Gordon, co-owner of a number of businesses including Regional Events Australia, The Brew, and her ‘baby’ The Woo.
You know how it goes. 3am. Pondering the big questions of life, like [...]
Conditions Apply*
The devil’s in the detail.
I hate ‘offers’ whose conditions render them impractical, untrue or even pernicious.
For months I’ve collected samples for a post on this debilitating aspect of human nature.
Then my wife handed me One Offer to Rule Them All.
All That Glitters
The Gold Coin to Join* offer (see above) seems the soul of simplicity. You:
Pay [...]
Charity Case
I’d rather work and donate money than go and volunteer.
That said, I have optimised a community newsletter and a few immigrant resumes for free.
So I didn’t turn off when I got this direct message from a new Twitter follower:
Hi Paul, would you be willing to help out a young start-up with your experience? Dave*.
I checked [...]
Can’t Beat The BBQ!
The other weekend, a barbecue gave me a reality check.
I found that all the social media in the world can’t beat yarning with ten real people.
A short chat unexpectedly led to a new client, immediate work and welcome payment.
Once again I’ve learnt lessons.
1. Ivory Towers are Hard to Climb
In studying Web 2.0 for over a [...]
Pain Points
Part 1 of 2
Megan told me about MYOB’s quarterly Business Monitor.
I’d not heard of it, but when she mentioned ‘pain points’ I wanted in.
Below is the latest ‘league table’ of 16 top business hurts.
1165 SMEs have ranked them from AAARGHHH!!! to meh…
I’ve added my thoughts on 2009-10. I hope you will too.
1. Marketing to get [...]
