A company has a problem. They don't like their accountant. Their financial planner just got hit by a bus. The business just got a lot bigger and now they need some HR advice. They don't have a marketing person per se and the owner knows that they are not going anywhere without someone focusing on the company's brand and lead generation campaigns to support their sales team.

The problem has been identified. It now needs a solution. So, what's next? They look for one.

How?

First, they think about who they know. It use to be a case of people they have met or friends of friends, but now there is a not so new revolution to add to the equation. Social media.

Social Media

In the past two weeks we have made almost $200,000 from our social media accounts. It's because companies that we may not have met face to face, but know us through social media and in particular, twitter, linkedin and the company blog, have a problem and the first person they have made contact with is the person they "know" online. You know the one. The person that continually reinforces their expertise in a particular field through showcasing their knowledge, case studies, influence and opinions.

Social media is likened to the old-fashion term "farming" because it takes time, but the investment is worth it in the end if you do all the right things. Farming makes it easier for clients to find you and relate to you and your business. Social media has provided a short-cut in the farming process  but be assured that "farming" is not "prospecting". It is relationship building and you have to be willing to give more than you get.

So, remember next time you go to write on your twitter account that you went out and got totally trashed, but the next day want to be the consumate professional accountant who is looking for new business opportunities that your lifestyle choices may not be what your clients are looking for in a service provider.

It's a lesson that I learned far too late in the game, but nevertheless, I have learnt it and am reaping the rewards.

When clients are rolling in the door, most entrepreneurs are counting the dollars and working out ways in which to service them.

In the past, I have said 'yes' to far too many dodgy characters - people who I knew would never pay their bills, liars and people who just don't fit in with our brand and culture. Every single time, it ended in disaster.

Have we lost the art of having a good relationship?

 Do any of us know what a truly good relationship is? Most of us aspire to have a relationship that ticks all the boxes and is mutually beneficial but like anything, there are good times and there are bad times.

In business, sitting down with your clients and getting to know them on a level where there is mutual respect, kindness, care and understanding, is something that many business people did really well in the eighties but it seems to be an art form of the past.

Yes, it’s Monday… again.

Yes, there are things to do… that can’t wait.

Yes, it’s a fresh start to a new week and the first day to the rest of your life.

SO LET’S GET STARTED!!!!

Every day is a learning curve. Whether its on the job, our relationships with people or general life experiences – we all learn and if we don’t then we take a backward step.

Today was an extraordinary day and for me, not in a good way.

Today, after spending last night reading a ’self help’ book (something I never do!), I woke up at 5am roaring to go.

Being the end of the financial year, it is important for small businesses to leverage off the close of another financial year period.

It’s sad but true. Some people, no matter what good intentions they have, will never be successful.

A very wise man once said to me;

It’s Thursday and there is still quite a few to go. Why not try these tips?