Invest in you

So how much time do you think I should invest in sales per week? Ben asked as he proceeded to pass the coffee, although I noticed the cake wasn’t going anywhere.

Sales are the by-product of good relationships, Ben. Your growth depends on you, therefore you should be constantly developing those relationships.

But I’ve so many other ‘things’ to do running this business, how can you say that?

Sure there are plenty of hats we wear during daily operations although just be clear in your objectives and understand that every time we meet someone we are sending out signals. Make sure these are the right kind of signal Ben. People like to have transparency when working with others, they like to invest in people who have a plan, those who they know and trust while working with those who are clear on what they want.

How else can we help each other?

Ben, think mindset. Ask yourself, ‘what do you want?’ Ask yourself this and if necessary repeat whenever you are in doubt about why you are in business. Why you started in the first place.

So, what you are saying I need to juggle the hats?

Prioritise Ben, sure keeps boredom at bay …

Getting the priorities right. Isn’t that what you want from the people you do business with? You want them to be good at what they do, sell the product that does what it is supposed to do and deliver the experience you’d expect.

Isn’t that exactly the same as what your customers want from you?

So no matter how long you’ve spent on a project, no matter how much repetition is involved, no matter if you are bored or excited about it, each time you interact with your customer, it’s your time to invest further and make them feel special. Cultivate consistency Ben and treat each person as if they are your one and only most important customer.

People buy from people Ben, it’s simple. Refresh your memory of why you are in business, cultivate the relationships and treat others as you would wish to be treated. Invest in people Ben, you shall find that’s a sound investment. 

Any chance I could invest in a slice of that cake?