The Big “F” of doing business 2
In this series I have take a number of ‘F’ words and unpacked some lessons we can all learn from how to do business more effectively and efficiently.
The next set of ‘F’ words are Fix Faster. In the first article of this series we spoke about learning to fail fast, this is and always should be backed up by Fix Faster. This means that as fast as you fail, you as a business owner, should be fixing the problems faster. It does not matter who is at fault, or why it went wrong, what is important is how fast it is fixed. If you are so inclined you can do the blame game off line at a later stage, but make sure that whoever was affected, no matter how small the issue, is made right and is notified.
When issues are raised online, a good rule to follow is to acknowledge it online, fix offline and then acknowledge it online again. Never get into trying to argue and fix online. This will lead to some serious arguments and will always bring in hordes of chatter that could destroy your online reputation.
Fix, make good, feedback and acknowledge: the road to maintaining your reputation as a customer centric business. One that will be around next year.
Registrations open for Boot Camp 2013
If you have a business that needs to be taken to the next level and if you have the ambition and drive to make this happen, then we invite you to apply to be a part of the next Entrepreneur Boot Camp.
This six week programme consists of weekly half day workshops, homework assignments and links to mentors, coaches and resources. This is a fast track business development programme aimed at getting both you and your business refocused and moving in the right direction.
Requirements:
- You are the business owner in Cape Town
- Your business has been operational and trading for more than two years
- You have a plan and ambition to grow your business, even if it is just in your head
- You have time to attend weekly workshops in the southern suburbs of Cape Town
- You are willing to put in some effort to get results
Investment: The investment from your side will be R3000, payable in two equal payments of R1500, on registration and then before week 4 of the programme. This is a subsidised amount and is matched by funders and investors.
Dates: The programme will run for 6 weeks starting in the last week of May 2013.
Applications: If you wish to apply to be considered for this programme then please complete the online form on www.ei.co.za/bootcamp
Creating videos for your business
Did you know that YouTube is the second most used search engine on the web? Creating videos for your business could and should be one of the most critical marketing channels that you can be involved in as a business owner.
Making videos is not always the expensive and technical challenge that you may think it is. A simple set of short videos is easy to compile and will put your brand in front of the world in a visual and creative way.
Here are some examples of the types of videos that you can compile for your business;
A short interview with the business owner or customers talking about the benefits of your products
Using a number of still photos, create a collage of your offerings. This done to music or a voice over is always a great way to promote your brand
Instructional video for the safe use of your product to enhance the customer experience
Promotional video to show case an event of upcoming competition
Demonstration or product reviews
I trust that this has given you some enthusiasm to start your business videos. For some examples of what we have done drop by our FaceBook page here.
If you need any assistance, advice or guidance with these, please do not hesitate for a moment to contact myself and we will talk you through some of the issues you may have.
Get those marketing juices and lenses (or cell phones) focused.
Brain fit = Business Fit
Getting your body fit requires exercise, spinning classes and gym sessions. Also involved is a balanced diet and reduced ‘bad’ foods. Getting your bran fit requires regular exercises, concentration classes and brain gym sessions. It also requires a good diet and reduced ‘bad’ food.
In order to build a successful business your brain should be in peak performance followed by a healthy body. Healthy body, I cant help you out with see Robin Buck for that, but healthy mind is my game.
A number of concentration exercises and focus sessions will soon see your brain learning new skills and making new connections to support those new found skills. Brain gym is as important as body gym, just less sweaty and expensive but a whole lot more fun.
We offer a 90 day Brain Fit programme that you can purchase online and enjoy in the comfort of your office or home. Within the first 2 weeks you will begin to notice your concentration and recall ability improving followed by creative thinking, visualisation and problem solving. We will also teach you about good and healthy brain foods and what to avoid to keep your brain fit.
We are currently recruiting a number of people to proof our newly released programme and will be writing about their experiences here each week. If you want to be a part of this trial email me here or wish to purchase the programme go here for more details.