My Daily Actions

From time to time clients have a tendency to side track our conversations.

Often a conversation may go from “our marketing gets us to this point in the process then it just stops, so what can we do to improve things”  to “Terry you’re a really organised person, what’s your secret for always appearing to be on top of things?”

Once I’ve worked out that they are not ‘pulling my leg’ I tend to answer as follows:

1.  Plan – plan what you need to do tomorrow the evening before; and bring outstanding actions forward and prioritise them. Then, as faithfully as possible, action each in priority order. At the end of the week do a similar exercise but to cover the whole week ahead.

2.  Records - keep a record of your actions, outcomes and progress. What you might record will probably be different to what I would. Just keep a record of what’s important to you. Then review it periodically and try to deduce from it what it’s trying to tell you. Sometimes getting the ‘message’ is not that obvious.

3.  Positive Mental Attitude - your positive mindset will help you face all your challenges. Stay focused and be positive. If you do your actions (which in the fullness of time will become constructive habits) will significantly shape how successful you will be.

4.  Speak to others - if you keep your services to yourself, don’t be surprised if you don’t get any work. So be visible, speak to as many people as you can each day i.e.  Clients, prospects and contacts. This will keep your name and services ‘front of mind’ within your current and expanding network. It helps them to get to know you, like you and ultimately trust you; which will inevitably lead to more business.

5.  Write to someone - and make a significant impact! ‘Snail Mail’ is making a comeback. In an age an instant electronic communication how good is it to receive a real letter or card from someone who has taken the time and trouble to write to you personally. Receipt of such methods of communication will pay off in spades!

6.  Keep up to Date - we are only as valuable as the knowledge, service or products we can deliver that benefit our clients .So ‘read’ widely and your competence will increase and you will be more able to communicate with everyone more effectively.

Sometimes of course, clients don’t actually ask for my opinion - Their loss perhaps?