How did I build my business? For sure, a lot of hard work. Hard work still. I love it, but it rarely is easy. What did I do? I became known by networking at chambers and major watering holes. Notice I didn't say "I met people" but rather I became known by others -- others who could send business to me once they knew more about me and my unique value to their business. First, they had to like me. Then trust me. Then understand me. Then understand how I could benefit their business. Then it happened. It still does. But lots of work.
I do the same with my clients.
Each month I meet with in two ways with most of my clients -- whether in Boston, Miami, Boca, Seattle or elsewhere, I am meeting with them in person or via phone. I meet with them to put them through two forms of ongoing boot camp - management training and staff (sales usually) training.
Even with the business I get via my eZine, like the you are reading now, or my blog site, or my podcasts or my google ads or my public speaking, seminars and workshops, I still meet with my clients every month. No matter how they found me, now matter what the type of work, I meet with them.
Every month.
Why? To help ensure my clients are successful. Management training means going over the numbers, sure -- but more about how those numbers were created -- Who sold? What did they sell? How are they selling? How are they doing it? Did they discount? Where's the pipeline report? Where's the project plan? How many did my client deliver late? Incomplete? Reschedule? Cancel? I point out the exact steps needed to be taken to maximize the client's business. Just about every client. Every month.
For the staff, similar treatment. It's all bootcamp baby. All work. A few laughs sure but not for long. "How many architects did you connect with? How many know you by your first name right now? How has that number changed since two weeks ago? When are you meeting with the owner?" And so on.
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Think About This: Every employee you have is a walking, talking, modeling representative of your company. What message are they sending?
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I explain to my clients, "Forget the VP, directors, managers -- the OWNER is The One -- The Only One -- who can say, "YES!" to your proposal, proposition or offer. Everyone else is a barrier to success. " Results. Results from tactics that work.
When my clients complete a session with me, many times there is a "Whewww!" like finishing off at the gym with a personal trainer -- 90 minutes later! They are sore for sure. But better. Better equipped and better prepare for the competition and success. Each month. Twice a month. A few hours each session. It takes time. It's an investment for me and for my client. An investment that pays off.
So why am I writing this? Just how serious are you about your success? Is it business as usual for you? Or do you strive for something better, something superior -- whatever your reason for more success, you have to know deep down inside that what you are doing matters. It matters to you, to your family, to your future. If you're flying blind and just going with the flow, hanging with the crowd, then find a new crowd.
Avoid the "can't do it", "never been done," "that's too difficult," "we tried it before and it didn't work" group -- instead, find those like-minded people who want to build their business, build their future and create a legacy NOW.
How serious are you about your company's success and long term future? What have done lately to prove this? How does your team feel about it? Everyone on the same page? Would your customers know?
Every month I see my clients progressing towards their goals of seriously high customer loyalty and increased sales. How about you? Start today. Start with the Business Schedule I provide you each week. Just like the one at the top of this eZine. You read it. 5,000+ other people like you read it. And then go from there.
Just like me, you can do it too.
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