destination

Fail sometimes. It’s ok.

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So how about a salesperson Sally? Who looks after sales within your organisation??

Employ someone? Where am I going to get a salesperson that understands my business, Charlie?

Fair comment I thought to myself, we’ve all asked the same question.

I knew that Sally was a sole trader and the question from me was an honest one. Sally had her bookkeeper, relied on some freelance and just now was worrying about the struggle for new business.  Social media brought the odd enquiry although nothing substantial.

Besides Charlie, I don’t think I could burden the business with the cost of an extra person, even if it were part-time. I would worry about their messages, fear for their rejection, the critique acquired through competitor comparison … if that makes sense.

It does. So, you’re going to come along and find out how networking may help?

Yes, next week. It’s early, which is good as just now, it’s the only time I have Charlie and I feel I need to be more accountable for new business, for sales.

Fear of transparency, failure as a consequence of taking the opportunity, stepping out of the comfort zone is commonplace Sally. The very thought of turning up and engaging a room of expectant strangers is enough to undermine any thoughts of a great first impression … but … the positive to networking can be profound.

So when should I expect results?

I’m just as impatient Sally, although when I started networking I soon found out that not everyone is in the marketplace for my services at the same time. Networking ‘works’ with calculated patience.

You already know and understand that you are the best qualified to offer your business services. The ‘selly-sell’ is not required.

Be prepared to fail sometimes, show your vulnerable side … (develop empathy.)

If you can keep your eye on the ‘why am I doing this?’  Clearly explaining this to your audience, by being concise you will soon find support.

Benchmark your efforts Sarah. Deliver consistent messages over a given period of time and adjust your presentation accordingly, for ‘the room’ or seasonally to suit your business, create the trust among your audience to realise the opportunity, the ‘bizability.’

Something else, don’t forget to have fun Sarah, smile.

At 7 am?

People buy from people Sally.

The gift, share it.

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Life is too short! 

Heard that one before? At some point in your career, there will come a morning when you’ll awake and ask yourself, “What am I really doing?” It’s at this point that earning money by making/selling ‘stuff’ will no longer be motivation enough. However, if your answer to that question reflects a specific, greater purpose, you’ll have the energy and inspiration to continue, it’s your purpose.

How about your employees? Those you work with, or your co-workers, are really no different than you. They also want to feel that they are contributing to a greater good, something more meaningful than putting in the hours and earning the money. What’s different with colleagues, though, is that unlike you, the business owner, they may not have that innate sense of what the business’s purpose is. It needs to be articulated, so the whole of the company is of one mind, moving in the same direction for the same reason. Driven by purpose.

Your customers, what’s it mean to them? Will people buy your products just because your business serves a greater purpose? Generally not. Most people need to realise some kind of specific, tangible benefit from their purchases. So given you are providing benefits, many customers, especially new customers, the millennials are keen to look beyond their bottom line to support organisations that are cause/purpose driven …

Purpose. It has impact. Your community may be the rural outpost or the large city in which your business operates. Increasingly, our communities, our local surroundings are our world, all of which needs a variety of help. In many ways, business represents the best way to bring about significant change to communities. Bringing value through change is where the purpose driven organisation can benefit, a purpose-driven business generates an influence that in many ways are profound, much more far-reaching and impactful.

Your own Purpose? You know your compelling reason. Whether faith, community, legacy or your own personal goals. Either way, purpose is a work in progress. Share your gift.