You Don't have to be sick to get better
Hi there, I'm always amazed at how disorganised most businesses
are. The huge amount of opportunities that fall by the wayside
due to poor management. Let me tell you what happened to me
recently.
The Car Dealership
I stopped off at my local dealership as I was interested in
updating my current vehicle. This dealership is very well-known
and spend a fortune on advertising trying to attract more
buyers.
I walked in to the new car division and was greeted by a
saleswoman. I made some general enquiries and at the end of our
conversation decided it wasn't worthwhile purchasing a new
vehicle at that time. The salesperson didn't know what questions
to ask me and relied on me asking all the questions. She
obviously hadn't been trained in selling. When I left she didn't
even ask me for my contact details.
I then walked over to the Used Car division. There were two
salesmen filling in the afternoon, chatting about the cricket. I
had to interrupt their very important conversation to get some
assistance. I then asked all the relevant questions (remember
I'm the buyer here, not the seller...it should have been the
other way around) and I looked at a couple of different cars.
Not once did the salesman try to point out the benefits of the
cars. All he did was watch me. When I said "thanks very much for
your time", he said "have a great day".
Again, there was an opportunity to sell me and he did nothing!
The Real Estate Agent
I went to a seminar and heard a well-known agent speak about how
they have successfully built their business and how much they
really look after their clients.
A couple of weeks later, I rang one of his agents as I was
interested in a particular development. I left a message and
mentioned that I was seriously looking and to call me back. I
had to ring three days later as the call was never returned. The
saleswoman gave no apology and was in fact very unfriendly.
(Possibly because it was a Sunday). I asked her a few questions
and it turned out there wasn't a suitable apartment in the block
that would fit my scenario. Instead of asking for all my contact
details, she just hung up!
What Should Have Happened?
First of all the owners of these businesses should have their
people undertake regular training on selling and communicating.
Not only that... and this is a big one, they need to learn how
to follow up. These 'salespeople' should have asked for my
contact details and had a system to stay in contact with me. At
some stage the right product to suit my needs could become
available and all they had to do was call an already 'hot
prospect'.
What Can You Do To Increase Your Profits?
Train your people...constantly. You can't be an expert in
everything, send your people out to conferences, seminars and
workshops so they can gain valuable skills and utilise them in
your business. Make sure you go as well. At many of my public
workshops on "How to Have Less Mess, Less Stress and More
Success", quite often business owners and managers send their
staff along. Their people gain great benefit from attending,
although without a doubt, the staff's biggest challenge is
management. It's the management who need to attend the most as
they can influence change.
You Don't Have To Be Sick To Be Better
Two weeks ago I attended a Bob Proctor Seminar entitled "You
Were Born Rich". A key statement that I picked up on was "You
don't have to be sick to be better".
I interpreted that statement as you need to be proactive. Don't
wait until your business, your health or your personal life is
falling apart, always look at ways of improving even when life
is going well.
3 Key Ways To Get Better
Learn how to get organised and manage your time. Business owners
are generally too busy being reactive and don't spend time
developing themselves and their people which in turn will
develop their business and ultimately make them more money.
They'll also discover how to have more work/life balance. Invest
in the services of a business coach. A good coach will have 'the
rungs on the board' and should also be a good role model of what
they do. They'll show you how to work smarter, not harder.
Before signing any agreement, check them out. Speak to other
people they've worked with. Don't be afraid to invest money in
this area. If you can learn how to develop your business so that
it runs effectively and is more profitable...why wouldn't you do
so?
A business coach takes a holistic approach to help you develop
your business. They'll show you how to have more time, more
money and more life. The benefits you gain will far outweigh the
investment you make.
Get fit and healthy. You'll feel good, look good and be more
productive. The Final Word
What are you going to do differently this year so that you can
be better? What actions have you taken so far? And if you
haven't done anything yet... what are you waiting for?
The results you achieve in your life whether at work or home are
directly down to you. So take charge of your life now. Time
flies by so quickly...and before you know it, Easter will be
here.
Have a great week! Lorraine