Trent365: Recent Episodes
Trent Munday
Yep. This is it. The last episode of Trent365!
And the message I want to leave you with, as I depart is...
Just Start!
So often we talk ourselves out of starting something because we worry that it won't be any good, or that nobody will like it, or that you won't be able to keep it up.
It doesn't matter. Just Start.
If it sucks, make it better. If that's too hard, then stop.
It's ok to stop too.
Whether you stick with it for a day, a week, or OVER 1,500 episodes...you will learn from it.
You will learn about the process. And you will learn about yourself.
The one thing we are not getting any more of is time.
And one of the most toxic emotions you can have is regret.
You don't want to wake up one day and realise that you've run out of time and you regret not trying.
So...Just Start.
Thanks for the ride!
juststart #farewell #gratitude
WOW! 1,500 Episodes. That's a lot.
This whole show started with the idea to publish one piece of content every day...for one year. That's it.
And here we are now...1,500 consecutive days later.
I'd like to take this opportunity to thank each and every one of you who has tuned in over the years to listen, or watch or read any of these episodes.
As I say at the end of every episode, 'I do thank you for your time...'
And I genuinely do. Thanks.
NOW...to the big announcement I promised...
Tomorrow's episode...Episode 1,501...
Will be the LAST episode of the show!
Yep. I've decided to hang up the mic.
Why?
Well, the answer is the same as it was for why I started the show in the first place...no reason.
I just feel like it's run its course. That's all.
So why not just end today...on 1,500?
Two reasons...
-
I wanted to end on a real show, consistent with the theme of the show. Which has always been about a daily thought, idea, insight. I didn't want to just finish on an anniversary type show.
-
When people ask me in the future, 'How many episodes of that show did you do?', I can now honestly answer them...
'OVER 1,500 episodes!'
:-)
So, I do thank you for your time.
And I will be again (one last time) tomorrow...
celebration #milestone #contentcreator
"I don't care who is doing better than me. I am doing better than I was last year. It's me Vs me."
Michael B Jordan (actor)
Great perspective.
Of course, it's probably an attitude that won't help you much if you're trying to climb the corporate ladder.
Because there, it is very much about You vs The Other Girl.
But if you can get to a place where you're genuinely satisfied with being a bit better than you were yesterday, last week, last year, then you're going to be happy.
And after all, isn't that what it's really all about?
happiness #selfimprovement #selfawareness
We are constantly being pressured to...
ACT NOW!
BUY NOW!
DON'T MISS OUT!
Whether we're buying something online or just making a decision of any sort, the sense of urgency is often overwhelming.
So, next time you feel the pressure...Stop. Take a Breath. And ask yourself...
What's the Last Responsible Moment at which I really need to make a decision?
Because if you can actually wait a little longer, in that time, you may be able to get some more data, some better information or even come up with a better plan.
FOMO is real. Don't let it get you!
decisionmaking #FOMO #pressure
Focussed Missions are great.
That's how we get stuff done.
They're not always the most insightful journeys....but...
They're not designed to be.
However, when you choose a meandering path, you have time explore, engage, unravel, etc.
And it is precisely in those meanderings, that powerful insights can be found.
The key to success in life is to ensure that you have a nice balance of Focussed Missions and Insightful Meanderings.
insights #focus #meandering
Those who don't really spend much time in the Crypto / Web3 / NFT space, often take the view that it's all just one big scam.
It's a dangerous place. Full of scammers.
And with NFTs appearing to go on a bit of a bull run right now, we are again seeing a number of big scams being run on the community.
But let's get real for a second.
NFT projects themselves aren't bad. The people using them to run scams are bad.
Sure, it's often easier to run a big scam in this space, for various reasons.
Ultimately, however, always remember...
NFTs don't scam people. People scam people.
NB: As always...Do Your Own Research
NFTs #crypto #web3
In a world where there is so much focus on political correctness and being aware of everyone's sensitivities, sometimes we can lose sight of the need for a critical review.
If you are not just a little embarrassed about some of the work you have put out there...
If you are not just a little ashamed of the way you handled some of your personal interactions...
then maybe you're just not being critical enough.
Don't beat yourself up too much.
Don't over-judge yourself.
But don't give yourself a free pass either.
selfawareness #selfcriticism #judgement
I think that statement is super relevant and highly applicable to most of us today, perhaps more than any other time in the past.
The sort of questions employers really need answered today are, What are you capable of? What can you do? Can you show me examples of your work?
Where you have been before matters much less than what you can do today.
And for those of us with access to technology such as the internet, laptops, smart phones, etc, we can build, create, network our way to whatever future our skills and hard work will take us.
Of course, it's worth mentioning that there are still many countries around the world where this kind of access does not exist.
For them, it is much harder.
But for the rest of the world, more than ever, it's about where you're at.
goals #ambitions #potential
Well known tech investor Chris Dixon has a great explanation of Web3 in the context of Web1 and Web2.
web 1 = read
web 2 = read & write
web 3 = read & write & own
To expand a bit...
Web 1 was the early days of the internet. It was really just a place to go and read information online.
Web 2 saw the arrival of social media platforms - blogs, YouTube, Facebook, etc. And with that, we were now able to write and post our own content.
Now, in Web 3, thanks to blockchain technologies and NFTs, we have digital ownership.
Exciting Times.
Enjoy!
web3 #NFTs #technology
A great quote from @steph_feels over on Twitter...
"Stop taking responsibility for things people do to you. Start taking responsibility for what you do to you ; that is where your power is."
We spend so much time worrying about what other people think about us, say about us, what they do to us.
We can't control that.
We can influence it. Absolutely. But we can't control it. So there's not much point worrying about it.
Instead, focus on the things that you do to you.
A nice sentiment to end the year on...and maybe a good resolution to take with you into 2022.
Happy New Year!
selfawareness #control #perspective
I saw that great quote on @thechrisdo Instagram account recently.
(I've since realised it was first attributed to Peter Drucker)
But I don't like it.
To me, if you take it literally, it suggests that first you create the business, then you create the customer or the demand.
Building a product or service and then trying to convince people that they need it, is hard work.
A much better approach would be that a business exists to service a customer. Not to create one.
Just my 2 cents.
PS: zero disrespect intended to Chris Do, who I reckon is a brilliant brand guy!
customerdemand #customerservice #businessstrategy
In simple terms, your Strategy is the overall plan of what you're trying to achieve...
Your Tactics are the specific action steps that you take to achieve that plan.
Tactics are what is visible. Strategy often is not.
When we see a competitor doing something clever, we might want to copy them.
But remember, what we're seeing is just the Tactics.
Without following the same overall Strategy as them, we probably will not get the same result.
Of course, that doesn't mean that we still can't get a good result from simply copying the Tactics.
If the Tactics are sound, then we can absolutely still benefit from copying them.
But if you really want to replicate their success, you need to understand their Strategy too.
strategy #tactics #competition
The power an impact of a good story is beyond question.
We make our buying decision based on the story around that purchase - either the story being told by the brand...or the story we tell ourselves about it.
Sure, we also look to the utility, functionality, price and a number of other factors.
But really, that's just a way to help us justify the decision we have already made.
As I'm heading down the rabbit hole of Web3 and NFTs, I'm realising this is even more true in this space.
Fascinating stuff.
storytelling #marketing #NFTs
Hotels like to say that they create a 'home away from home' and that's why their guests chose to stay there.
But most of us don't actually want a hotel to feel like home.
We want it to be better than home.
We want it to be something special.
They key to success, is giving us something that is familiar, so that it is comforting for us, but not the same.
In a hotel setting that familiarity might come in the form of our favourite snacks in the minibar or favourite soaps & shampoo in the bathroom.
And the same formula, in my mind, applies no matter what business you are in.
Give them something familiar...but not the same.
familiar #differentiation #marketing
It's very easy to be critical of someone else for living in their own bubble.
'They don't really understand my point of view, because they're living in their own bubble.'
But the reality is, we are all living in our own bubbles.
We take the same route to work...so we have no idea of the challenges faced by commuters on the other roads.
We live in our own bubble.
We shop at the same supermarket...so we have no idea what great deals or cool products might be on offer at the other store.
Again, our own little bubble.
And this is just part of human nature.
I don't necessarily think there's anything wrong with that.
But the next time you're planning to cast judgement on someone else for living in their own bubble...
Just remember...you do too.
perspective #empathy #understanding
What makes Christmas special to you?
Is it spending time with family?
Or maybe taking a moment to reflect on a spiritual or religious significance?
Maybe it's the joy of giving and receiving gifts?
Or just the peace and quiet of no bloody work emails!
Here's an idea...make a list of all the things that make Christmas special to you and then pick a day during the rest of the year when you're going to focus on just that one thing.
Think of it like a practice run for Christmas.
After all, it'd be a shame to enjoy some of that Christmas spirit throughout the rest of the year too, right?
HO HO HO!
And if you don't celebrate Christmas, you can still do the same for whatever occasion you do celebrate.
celebration #reflection #joyoflife
Andy Grove, the long time CEO of Intel, once said, 'Only the paranoid survive.'
You need to be constantly looking over your shoulder otherwise someone will sneak up behind you and take your business.
But Hiten Shah put a slightly different twist on this when he said recently, 'Only the paranoid thrive'.
I think that's a better perspective.
Because if you just deliver a really good product or service, you probably will survive.
Just doing what you do and doing it really well, should be enough to survive.
But if you really want to thrive...that's where a little paranoia can come in handy.
famousquotes #surviveandthrive competitiveedge
A little Self Confidence is a good thing.
A little too much and it can become a bit of a problem.
The same applies to Self Doubt.
A little Self Doubt is healthy. It's constructive.
But too much Self Doubt can be crippling.
If the goal to get to a state of Self Awareness (which it should be) you need to find the right balance of both.
NB: Thanks to Tim Urban for the perspective
selfawareness #selfconfidence #selfdoubt
These days we seem to be obsessed with instant response times from the businesses we interact with.
If we don't get an instant response, we assume they don't care enough about us, and we take our business elsewhere.
Which begs the question...
Does the market determine what is the right response time or does the business?
The reality is that the market does NOT dictate response times. However, the market does influence expectations when it comes to response times.
If your competitors are responding in a few minutes and you're not...then you're already behind the eight ball.
Unless...you can give them a reason for why they should wait.
One idea would be to setup an auto-responder or your emails or a bot on your website so that every message is replied to instantly.
But in that instant reply, tell them why it will take a bit longer to respond in more detail.
'We want to be thoughtful and considered in all that we do. Give us a few hours to come back to you in more detail.'
Something like that.
autoresponders #instantgratification #thoughtful
All the Cool Kids today want to be an entrepreneur.
Why slog it out, working for the man, doing something you don't enjoy, when you can be your own boss...and make lots of money? Right?!?
The reality for many, of course, is that they can make more money sticking with their corporate job than pursuing their passion project.
Will they be happy? Probably not.
So, Gary Vaynerchuck's question to you is this...
Would you rather make $200,000 a year doing a job that you hate OR...
Make $65,000 a year as an entrepreneur, doing something you love?
That's the real promise of entrepreneurship.
entrepreneur #happiness #perspective
Often when something new comes along, there's a level of excitement around it.
There's an exuberance.
And this can lead to the more conservative and more considered folk - who we simply classify as doubters - to be sceptical.
They assume it will just be the next flash in the pan. A trend that will fizzle out just as quickly as it arrived on the scene.
But before too long that exuberance is replaced with normality.
It happened with Facebook. And Instagram. The Cool Kids flocked to it. he more considered folks declared it a fad. Today, it's an essential marketing tool for just about any business.
So, before you dismiss the latest fads, take a little time to dig below the surface.
You just mind find some substance there.
exuberance #trends #earlyadopters
Maybe the reason nobody has ever done this before is that nobody's ever though of it.
Maybe.
But more often than not, there are other reasons this hasn't been done before.
Maybe it's much more expensive to do than you realise?
Maybe the market just isn't ready for it yet?
Or maybe it simply just can't be done?
Before you charge head-long into you new idea, ask yourself, honestly...
Why hasn't this done before?
And don't rest until you get an answer other than, 'Nobody thought about it before.'
businessideas #firsttomarket #newideas
As I continue my journey down the NFT rabbit hole, I'm getting an appreciation for what an incredible fundraising vehicle these project can be.
I'm regularly seeing projects offer up 10,000 unique pieces in their collection, selling them for $150 up, and selling out.
That's $1.5 million.
Then, they're using that money to go and build something special.
And of course all people who bought those NFTs are effectively a ready-made market for the thing they're building.
It's like Kickstarter...on steroids.
As always, there are bad actors in the space who promise a lot, then take their money and disappear.
But if you are genuine and have the ability to build a team to deliver on your roadmap for your community, launching an NFT project could be a very powerful thing for you.
Good luck.
DYOR!
NFTs #fundraisingcampaign #businessidea
Whenever we launch a new business, or product or even a new promotion, we usually have some sort of plan in place.
Then what happens is we start debating it. Either internally, in our own head, or with other members of the team.
And when we do that, oftentimes doubt starts to seep in.
And the debate goes on...and on...and on...
When that happens, a good strategy may simply be to tell the market what you're doing. Or maybe let them know about a few options that you're considering.
If you do that, you'll get meaningful feedback from the people who ultimately matter...your market.
Do you risk losing the element of surprise?
Yes.
But better to lose the element of surprise and have a successful launch, than to keep the element of surprise and launch a failure.
launchstrategy #debate #marketfeedback
Whenever you add the word 'but' into a sentence, you automatically give yourself an excuse.
'I'd like to get fit BUT...I don't have much time.'
'I'd like to save more money BUT...I have all these unplanned expenses.'
Try this instead...
'I'd like to get fit AND I don't have much time'
All of a sudden now you have a problem that can be solved.
You may not have 2 hours to hit the gym.
But you can run up the stairs at work instead of taking the lift.
It's not the same. But it's a start.
So, try turning your problem statement into an opportunity statement.
opportunity #challenges #problems
IQ is a measure of your intelligence.
Your intellect.
Your ability to solve logical problems, to learn technical skills, etc.
In the past, this was definitely a key factor in separating the winners from the losers.
But as technology has improved, much of work that one required high levels of IQ, are now being done quicker, better and more accurately by computers.
Today, it is your Emotional Intelligence that is more likely to determine your success.
The ability to sympathise, empathise and understand people, real human beings, that's what matters.
As all the cool kids take off on their NFT and Web3 journey, fear not.
The ability to connect people, engage people and build teams and communities is a massive asset in this new world.
Many would say that in this brave new world, it is your EQ that will be the differentiator.
EQ #IQ #technology
I think it's human nature to seek out Certainty.
The problem with doing this is that it can subconsciously absolve us of responsibility.
Once we find out for certain, that's it. There's no more to be done. It's already been done. It's proven. It's set.
However, if we instead seek Clarity, then what we're doing is getting a general guide or direction.
From there, we can iterate, evolve and make it our own. Set our own direction based on our specific needs.
So, rather than looking for Certainty...Seek Clarity.
certainty #clarity #seeking
As we discussed in yesterday's episode, NFTs are all about establishing ownership of digital assets.
But they can also offer real utility IRL (In Real Life)
The smart creators in the NFT space are offering real world utility to those who are members of their community - ie: those who own one their NFTs.
At the recent NFT NYC conference, there were various VIP-type events that could only be accessed with your NFT.
Some NFTs provide future giveaways of real world products and things.
And what you need to understand is that when they do this, they are offering a Double Asset play.
Buy our NFT and you get 2 assets -
-
the NFT itself, the digital token
-
access, membership, giveaways IRL
NFTs #assets #community
NFTs are all about establishing ownership of digital assets.
And as with the ownership of any type of asset, there will always be an element of social signalling involved.
Why do we want a Rolex watch?
Certainly not to help tell the time.
A Rolex on the wrist say we're rich and successful.
Same goes for the girls at the Birkin handbag.
Same reason we want to drive around in a Ferrari.
It's all about the signal it sends about our social status.
Once you view NFTs through a lens of Social Signalling, it all makes sense.
Yesterday's Rolex is today's Bored Ape Yacht Club (yes, it's a thing! Google it)
socialsignalling #status #NFTs
Whenever you're introducing a new product or service, Price is a key component of your launch strategy.
Some would say it's the most important component.
But ultimately, Price is just one of several variables.
What really matters is Relevance.
Is your new thing relevant enough to your market for them to bother spending any money at all on it?
If not, none of the rest of it really matters.
pricingstrategy #productlaunch #relevance
I saw a sign in my local park that said 'No Vomiting'.
The sign also said 'No Smoking' , 'No Drinking' , 'No Gambling' and a few other activities.
I understand that Smoking, Drinking & Gambling are bad.
Vomiting isn't great either.
But...all those other activities are voluntary.
Vomiting is not.
Nobody's getting up tomorrow saying, 'Great! It's Saturday. Let's head down to the park and vomit!'
So, my question is...and it's a genuine question...
What's the point of a sign that bans involuntary behaviour?
I just don't get it.
Look forward to learning.
humanbehaviour #humannature #banned
A lot of us spend way too much time in our own heads.
Am I good enough? Is my product or service good enough?
But it doesn't really matter what YOU think.
It matters what THEY think.
And by 'they', I'm talking about the 'collective they' - ie: the market.
Ultimately, they will determine the value of your thing.
What any one individual thinks, even you, doesn't really matter.
overthinking #perspective #marketfeedback
It's the age old question.
One that has confounded us for generations.
But it turns out, the answer is actually pretty simple.
You see on the timeline of the evolution of the species, Turtles appeared well before Birds.
And Turtles...lay Eggs.
So, if you accept that a Chicken is a Bird (which it is) and Birds came after Turtles (which they did) and Turtles lay eggs (which they do)...
The very clearly, the Egg came before the Chicken.
You're Welcome!
answers #questions #evolution
The problem with setting long term goals is that many people don't have a lot of clarity about exactly what they want.
As a result, we tend to set very broad goals like - Health, Happiness, Financial Independence,
But it's hard to quantify such broad goals.
If we can't quantify them, it's hard to keep track of where we're at.
And that can often result in a lot of anxiety.
So, maybe instead of focussing on the Goal...just focus on making Progress.
NB: Thanks to @RyanHoliday on Twitter for the inspiration.
goalsetting #makingprogress #achieve
Sometimes in life and in business...poo poo happens.
And when it does, people who have invested their time and money into new ventures can lose it all. And that hurts.
But that's ok.
As long as the intent and effort behind the new venture was pure, then that's just the cost of doing business.
However, if the intent was never pure, then it's really just a scam.
And there's a grey area where the intent was pure, but not enough effort was put in and as a result, it failed.
Some would say this too is just the price of doing business, of trying something new.
But I disagree.
If you are savvy enough to have a vision, to sell that vision to others, to convince them to invest their time and money...then you should be savvy enough to have a pretty good idea of how much work will be involved.
And if you're not prepared to put in that work, then for me, it comes back to the purity of your intent.
We will only forgive your failure if the intent AND effort is pure.
intentions #failure #businesslessons
It can often be overwhelming when you start out learning about something new.
There's just so much you don't know.
Often there is a specific language or terminology that people in that space use...and you don't even know that.
What's interesting is that the deeper you get into something and the more you know about it...the more you realise how much more you still don't know.
So there you are, even after accumulating all that extra knowledge, still overwhelmed by how much you don't know.
But that's ok.
Cut yourself some slack.
Think back to Day 1. You knew nothing. Today, you know so much more.
Is there still lots to learn? Yes.
That's just the way it is.
Enjoy the journey!
learning #knowledge #neverstoplearning
It never ceases to amaze me how often people say,
"I'd really like to do XYZ...but I just don't have the time."
You probably can find the time.
Just open your calendar and keep flicking through until you find an empty slot.
You may have to jump ahead 127 days from today...all the way to 10 April 2022...but eventually you will find an open slot.
If it's important enough to you, you can find the time.
Schedule it. Commit to it. Make it happen.
timemanagement #scheduling #priorities
We often find ourselves being envious of those who have achieved success.
Especially those who have achieved multiple successes.
We rationalise it by telling ourselves, 'They were just lucky.'
The problem with that theory, of course, is that the chances of someone just continually being lucky, are pretty slim.
If someone has achieved multiple successes, chances are, it's more than just luck.
Hard work. Innovation. Dedication. Superior product. Superior service.
All these factors probably made more difference than just continual dumb luck.
hardwork #luck #selfawareness
A Distinction without a Difference is what they call a logical fallacy.
It's when we draw a very fine distinction between two things but ultimately it doesn't amount to any meaningful difference.
'I'm not lying...I'm just stretching the truth.'
That would be an example.
It's something we see a lot in the hospitality industry, specifically, the Spa Industry.
'They serve Ginger Tea on arrival...but we server ours with Honey!'
Is there a distinction between the two offerings? Sure.
Does it really make any meaningful difference to the customer? Not really.
TASK: Review your USPs through the filter of 'Distinction without a Difference'.
Are your USPs meaningfully different from your competitors?
OR, are they merely a Distinction without a Difference?
differences #distinction #marketing
When asked about their biggest mistake or biggest regret,
many of the most successful people and businesses have the same reply...
"I moved too slow!"
"We should have acted faster."
So, getting it done today is great.
It's certainly better than starting tomorrow.
But yesterday would've been better.
getitdone #startnow #startyesterday
Most of us, most of the time, are just happy staying in our lane.
Pick a lane that works for you.
One that's moving at just about the right pace for you.
A lane that provide just the right combination of good and bad elements for your current situation.
But always remember, if at any time you decide that lane doesn't suit you anymore...just changes lanes.
After all, it's a Lane...not a Tunnel.
You don't have to be stuck there until you reach the end.
stayinyourlane #goals #lifeplan
Facebook was a fad...until it wasn't.
TikTok...the same.
NFTs? Well, they're also probably just a fad, right?
Maybe. Who knows?
But just because something isn't going to last forever, doesn't mean that it can't still create real value.
It's easy to fall into the trap of saying, if it's not forever, then why bother wasting time with it.
But when you do that, you may well be missing the opportunity to bring real value to your business, your customers and your community.
If the fad endures longer than the concept of ignoring it...you've missed out.
fads #trends #businessopportunity
Our national flags are supposed to be a symbol of pride, of unity, of strength.
So why then are we willing to see the flag on our main flag pole in the town to droop, just because there's no wind?
There's nothing too inspiring about looking at a big, bare flag pole!
Surely there's a way to ensure our flags are always flying, even when there's no wind.
Some sort of mechanism across the top of the flag that pulls it up and down to give it a waving type motion, maybe?
Something must be done!
Any ideas?
flytheflag #nationalpride #patriotism
We tend to remember the negative accidents in our life.
The time we fell off our bike and scrapped your knee.
The time you had a fender bender.
But what about the happy accidents?
Meeting the love of your life.
Finding that amazing job opportunity.
Or even just being born at this time and place.
They were all accidents too..but good one.
NB: A nice reminder from Seth Godin.
accidents #perspective #happiness
If you're willing to do the work yourself, to do the leg work, take some risk, spend your time...you can Learn by yourself.
But if you want to have it all curated for you and to de-risk the process, then you can opt for Education.
But that can be expensive.
Of course, you also get other benefits with Education, especially if you spend the big money for an Ivy League education.
At that point, you're getting the brand equity of the institution and, even more importantly, the contacts and connections of your cohort.
Of course, it's also all relative to your ambitions.
Thanks to @naval for the perspective!
perspective #education #learning
So many people are just so short-term in their thinking these days.
I get it. I understand why.
It's basically programmed into us to expect instant likes, instant gratification, instant rewards, instant profits.
And these days there are so many legitimate ways to get your instant return. So why wait? Get it now.
The problem is, not everyone is wired for the instant return game.
And when they see everyone else jumping in while they don't, they feel like they've missed the boat.
But not so long ago, we were happy to wait a couple of years for a return. That WAS quick.
So if you're wired that way, don't worry...
In a couple of years, it won't matter how long it took.
NB: credit to the Twitterverse for the quote
instantreward #timeframe #patience
We all know someone who always leaves things to the last minute.
That kid on the school bus in the morning frantically trying to finish his homework.
That co-worker burning the midnight oil on Thursday because they haven't finished the presentation for tomorrow...coz they've been sitting on it for a couple of weeks.
The story these people usually tell themselves is that they just work better under pressure.
Maybe that's true.
But for most of us, it's not.
The real question is this...
You may we work better under pressure...but are you doing better work when you do?
underpressure #workstyle #lastminute
When we say Web 3.0, we're really talking about Blockchain, Cryptocurrency, NFTs, Metaverse, etc.
This space is super exciting right now.
But it's also a scary place too.
And there is a lot of REAL money to be made...and lost.
Whether you're just poking around for yourself, or maybe your kids are getting into it, it pays to do some homework.
Watch - without acting.
Search - for voices you can trust.
Listen - for sanity (there's a lot of noise and insanity)
Forget - FOMO (Fear Of Missing Out)...there's sure to be another opportunity just around the corner.
Be careful out there.
Enjoy!
web3 #metaverse #blockchain
Wolf.Game is the latest craze in the world of Web 3.0.
It's a game. Or at least it will be. Hopefully. And it lives entirely on the blockchain.
But right now it's all about accumulating the assets to be able to use in the game.
Over the past 48 hours there's been an insane amount of chatter and clatter in their Discord server.
The FOMO (Fear Of Missing Out) on this thing is incredible.
People have already made big profits by buying and flipping these game assets.
But of course, that also means that many other people will end up losing lots of real money on this.
NB: I AM NOT MAKING?GIVING ANY SUGGESTIONS/PREDICTIONS/ADVICE!
But I am saying, if you want to get an idea of what all the fuss is about in this space, it would be well worthwhile clicking on the links below to just sit back and watch what's happening.
It's fascinating. And kinda scary.
Be careful out there!
Here's the Twitter account - https://twitter.com/wolfdotgame
Here's the Discord - http://discord.gg/wolfgame
And here's the main Game website - https://wolf.game/
wolfdotgame #web3 #blockchain
It's one of those age old questions.
Should you work with your friends?
Or should you keep your work life and your personal life separate?
I used to subscribe to the theory that you work life and personal life should not mix.
However, my thoughts on that have changed...a bit.
But it's not so much about working with friends...but working with people whose company you enjoy.
That doesn't mean you have to be best friends with them.
Nor does it mean you need to hang out with them after work.
It simply means that you surround yourself at work with people who you enjoy being around, working towards a common goal.
Of course, that might not be quite as easy when you're younger. Sometimes you just need to take whatever opportunities are there.
But as you get old, you become a little more comfortable with what you enjoy and what you don't. You also tend to become a bit more selective about how you spend your time..and who you spend it with.
Life's short. Work with people whose company you enjoy.
workculturematters #workwithpurpose #lifeisshort
When I head off on my morning walk each day, it's still dark.
I don't know if it's going to be fine and sunny for the next couple of hours or if it will pour down rain.
If it looked like rain, I probably wouldn't head out.
But I can't see the skies and so off I go...out into the darkness.
And that's a great metaphor for life.
We don't really know what awaits us.
We can't be sure what's around the next corner.
And if we wait until we know for certain, we would miss all the opportunities.
Life gets much more interesting when we head off into the metaphorical darkness.
metaphor #philosophical #lifelessons
It always amuses when people talk about the amazing opportunities previous generations had to get in early on something.
'They were lucky because they were there when the internet first started. So they were able to get in early and win.'
But the same could be said of the generation before that.
And, most importantly, the could be said in the future about YOUR generation.
The reality is that every generation has multiple unique opportunities.
Instead of lamenting the ones you weren't around for, keep an eye out for the opportunities happening around you - at this very moment.
opportunities #generations #awareness
If you want to succeed, you need to put in the time. You must make the effort.
But Effort and Time are not necessarily the same thing.
It's all about the quality and intensity of that effort.
To an extent, we can measure that in terms of physical effort.
But not when it comes to your intellectual effort or your emotional effort.
And then of course, there's the effort it takes to put in the effort in the first place.
If you're working 12-14 hours a day, just getting to the gym at the end of the day requires a huge effort.
Same applies if your 8 hour work day is on a construction site, doing very physical work.
Effort is Multi Dimensional.
And Effort is Relative.
effort #hardwork #success
The messaging is very different.
A Sales advertisement must have a very clear Call-To-Action.
Simply taking your generic brand ad and placing the current offer or promotion on top of it...does not cut it.
Understand your objective.
branding #sales #advertising
The best way to understand if someone really knows what they're talking about, is to ask them to explain it to you in as few a words as possible.
Generally speaking, the less words you need to explain it, th edeeper you understand it.
Not necessarily 'deeper' in terms of your technically knowledge of the subject.
But 'deeper' in terms of how widely you understand it.
That may initially seem like a contradiction.
But it is in the depth and breadth that the real value and impact can be unlocked.
understanding #deep #wide
The point of advice is not to simply, blindly, follow it.
The point of advice is to help you understand.
Then, once you have gathered the various pieces of advice, you need to run it all through your own filters.
How does that advice make sense to you, in your context, in relation to your previous experiences, where you want to be, etc.
Once you've done that, then you make your own decision.
Don't absolve yourself of the responsibility for the decision by simply following someone else's advice.
NB: Shout out to Matthew Kobach on Twitter for the wise words.
advice #accountability #understanding
One of the keys to success in any business is reducing friction.
Making it as easy as possible for your customers to buy your products and services.
But it may be that the very thing you've put in place to help reduce friction - ie: your customer service team - is actually contributing to the friction.
One example I experienced recently was when we went for lunch at a restaurant.
Due to the COVID-19 restrictions, we had to scan a QR code to open the menu on our phone and then place our order on the phone.
The staff simply delivered the food to the table.
The only extra bit of customer service was the filling of our water glass.
The phone ordering process worked well. Super efficient.
But I struggled to get the attention of the waiters to have my water glass filled.
The only friction I experienced during that meal, was the one element of human customer service they had put in place.
customerservice #frictionless #painpoints
These days there are so many different ways to communicate with our customers.
Email, Online Form, Phone Call, Messaging Platform.
And if it's a Messaging Platform...which one?
Facebook, WhatsApp, Instagram, or just a good old fashioned SMS.
The key thing is to make sure you communicate with your customers on the same platform they communicate with you.
If they've sent you a WhatsApp, reply to them there.
Don't call them. Unless they asked you to.
Customer-First...always.
communication #customercentric #customerfirst
NFTs (Non-Fungible Tokens) are a form of provenance.
If you create something, then attach an NFT to it, forever and a day, you will be creator of that thing.
And the owner...unless and until you transfer the rights to someone else, via the blockchain.
A trademark is proof that you own a unique symbols or word or words.
Now, ponder this...
In a world where NFTs become mainstream (which I genuinely believe is not that far away), do we even need trademarks anymore?
Will trademark offices around the world embrace the utility of NFTs and the blockchain?
I see interesting things emerging in this space.
What do you think?
Who love to hear your thoughts in the comments below.
OR...you can leave me a short voice message here -
https://sayhi.chat/trent
NFT #intellectualproperty #trademarks
Whenever we ask a question, or seek feedback, we already know what we want to hear.
And so, once we hear that bit that we were waiting for...we kinda tune out.
But oftentimes, the real value in the feedback is in the other comments around the part we wanted to hear.
You pre-launch your new product to a small test market.
They tell you they love it.
Great! That's what you wanted to hear.
You stop listening - even though you pretend to be paying attention.
What you missed hearing was that the test market though the packaging could be better and that the price point was a little high.
This is invaluable feedback.
But if you are only listening for what you want to hear, you'll miss it.
Try to discipline yourself to almost tune out the bits you do want to hear, and tune in to the bits you do not want to hear.
customerfeedback #listening #marketresearch
Any time a significant new technology or new platform appears, you owe it to yourself and to your business to explore all possible use cases.
Blockchain, Metaverse, NFTs are just a few of the current examples.
It may not seem obvious right now exactly how you can leverage these new technologies and platforms in your business.
However, if they ultimately live up the hype around them today, they will definitely have significant influence on the businesses of tomorrow...including yours.
And if you want to get really strategic, explore use cases for your industry in general.
Even if you can't find practical use cases for your specific business, if you can see applicable use cases for your broader industry, then you can stay ahead of the curve.
These are exciting times. There are many potential opportunities. There always are.
Enjoy the ride!
technologies #platforms #futureofbusiness
In life we tend to spend a lot of time looking back.
In business, we spend most of our time looking forward.
The next sale. A new product launch. Growing the business.
But when we do that, we can lose sight of the opportunities in front of us right now.
When we focus on making sure our business is right for the future, we can overlook that maybe it isn't quite right for now, for this point in time.
If you have a product, a service, a business that is right for right now...you'll probably get some customers.
Sure, maybe all is not quite ready for next quarter, next year, the next cycle.
But sometimes, right for right now is good enough...for now.
Get right now right first. Then focus on right for tomorrow.
focus #businessstrategies #rightnow
Thanks to the capacity limits forced on many businesses due to COVID-19, customers are these days needing to make bookings in advance.
Whenever they make a booking, you, as the business, now have their direct contact details.
So use them!
Not to try to sell them.
Not to market to them.
But to create meaningful, thoughtful connections with them.
Not sure how to start?
Try by just saying something like, "Thanks for your support!"
custoercontact #connection #thankyou
If you have already proven your business model, have sales, have orders, etc then your business is in the Implementation Phase.
However, if you have simply identified a gap in the market, but not yet built a solution to address it, them you're in the Experimentation Phase.
If your business is Implementing, instead of looking for Venture Capital Money and giving away a slice of your company, try traditional financing options, like a bank loan.
Especially if you have purchase orders in hand.
Or, consider raising money from Friends & Family.
People often look to raise money from Friends & Family during the Experimentation Phase. Mainly they can't convince banks, Venture Capital and Private Equity to fund them at this stage.
But funding during the Experimentation Phase is much higher risk than during the Implementation Phase. And Friends & Family usually have a much lower risk profile.
However, if you're Implementing, the risk is generally much lower.
So I'd suggest Friends & Family funding could be a great option.
Consider the alternatives. Think beyond the norms.
familyandfriends #raisingmoney #financingoptions
These days we always seem to be in a hurry.
Don't think, Do!
Ideas are great, but Execution is what matters.
Make your move quickly, before someone else does.
And I'm all for that philosophy...to a point.
But sometimes the real value lies in doing nothing.
Stop.
Think. And think deeply.
Consider all the permutations.
And if you do that, you may just find that in the long run you actually achieve more.
Now, go and put that Time Out to good use.
think #achievemore #timeout
Not so long ago, it as the Gatekeepers who set the rules for just about every industry.
The barriers to entry were so high that only those with the most resources could enter the market.
And once they did, the made the rules.
Think any industry you like - Media, Transportation, Banking, etc.
Then, over time, largely thanks to technology, the costs of entry lowered.
Now, anybody who wanted to create, who wanted to build, could enter the market. And they did.
Clearly, thing because much more open and inclusive.
However, that still excluded those who weren't creative or those who couldn't build.
But the good news is, with all these new creators and builders, there is now so much stuff out there that people need someone to curate it all for them.
And ANYONE can be a curator!
Remember, you don't need to be the ultimate authority on the subject to curate it.
All you need to do is say, 'Here's what I know. Let me share it with you.'
And that's enough for people like you.
Still not convinced?
Have you ever been asked for a recommendation for anything?
If so, you're a curator!
curator #marketopportunity #curatoreconomy
The best way I've found to avoid getting stressed when I face a problem, is to focus on that which I can control.
Not influence, mind you.
Because even the things we can influence might still not go our way.
You may not be able to find a complete solution within that which you can control...but that's ok.
Focus on the parts of the solution that you can control.
And if you can live with that...that's the best you can do.
To worry about the other factors is really quite pointless.
If you can't control it, there's zero value in worrying about.
Easy to say, perhaps. Harder to do.
But try to worry about only that which you can control and I can assure you your stress levels will be dramatically reduced.
Good Luck!
problemsolving #stressmanagementtips #worrying
Many companies consider Customer Service as one of their Key Performance Indicators.
They endeavour to measure it, track it and then incentivise it.
But I have a different attitude to Customer Service.
I don't think it should be a KPI at all.
Instead, just make sure you hire people based on their passion for Customer Service.
Denying me a bonus because my Customer Service doesn't meet the performance criteria is unlikely to result in me giving better, more genuine service in the future.
If I'm just not a customer service kinda guy, no amount of incentive will make me one.
Sure, I can fake it if it means getting a bonus.
But it will not be sincere. It will not be genuine. And ultimately, your guests and customers will see right through it.
customerservice #KPIs #attitudeiseverything
Well known entrepreneur and VC, Chris Dixon, says we should view NFT art the same way we view Roman statues....as community artifacts.
To say a piece of NFT art is just a JPEG is the same as saying a Roman statue is just a piece of stone.
NFT art is a representation of a person or a community.
It is a symbol of a moment in time, on the internet, in our digital world.
Sure, you could always just buy a Bored Ape Yacht Club NFT, hold it for a few months, then flip it for a profit.
But if you do that, you're really missing the point.
nftart #boredapeyachtclub #culture
It's important for every business to understand its breaking point.
How far can it go before its systems and process start to crack?
Because when that happens, a business starts to fail to deliver on its promise.
Most companies tend to approach this from an angle of maximum capacity.
How many widgets can we make before the machines burn out?
How much revenue can generate with our current sales force?
How many customers can we handle in our restaurant for dinner service?
But your systems and processes can break at minimal capacity levels too.
If you're only running at 35% capacity, chances are you'll have less staff working.
Even though that staffing level could be ok based on the demand, it may also mean you have less flexibility if something goes wrong - which it often does.
Thus, it's important to consider a minimal capacity scenario when assessing your breaking point.
systemsandprocesses #breakingpoint #scenarioplanning
If you live in a country with a tipping culture, like the US, when you give good service, you'd expect a decent tip.
But in a non-tipping culture, like Australia, you may not get an immediate financial reward, but you will get good karma.
You'll get positive word of mouth.
You'll have good reviews.
Over time, all that good karma will generally result in real financial gain.
Good Service is just always a good idea.
tippingculture #goodservice #karma
Gary Vaynerchuck says the key to happiness is having zero expectations.
Intellectually, I agree.
Practically, I just don't think that's possible for most people.
It's really hard to go into a situation without having any expectations at all.
But I've realised that I often go into a situation with negative expectations.
I expect to be ripped off. I expect to not be told the whole story.
I expect less than zero. I expect to lose.
So, if I don't...that's a win!
The end result is almost the same.
The trick is making sure you don't also go in with a negative attitude.
If you can go in with negative expectations but without the negative attitude, more often than not...you'll come out happy.
expectations #perspective #happiness
Facebook is rebranding its parent company (not the Facebook app) to Meta...as in Metaverse.
Just as Google did a few years back when they created the new 'alphabet' brand for their parent company, Facebook has decided that their name doesn't reflect all the things that they do.
Announcing the change, Zuckerberg said, "Over time, I hope that we are seen as a metaverse company and I want to anchor our work and our identity on what we're building towards".
It's a clever move because it now means that this company will effectively 'own' the brand of the 'metaverse' in the mind of the consumer.
When you think Metaverse...you will naturally think first of Meta.
First-to-Market is nice. But First-to-Mind is everything!
meta #metaverse #rebranding
Heart-To-Heart have just raised $750,000 to build out their Audio-First Dating App.
Great idea!
Voice is an intimate way to communicate.
To help people connect and form relationships in a dating context via Voice seems to me like a perfectly natural application.
It all got me thinking about another great place for a dating application...the Metaverse.
Of course, in the Metaverse, the avatars we create are often more about who and what we'd like to be rather than what we actually are in real life...that can be good level to connect on too.
I reckon a Metaverse-First Dating Application could be HUGE!
What do you think?
datingapps #voicefirst #metaverse
If the pacesetter is on World Record pace and you manage to beat him, you not only win...but you also become a World Record Holder.
You achieve greatness.
But if the pacesetter runs a slower race, even if you beat him, you may not claim the World Record.
You won't be great.
The same is true in business.
We benchmark ourselves against the market leader.
But is that market leader on the business equivalent of World Record pace?
If not, just being better than the best is not enough to be great.
Instead, consider benchmarking against what is possible, not merely what the market leader is doing.
pacemaker #benchmarking #achievegreatness
People have a funny relationship with debt.
Some live their live in fear of it. The idea of this heavy burden of debt hanging over their heads is simply terrifying.
Others embrace debt and leverage it to achieve their long term financial goals.
One thing I have learned is that your relationship with debt changes over time.
Which also leads me to believe that your Personal Debt Tolerance is as much a factor of your Mindset as it is your Financial Reality.
debt #financialfreedom #mindset
For some time now, supermarkets in a number of countries have held Quiet Days or Quiet Hours.
Times when they dimmed the lights, played some soothing music and generally created a sensory friendly environment.
The main reason for this was to cater to those with autism, who are otherwise impacted by the bright lights and noises associated with most supermarket experiences.
But what they found was, this new, calm environment was actually appealing to a much wider audience.
And the same could work for your business.
If you have a business with a storefront, where you provide a retail shopping experience, maybe you should try host Quiet Days or Quiet Hours for your store.
I have to believe those that come in during these times will stay longer...and probably spend more too.
Let me know how it goes.
retailstore #quiettime #wellness
If you can think of multiple ways to describe what you sell, then you can think of multiple ways to package and market that product.
Case in point, some disposable gloves that I found recently, were packaged in to look like a condom packet.
It was impactful. It made an impression.
And it was made possible because their product, the disposable gloves, weren't just selling hygiene...they were selling protection.
And what other product sells protection? Condoms.
With that connection, you are now free to explore some creative packaging, marketing and branding options for your disposable gloves.
Brilliant.
So, how else could you describe what you sell?
Now, once you have a few ways...unleash the creativity.
packaging #creativity #branding
When companies are hiring, they talk about the skills and abilities they're looking for in the perfect candidate.
But because it's often hard to test for those skills during an interview, we tend to defer to someone's work experience.
Thus, over time, we become defined by our job roles, not our skills and abilities.
The truth is that we all have skills and abilities beyond our job description.
When push comes to shove, we are capable of much more.
The key to unlocking that next amazing job role is convincing someone that you are capable of more.
Easy to say. Hard to do. But it is the key.
jobopportunity #interviewtips #jobapplication
I don't think I've ever met any owner of any business who doesn't want to scale, at least to some degree.
This desire to grow is underpinned by the belief that more is better, bigger is better, scale is better.
But of course, that's not always true.
Your company may not be a better place to work, or make better widgets, or even be more profitable just because you scale.
In fact, the opposite can happen.
So maybe scaling up is not right for you or your company?
And that's OK.
NB: Thanks to Seth Godin for that gentle reminder.
scalingup #businessgrowth #goodcompany
Branding expert Anneli Hansson suggests that you should not give away your thinking for free.
The execution or the final solution is what people see, but it's the process and the thinking behind it that creates the real value.
Sometimes we can focus all the attention on the solution and almost dismiss the significance of the thinking behind it.
To be honest, I've always been of the opinion that ideas are easy, execution is hard.
To be fair, I think it really depends on the individual.
If you're a creative person, ideas probably come easy to you. But executing that idea might be hard for you.
So I guess it's really a matter of 'horses for courses'.
But regardless, I definitely agree with Anneli that we need to give due consideration and respect to the ideas behind our solutions.
In many respects, that's where the real IP (Intellectual Property) lies.
thinking #ideas #execution
We're all familiar with FOMO - Fear Of Missing Out.
But what about FOOPO - Fear Of Other People's Opinions.
In a world in which we spend so much time online, on social media, putting ourselves out there, FOOPO can be crippling for those who suffer from it.
It's so easy for other people to share their opinions of us. Either directly or indirectly.
And if those opinions are negative, it can hurt.
But of course their opinions are only that - opinions.
They can't possibly know the whole story. They will only ever have just a small piece of the picture.
So don't worry about it.
As comedian Steve Harvey said, 'Other people's opinion of you...is none of your business.'
selfawareness #FOOPO #opinions
The best branding helps you form a relationship with the brand, after you already have the product in your hands. After you're already using it.
As a result of that relationship and connection, you come back for more.
That's exactly what happened to me with Sanatarium's Crunchy Peanut Butter recently.
As I was scooping out the last little dollop of peanut butter from the jar, I noticed this cool little peanut character on the label, doing a crunch - like a sit up.
Remember, this was Crunchy peanut butter.
I hadn't even noticed that when I first bought the product.
But now that I have, it's changed my relationship to the brand.
Now, I see it as a fun brand, one that doesn't take itself too seriously.
And it worked.
Today when I went back to the supermarket to buy a new jar...I sought this brand out.
In fact, as I picked it up, I even noticed a little smile crossed my face.
That's great branding!
branding #brandawareness #brandidentity
Usually, making those big, life-changing decisions is scary because there's so much we don't know.
We want to get all the answers to all our questions before we pull the trigger.
The reality is, of course, we may never get all the answers.
And here's the other reality...you don't know all the answers where you are now, either.
You may think you do. But there are always factors outside of your control.
Your boss may have already decided to restructure your department.
Your long time girlfriend may have already accepted a big promotion that means she has to move across country.
So, instead of stressing about getting all the answers you need, just agree on a few 'must knows'.
For example...
You must know where you're going to live - even if it's only temporary - when you make the move.
You must know that you have enough cash in the bank to survive for 12 mths with no income.
Now, once you've answered those two 'must knows', you're ready to pull the trigger on that life-changing decision.
Easy, right?!?!?
;-)
lifechanging #decisions #unknown
We like to draw analogies between sport and business.
When we think about sport, we understand the need for a good offensive strategy and a good defensive strategy.
However, in business, we tend to focus much more on the offensive side.
Many companies think all they need for a good defense is a legal department ensuring compliance. Or a finance department doing some due diligence.
But there's much more to a good defensive strategy.
Your defense is there to counteract the opposition's offense.
If they implement a new pricing strategy, how will you defend against it?
When they introduce a new marketing campaign, what defense should you run against it?
Maybe it's time you assigned both offensive and defensive roles in your organisation? Just like you would on the sporting field.
businessstrategy #defense #strategicthinking
A skeptic needs to be convinced. They don't just believe everything they're told.
A genuine skeptic has an open mind. They're happy to be convinced either way. You just need to show them the evidence, the proof and the facts.
Most of us like to think we have a healthy dose of skepticism.
But sometimes, when we refuse to accept something, we tell ourselves we're being skeptical, when in fact we are being a denialist.
A denialist can't be convinced. Regardless of the facts, their mind is already made up. And that is not healthy.
As Seth Godin suggests...
'Skepticism is gutsy, denialism is based on fear.'
skepticism #denialism #openminded
Our Thoughts, Opinions & Beliefs are important to us.
They help define who we are.
But just because we believe in something, doesn't necessarily make it true.
We used to think the Earth was flat. That turned out not to be true.
Some thought the Internet was a fad. It hasn't really played out that way.
And in the opinion of many financial experts, Bitcoin is worthless. So far at least, that appears not to be the case.
So, by all means, hold your Thoughts, Ideas & Opinions.
But, as Matt Church suggests...hold them lightly.
Don't hold them so tightly that it prevents you from seeing the truth.
NB: That to Matt for getting me Thinking...and Opinion-ing...and Belief...ing.
thoughtleadership #opinions #beliefs
Peleton is dipping its metaphorical toe into the Wonderful World Of Wellness with the launch of the Peleton Mood Series.
Instead of the usual high intensity workout rides Peleton is famous for, these new 'Mood Rides' are intended to tap in to your emotional state.
Whether you're Happy, Sad, Calm, Confident or Heated, Peleton now has a Ride (and Yoga and Run) for you.
I think it's a clever idea.
What do you think?
peleton #wellness #mentalwellness
When you get a Yes...or a No...to your question, keep in mind that is almost never the answer forever.
There will, over time, be changes to the factors and elements around that question that may well lead to a change in the answer in the future.
'Should we spend big on Yahoo banner ads?'
If you were asking me in 1998, chances are, the answer would have been yes.
But as it's turned out, that wouldn't have been a Forever Yes.
That same ad strategy today probably wouldn't pay off.
So, whenever you get a Yes...or a No...and you're not happy with it, don't despair.
It's probably not Forever.
changingthegame #circumstances #noforever
The base price of the iPhone 13 is about $1,200.
Every time Apple releases a new phone, I find myself thinking the same thing...
'That is a ridiculous amount of money to spend on a phone!'
But of course, it's not just a phone.
Yes, it's a mini-supercomputer in your pocket.
But, much more than that, it's become the Personal Assistant of our Life.
It's with us almost all the time. At work. In the car. At home when we're on the sofa watching TV. When we go to walk the dog.
And we use it for many things that are important in our live. Banking. Shopping. Emails. Social Media. Music.
When you actually think about how much time you spend on your smartphone AND how many important functions it performs for you...
the cost per hour of having the latest model is pretty nominal.
NB: Please don't go out and spend $1,200 if you can't afford it. But if you can. And if you (like most of us) use your phone A LOT...it might just be worth the price tag.
pricing #timeismoney #valueformoney
If you have a tendency to overthink things, to overcomplicate things...write it down.
By writing down your thoughts, it helps you to clarify them, rather than having those thoughts just running around in your head.
BTW - if you don't like to write, just saying your thoughts out loud can work the same way. Maybe record a short video of you speaking your thoughts.
And conversely, if you oversimplify things, or underthink them...read.
Do some research. Google it.
The more you learn about your topic, chances are, you'll realise how much you don't know.
NB: Credit to @AlexandBooks on Twitter for the inspiration.
overthinking #clarity #oversimplification
Decentraland is the place to be.
Well, if you want to be in a Metaverse, that is.
A Metaverse is basically an online virtual world.
A bit like a social network where you actually insert yourself it the virtual world, through your avatar.
You'll be hearing a lot more about the Metaverse.
But my first experience in Decentraland was pretty crappy.
Why? Because there just weren't many other avatars (people) in the 'world' when I was there...at least not on my server.
You see, Decentraland is built for massive scale and that means it's built across multiple servers.
If you happen to be on a server where there are lots of other users, your experience can be great.
But if, like me, you're on a server with not many active users...your experience sucks!
The lesson here for any business is that if you build for scale, you need to remember that you will also have users/customers/guests that use your product or service 'pre-scale'.
If the experience you have created relies on scale, what sort of experience will the 'pre-scale' users get?
By all means, plan for massive scale, plan for massive growth...but don't do that at the expense of the experience of users who come to you 'pre-scale'.
If you do that, they may not hang around long enough for you to actually achieve scale.
scaleyourbusiness #customerexperience #metaverse
What I love about that statement is that it demands accountability.
You need to take responsibility for how your future turns out.
You have to take control and be an active participant in your future.
That doesn't mean you have to be able to control all aspects and elements of your life.
This is where I think many people get confused.
How can I control my future if things happen that are out of my control?
There will always be factors that are out of our control.
But that doesn't mean that you can't still control the general direction and the ultimate outcome.
NB: Thanks Seth for the inspiration!
carpediem #accountability #ownyourfuture
Many business struggle when it comes to creating regular content.
One way to get around that is to focus on 'Evergreen Content'.
Simply, content that is as relevant today as it will be in 2-3 years...or more.
But when something like COVID-19 happens, the entire business landscape changes dramatically and so it's almost impossible for Evergreen Content to be relevant. Right? Wrong!
Take a subject like Customer Service.
The core of that topic, the things that really matter, the fundamentals, are still the same.
What might be different is where that Customer Service is now taking place due to COVID-19 - ie: online.
So, take the core piece of content you've created about Customer Service...
add something above it about how COVID-19 has impacted the way we look at Customer Service, where we provide it, how we monitor it, etc etc...
then, insert your core content (the Evergreen bit)...
and finish it off with some thoughts on what will happen in relation to Customer Service on the other side of COVID-19.
Voila!
You just made an Evergreen Content Sandwich!
Enjoy!
PS: For many industries, the pace of change and innovation is not great. Therefore, even if you want to talk about ways to disrupt your industry, that too could be Evergreen Content, at least for a few years.
contentstrategy #evergreen #contentmarketing
I'm all for having a positive attitude.
In fact, it infuriates me when people use the difficulties and challenges a a reason and excuse to not move forward.
BUT...Toxic Positivity is a real thing.
It happens when we deny the bad, the negativity and instead subscribe to blind optimising and positivity.
In doing that, we effectively suppress the negative emotions...and they just build up...and up...until...
they become toxic.
So please, absolutely do maintain a positive attitude.
But in doing that, don'y deny the negative.
Accept that it's all just part of the game.
Embrace it. Learn from it. Then, move forward.
postivemindset #toxicpositivity #realist
We like to hear stories about how successful things got started.
What were the early days of the Ford Motor Company really like?
How did JP Morgan go on to become such an important financial institution?
If we understand these Origin Stories then we can use some of the learnings and lessons in them to help us in our journey.
But you need to be aware that all Origin Stories have a certain degree of...let's just call them 'embellishments'.
Little White Lies. Small exaggerations. Tiny understatements.
I'm pretty sure that my personal Origin Story, as told by me, would be a little different from my Origin Stories as told through the eyes of my Mum.
So, by all means, seek out these Origin Stories.
There are definitely valuable lessons to be learned.
Just don't take the entire story as being 100% factually correct.
storytelling #originstory #founderstories
Yesterday the world took a collective GASP...because Facebook went dark.
And not just Facebook, but what Facebook owns too.
Instagram and WhatsApp also went down.
For the millions of people who have build their businesses on these platforms, it was a scary few hours.
So, learn the lesson.
Get you fans, followers and customers onto your own 'platform', one which you control.
For most of us, that can be as simple as establishing an email list.
To do that, you need to first give them a reason to give you their email address.
A simple email newsletter. Some special Members Only offers. An free eBook.
There's many ways you could go with this.
The key is making sure that you first give them enough value that they're willing to hand over their email and then make sure you stay engaged with them on your new 'platform'.
They will always return to the big social platforms, as that's where they spend so much of their time.
But if you can pull them over onto your platform too, you can at least protect yourself against the vagaries of the big platforms.
PS: if you want to connect even closer with them, try to create a text-type platform. That can be much more engaging than just email.
socialnetworks #marketing #platforms
Mentors can be great. I'm all in favour of people finding mentors.
It's a useful means to an end.
But, for some people, simply securing a mentor seems to be the end itself.
They almost become obsessed with the idea of having a mentor.
For them, a mentor is seen as a rite of passage on the path to professional greatness.
Are you using the absence of a mentor as an excuse not to move forward?
Do you subconsciously see your mentor's approval of a decision as a way of absolving you from responsibility for the outcome?
Maybe it's time to focus less on your mentor and more on just taking action.
mentors #takeaction #nomoreexcuses
A nice little quote I picked up from the AppleTV+ series 'The Morning Wars'.
What I like about it is that this quote makes it personal.
Unlike the more general quote 'A little knowledge is a dangerous thing'.
And it's especially relevant in a world of the internet and social media.
These days, you don't even really need to know anything...
You just need to know how to Google it.
Of course, it's great that we can now get a little knowledge really easily.
But just remember, unless you really know that particular topic in depth, it may be that you are just smart enough...to be stupid!
knowledge #besmart #selfawareness
Once Upon A Time, seemingly not so long ago, we used to have to wait.
We had to wait for the next edition of the newspaper to get the latest news.
We had to wait for next week's episode to find out what happens to our favourite characters.
And we had to wait for the next movie release to watch a movie.
But those days are gone, and with them, the Art of Anticipation.
Anticipation kept people engaged and excited.
But it can be a fine line between making your customers wait...and losing them.
Apple has done a pretty good job of it with their annual launch events.
It's definitely a line worth trying to tread.
If you can do it successfully, you too can unlock some magic!
anticipation #customerjourney #marketing
Well-known Canadian psychologist, Jordan Peterson, is attributed with the quote...
'Compare yourself to who you were yesterday, not who somebody else is today.'
That's probably a message that a lot of people need to hear.
And it's fine if your end goal is simply self-improvement.
But if you want that promotion, if you want to be the best...it's probably not enough.
Because to achieve those things, you will be compared to the other guys and gals.
Also, if just being better than you were yesterday is you target, you'll probably end up being 1x better.
But if you strive to be better than the best, even if you fail you might still end up being 4x better than you were yesterday.
So, my suggestion, keep that as a baseline KPI.
If you can just keep being better than you were yesterday, then that's a win. If you can do that, there's no need to beat yourself up.
But if you want to be the best...you'd better compare yourself to who somebody else is today...because that's your competition.
selfimprovement #selfawareness #selfhelp
I'll be there in just a FEW minutes.
I should be able to complete this project in a FEW days.
Or, my personal favourite...
Honey, I'm just going out for a FEW beers with the lads!
People use words like FEW or some or ABOUT because they are imprecise.
They are open to interpretation.
That gives them some leeway and flexibility.
If you're dealing with someone who uses words like this a lot, it may actually tell you a bit about what sort of person they are.
Maybe, like the Project Manager, they don't have great attention to detail. They fail to account for all factors.
Or perhaps, they're not great at time management and so are always late for meetings.
Or maybe, they're just a little too comfortable telling little lies...like they're only going to have a FEW beers.
The language we use can sometimes expose our hidden lies...and truths.
language #behaviours #untoldstories
It's hard for us to imagine a future that is dramatically different from the way things are right now.
We have experience. We have history.
And with that history and experience comes a bias towards what we have known in the past (and present).
The best way to avoid that bias is to try to see the world through the lens of a child. Someone with less experience and therefore less bias.
Try it. It's kinda refreshing.
bias #imaginethepossibilities #thefuture
A permanent solution to a temporary problem becomes a permanent problem.
So says @naval.
It's an important warning.
Sometimes we become so focussed on the problem that we fail to see that it's only temporary.
But in our panic to find a solution, we establish complex systems and procedures to solve that problem.
Instead, before we implement a solution, we should first consider the likely lifespan of the problem.
Next, consider the consequences of the problem.
If it's not a long term problem with major consequences, we certainly don't need a permanent solution.
In fact, we may not even need a solution at all.
problemsolving #solutionfocused #problemmanagement
Many organisations, especially bigger organisations, put a lot of focus on the Process.
They live and die by their SOPs.
The monitor, report and audit their Process to within an inch of its life.
But if you put in a bit more work earlier on, in the Preparation stage, that can free up the Process and just allow things to flow.
Part of that Preparation can be ensuring you have the right people.
If you have the right people, and they have a general idea of the outcome required, it doesn't matter so much that they follow the Process to the letter.
Ultimately, they will still get to a good result.
Maybe not the exact result you anticipated.
But a good result nonetheless.
Which, in the end, you may just be a better result.
process #procedures #preparation
Here in Malaysia I can now, if we're fully vaccinated, go out for dinner with my wife and dine-in at a restaurant.
BUT...
We can not share the same Grab/Uber car.
So, we need 1 car each to pick us up from the same house, to take us to the same restaurant, where we'll dine-in at the same table...and then 1 car each to take us home again.
I simply can not understand the logic of that rule.
The government has not shared their logic in making that decision.
As a result, we get frustrated and annoyed at such seemingly silly rules.
If I at least understood their logic, it would ease some of that frustration.
The same is true in any leadership or management situation.
If your people don't agree with your decision, they at least need to understand why you made it and the logic behind it.
If they do, you'll reduce the amount of disunity, unrest and disfunction within your team.
So, take the time to explain your logic to them.
leadership #management #logic
A key element of a social network these days is the ability to create the content, not just post and share it.
Think Instagram and Snapchat with their filters.
Think TikTok with their music videos.
So imagine what could happen if Adobe leveraged their Creative Studio suite of products, made it super-intuitive, mobile-first and then built a social network around it to share what you have created.
That could be really compelling social network disruptor.
socialnetwork #creativestudio #mobilefirst
In yesterday's episode I spoke about the idea of Netflix Mini-Cinema Pop-ups in hotel function rooms.
Here's another idea...
Take the Food Truck concept and apply it to a mobile Pop-up cinema experience and you have...The Movie Truck.
One side of truck has a big movie screen.
The other side is the Food Truck element, selling the Popcorn, Cokes, etc. that you would usually buy at the movies.
Audio could be accessed via the App.
If you're a Netflix subscriber you come for free - but still pay for your popcorn of course!
If you're not a subscriber you pay an entry fee.
At worst, this idea could be a cost-neutral branding exercise.
It has potential to be a an ROI-positive customer acquisition strategy.
And at best, it could become a meaningful revenue stream for the streaming services.
businessideas #popups #netflix
Cinemas are now allowed to open in Malaysia.
But the two major cinema chains have said they're not going to open yet.
A bit part of their reasoning is that they just don't have any movies to show.
Like many other industries, the movie making business has been impact by COVID-19.
So, it reminds me of an idea I first spoke about way back on 17 May 2018 in Ep. 168 of this show...NETFLIX Mini-Cinema Pop-Ups in hotel function rooms.
You can take a listen here - https://bit.ly/3ghTdwD
Now, maybe more than ever, NETFLIX Mini-Cinema Pop-Ups might just be a great idea.
newbusinessidea #popups #cinemas
Taking a second look before deciding is usually a good idea.
There's nothing wrong with double-checking your assumptions, calculations or even your gut-instinct.
But if you need to take a THIRD look...well, you probably already know the answer.
Good or Bad.
decisionmaking #indecision #trustyourself
When consider a job or career change, people often very definite ideas on the Industry they want to join.
I want to work in the Hotel Industry.
I'd like a career in the Spa Industry.
Yet, when you quiz them on what job they want to have within that industry, they're not so clear.
That's a risky approach to take.
If you're not loving the specific job that you're doing, day in, day out, it will be really difficult to enjoy being in your chosen industry.
Focus on the Job first, then look at what types of industries have a job like that.
jobsearch #careerchange #jobrole
Vitalik Buterin, Founder of Ethereum, was recently asked on his response to those who suggest Blockchain and Cryptocurrencies are just a fad.
He reminded us that the same was once said about the Internet itself.
And whilst there were many fads built on, in and around the Internet, the platform itself clearly did become the future.
The same is likely to prove true with these latest developments.
There will be scams and fads, like many of the ICO's (Initial Coin Offerings), but that doesn't mean that the Blockchain itself or even Cryptocurrencies specifically, will not become the future.
Look to the underlying value and potential of these technologies and platforms before you dismiss them.
blockchain #cryptocurrencies #futureoftechnology
@naval recently suggested 'You'll do better work if you're bored rather than busy'.
I'm not sure I completely agree with that.
Sure, I understand the logic. Which is, if you're busy then there can be a tendency to rush through things and thus not create your best work.
But we also need to factor in Individuality and Losing your edge.
If we stay bored for too long, we can lose our sharpness, our edge.
Also, some people simply work better in the chaos. Thinking and acting on their feet just allows them to produce their best work.
It's important to understand the environment in which you do your own best work.
bestwork #boredom #workingenvironment
They say that money can't buy happiness...
but it can!
If having a fancy handbag or a driving a luxury car makes you feel happy and you've got the money, then yes, your money absolutely can buy you happiness.
Of course, there are other elements and levels to our happiness.
And we can argue on the moral virtues of using that money for something else.
But for you as an individual, IF those things make you happy and IF you have the money...then go ahead and buy yourself some happiness.
It's ok.
happiness #wealth #money
'Cancel Culture' is a term most people associate with social media.
But to me, it could also apply to much of the Tourism Industry today.
In an effort to try to encourage people to travel again, many airlines, hotels and related tourism businesses are extending very very flexible cancellation policies.
And that's great for us travellers. But...it won't be sustainable for many of these businesses.
It will end.
And when it does...that's your chance...to keep those same terms and conditions.
As customers, we've gotten used to it. We love it. So when most businesses go back to their old policies of stricter cancellation terms, we will seek out those that don't.
So, start looking at ways you can adapt your systems and processes now to maintain that flexibility.
Maybe it means hiring more casual or part-time staff so you can handle peaks and troughs caused by last minute cancellation.
Or maybe implement a Waitlist Policy and really drive it. Offer people a 20% discount if they go on your Waitlist.
Look at every aspect of your business and see what can be adapted.
Anything you can do to maintain these flexible cancellation terms, will definitely help you build a loyal customer base...and that means a sustainable business.
businessideas #postcovidworld #cancelculture
Simon Sinek talks about the importance of finding your Why.
Start with Why.
Why do you do what you do? What is your passion?
But for many of us, we just don't know what our Why is.
So, if you're having trouble finding your Why...start with Why Not.
Why not try this?
Why not give that a go?
Why not head in that direction?
You may not immediately find your Why, but you will at least eliminate some of the unknowns.
Good luck! Enjoy the path!
whynot #startwithwhy #why
Usually when we're hiring somebody, we're looking for someone with specific knowledge and experience.
Someone who knows the answers.
The problem with that is, if you think you know the answer already, you tend to stop looking.
There may well be different and possibly even better answers out there.
Maybe it's not the actual knowing that really matters.
After all, with so much information open and available to all of us these days, anyone who really wants to know the answer, can probably find it.
As Seth Godin suggests, maybe what really matters, is that you WANT to know.
knowledge #findtherightpeople #answers
I'm not talking about Uncle Albert's E = mc2.
I'm talking about the 'relativity calculation' that your customers make before they decide to buy...especially if it's a non-essential product.
They relate the price of your thing to something else they could use the money for.
$2,000 for an upgrade to Business Class Vs 2 nights in the Suite at that fancy hotel.
$20 for a steak and 1 beer, Vs $16 for a Burger and 2 beers.
You need to be thinking of this when you're deciding on your Pricing and your Marketing.
You must convey the value and benefits of your product or service...because you can be sure your customers are making these 'relativity calculations' all the time.
marketing #pricingstrategy #consumerbehaviour
One of the great losses now that the world has moved to Work From Home is those Watercooler Conversations.
The serendipitous, informal chats you strike up when you're filling your water bottle, making a coffee or having a cigarette break.
But maybe we've over-romanticised those chats?
Don't get me wrong, there's definite value there.
But the serendipity of these chats has always been unevenly distributed.
If you don't smoke, you miss out on the chat when everyone goes for smoko.
If you don't drink coffee, you're not there when others are making their cup of Joe.
So, as you return to the office, think about how you can facilitate some more inclusive and structured serendipity.
Try to even up the distribution of serendipity in your workplace.
serendipity #watercooler #workfromhome
It's true that many brands, businesses and individuals have been left financially devastated as a result of the COVID-19 Crisis.
But, at the Luxury end of the market, things are pretty good.
Many luxury brands have experienced record sales during this period.
So that says to me that now could be a good time to level up or 'Luxury Up' your brand.
If you have a brand that is upscale or premium but not quite at that Luxury level, now is a really good time to try to move up to that next level.
The demand is there. The market is there.
Maybe you need to change your packaging or your store layout or your website a little bit.
But these changes don't need to cost a fortune.
And just think what that extra 20% 30% or 40% added to the ticket price of your new Luxury products will add to your bottom line!
luxurybrands #luxuryretail #levelup
Today, my mailbox is empty.
Let's face it, most days my mailbox is empty.
Anything that appears in my mailbox is guaranteed to get my attention...coz there's nothing else in there.
The same is true for many of us these days.
So, if you're looking for real value for money in terms of getting people's attention, maybe it's time to try some form of direct mail campaign.
Maybe create a simple mail order catalogue of the products OR services you sell?
Or send special offers and promotions to your existing database?
Lots of options. Why not try a few?
directmail #marketing #attention
A man marries a woman, hoping she will never change.
A woman, marries a man, hoping she can change him...just a little bit.
There's a lesson in that for any relationship or any arrangement, professional or personal.
Any time you enter into any type of relationship there will probably be differing expectations as it relates to change.
You might expect a bit of movement. They might expect none.
So, if you can, before you start, lay out what each party's expectations are as it relates to change.
It might just save you a little heartache further down the road.
change #expectations #lifelessons
Despite what some people would have you believe, most of us can't predict...
which crypto will be the next Bitcoin ;
which social media platform will be the next to pop ;
what the future of driverless cars will actually look like.
But what we can do is react and respond.
Watch what's happening. Listen and learn.
And stay nimble, agile and fluid enough to respond and react when you see something starting to take hold.
By doing that, you will probably still be ahead of the curve because most will be waiting for a little more proof, a little more traction, for things to play out just a little bit more.
predictions #react #nimble
We're all familiar with the idea that whenever you fall down, you've got to pick yourself back up.
But what about this idea from famed Canadian-American physician and medical researcher Oswald Theodore Avery...
When you're down there, pick something up.
It's sometimes easy to lose touch when we're 'up there'.
It's easy to forget the lessons that you learned that helped you ascend.
So, if you do fall, take a bit of time while you're down there to look around, understand the issues, gather some more data and insights.
All of that will help you as you rise again.
And, if you want to tweak it just a little...while you're down there, pick someone else up too.
Maybe they've also fallen and need a hand up.
Or maybe they haven't yet been able to ascend and just need a little help.
Great quote. Great thoughts.
PS: Thanks to @markthespaman for sharing the Tweet.
inspirationalquotes #motivation #lifelessons
The modern day extension of Writer's Block is Creator's Block.
It's a problem anyone who is committed to creating regular content is probably familiar with.
A problem of not knowing what to say, what to do, what to write in that Instagram, Twitter, TikTok, YouTube, etc.
It's a problem...that doesn't exist.
Just as Seth Godin and others have said about Writer's Block, you're not 'blocked' from writing. You're not 'blocked' from creating.
You're problem is you're over-thinking it. Over-analysing it.
Worried that what you create may not be as good as your last post.
It's your Fear of Imperfection that is blocking you.
But that is just your perception of imperfection.
Let your audience decide.
And if they agree...great. No problem. You'll get 'em next time.
Don't worry about it.
contentcreator #imperfection #writersblock
Rules are a funny thing.
We know we need them for society to function.
We have some rules that we follow to the letter.
Yet there are other rules we are ok to break.
And we get furious when someone else breaks a rule.
But we find a way to justify it when we break a rule.
If you want people to follow your rules, you must ensure...
-
The rule makes sense. Do they understand why that rule is in place?
-
It must be easy to follow.
-
They must understand the costs of not following the rule, and the must be relatively significant.
rules #compliance #humanbehaviour
When we think about making a change, we tend to think of it in linear terms.
We are currently HERE...and we'd like to go THERE.
But of course the reality is that change almost never happens in a straight line.
There are always twists and turns, diversions, ebbs and flows.
We are often so focussed on the end goal that we fail to consider the reality of the non-linear path and the stresses it may present.
So, before you set out on your path to change, take a moment to remember that the path of change is almost never linear.
That way, at least you'll be better prepared to accept the diversions.
change #lifejourney #embracechange
Destiny requires action.
So says @BrianRoemmele
It's a great perspective.
Luck may well present you the opportunities.
Serendipity may show you a path forward.
However, you still need to take action. You still need to make your move.
Que Sera Sera is great if you're Doris Day.
But for the rest of us...we need to give destiny a bit of a nudge.
destiny #serendipity #takeaction
They say the most difficult part of change is first realising the need for it.
Nonsense!
Realising that you need to change is relatively easy.
The hard bit is being able to handle all that comes with that change.
Are you able to handle the growing pains that will invariably come with change?
Is the organisation as a whole going to buy-in to that change?
Will it be willing to accept the short-term negative financial impacts of the change - either from the costs of new people, systems, processes or from the revenue drops caused by inefficiencies as you learn the new ways?
Change is almost never easy.
So, before you embark on change, ask yourself...
Not do you need to change...
Not are you ready for the change...
But are you able to handle the change?
change #changemanagement #organisationalchange
The good old days of 'My way, or the highway!' are largely gone.
Today, leaders are encouraged to seek input from multiple stakeholders. To make group decisions.
Whilst there are obviously many benefits to that approach, you must also be aware that the group dynamic is seeking consensus. A decision we can all live with.
But that decision is not necessarily or truth or even the right decision for the organisation.
Sometimes, as a leader, maybe you just need to seek the truth on your own, without the group.
NB: Thank to @naval for the inspiration.
decisionmaking #groupdynamics #truth
A great quote from the movie AD ASTRA.
Great in that it has a few different angles or perspectives.
It could be that, when looking at something amazingly beautiful, sometimes all we can see is what's missing. What's not there.
Or, as I believe it was meant in the context of this movie, sometimes we want to believe in something so much, that even if we can't see it, we still believe it is there. We can only see what we want to see.
Perspective is a fascinating thing.
perspective #moviequotes #viewpoint
Snails and Hermit Crabs both need bigger shells as they grow.
For the Hermit Crab, he just gets out of his now-too-small shell and finds a bigger one to move into.
For the Snail, he secretes a calcium carbonate from a gland that gets added to the edge of the current shell, thus growing the shell as it goes.
Two creatures. Same problem. Two very different solutions.
Now, I'm sure there's a great metaphor in there somewhere about 'life' or 'taking your shell with you as you grow' or something...
but I'm not really interested in all that.
I just think it's worth taking a moment to marvel at Mother Nature sometimes.
mothernature #metaphors #lifelessons
Listen to the very best storytellers and you'll realise that most important and most compelling parts of the story happen either immediately before or immediately after...a pause.
They use the pause to great effect.
Whether it's a pause for anticipation or a pause to allow the listener or reader time to comprehend and understand and appreciate the story, the pause is valuable.
In today's world where we are so focussed on short stories and short attention spans, we can often forget the pause.
Now we have your attention we want to speak quicker to make sure you don't lose interest.
But even in the shortest Snap or Instagram or TikTok story, there is always time...for a pause.
storytelling #pause #attention
We often talk about how a brand is ultimately defined by its people.
And not just the people inside the brand, but those outside too.
By the fans of the brand. By its customers.
So it follows that if the fans of your brand are showing negative behaviours, especially when associating with your brand, (like when wearing your t-shirt) then your brand may come to be defined in that negative light.
As the owner of the brand, you need to be attuned to all of your follower's behaviours - positive and negative - and be ready to counteract the negatives.
branding #fans #followers
It's what I refer to as the Transactional Contradiction.
We're told to promote the Benefits of our product or service because people buy Benefits, not Features.
Benefits surely appeal to our Rational self, right?
And yet we're also told that buying decisions are predominantly Emotional, not Rational.
So what to do?
Once you understand the concept of Emotional Benefits, it all makes sense.
Take a listen to this...
benefits #features #buyingdecisions
It seems like an obvious thing to say that you want people to buy your products and take them home.
But the most important part is...'take them home'.
Because once they take you home, you're in their lives.
Your product and your brand becomes part of their routine.
We are all creatures of habit and routines.
So, once you are in...it's yours to lose!
Think less about the actual revenue from the sale, and more in terms of how you can incentivise them to take your product home.
Maybe a free gift on checkout?
Maybe free delivery?
It doesn't matter how your product gets into their home...as long as you get there.
retailstrategy #productstrategy #marketing
I believe we all fall into one of two general classifications...
Gun Jumpers or Clear Smokers.
The Gun Jumpers, as you would imagine, tend to jump the gun. They go off half-cocked a lot of the time. And as a result, they can often be forced to reset and recalibrate and U-turn.
The Clear Smokers wait until after the gun has gone off. Until the smoke clears. Until the path forward has become a little more clear. Then the make their decision.
Understanding with type you are, and more importantly which type your colleagues and team mates are, helps to better inform your communication and relationships.
So, which one are you?
A Gun Jumper or a Clear Smoker?
personalitytypes #peoplemanagement #selfawareness
If you're planning to be a new entrant in an existing market, you will ultimately be competing against the market leader.
That can be a daunting task. Especially if that market leader has a dominant share of the market.
But, there's always room for more than one leader in a market.
Think about it.
How many markets or industries can you think of where there is only one known brand? Not many.
Sure, there can only be one #1...but there can always be more than one leader.
marketing #marketleader #marketopportunities
We all have our Limits.
Lines we will not cross. Risks we will not take.
These Limits are formed as a result of the experiences we have had over the course of our life.
But that's exactly the same way that we form our Prejudices too.
Limits help us lead a safe, engaged and fulfilling life.
Prejudices stop us from doing this.
So just beware that your Limits are not a result of your Prejudices.
In short... Limits are Good....Prejudices are Bad.
limits #prejudice #selfawareness
We tend to demonise the short news cycle.
Today's lead story of a terrible tragedy will literally be yesterday's news by tomorrow.
I appreciate that these tragedies, whatever the are and whomever they involve, deserve to be remembered. We should not forget.
But, who says that today's tragedy is any more or less important than tomorrow's?
I'm sure the people impacted by tomorrow's crisis believe it deserves our attention too.
In that sense, the short news cycle actually helps ensure that tomorrow's stories can also be told...and that's a good thing.
breakingnews #newsheadlines #tomorrow
Most of us, most of the time, just want to be normal.
Sure, it's cool to talk about being a rebel, of defying the norm.
By and large though, we want to be normal.
But whether or not normal is a good thing depends on the status of the norm.
If it becomes normal to just shoot anyone you don't like, do you still want to be normal?
Probably not.
So don't worry about being normal.
Focus on your own internal compass, be that in a business sense or as an individual.
normal #selfawareness #statusquo
There is a certain level of comfort in looking at your present as a stepping stone into your future.
It helps us deal with the frustrations of today.
We can cope with the struggle because it's all part of getting to the other side, to a better place.
It also gives us the feeling that we're actively participating in both our present and our future.
However, that can also bring with it a sense of pressure to do more with our present.
Maybe we don't need to overthink it.
Maybe our present is just...our present.
motivation #future #present
If you go for a run every day so that you'll look good in your swimsuit on the beach this summer...you're doing it for the reward.
But if you're running just because you enjoy being outside in the fresh air..just doing that IS the reward.
It's also possible that your reasons will change over time.
You may start out running for the swimsuit look but after a while you find that you just enjoy the run itself.
This difference in motivation is subtle, but it is there.
When you find that simply doing that thing is the reward itself...you've probably found your sweet spot.
motivation #reward #behaviour
If you want to be remembered...get motivated!
You need to win.
If you don't, you'll just be forgotten.
At the same time, if fear of failing, of losing, is holding you back...be liberated!
If you lose, you will be forgotten.
History's kinda funny like that.
motivation #freeyourself #fearoffailure
Companies can spend lots of time trying to eliminate all forms of bias from their organisation.
But the reality is, even in the strictest meritocracies, bias still exists.
Just look at professional sporting teams, for example.
You would think that the best players, in form, are the ones that always make the team.
But the coach might favour one over the other based on past form, or experience in big games, or even because he just likes one player more than the other.
Do you think this kind of bias doesn't happen at the elite level?
Thing again!
biases #meritocracy #organisationalbehaviour
It can often be difficult to work out exactly what it is that you really want.
But it is usually much easier to identify what you DON'T want.
So, instead of searching endless possibilities, hoping to find one you like, try first to eliminate the ones you don't.
Want to get fit but not sure what exercise you want to do?
What do you NOT want to do?
Don't want to exercise outside because you live in a city with bad air pollution.
Great! Running in the park is now eliminated as an option.
Not sure about what career to choose?
But you know you don't want to travel AND you don't want to be indoors all the time.
Great! That's just eliminated a lot of options.
Now you're much close to finding one that you do want to do.
options #choice #careeradvice
It's all well and good to focus on the skills and abilities that you need.
But sometimes, it's better to focus on making the most of what you have.
If your best player isn't available to play, you simply need to get the most you can out of the player who is.
It's true in sport.
Just as it's true in business.
availability #teammanagement #resourcemanagement
Companies and organisations like to talk about how they empower their people.
But giving your people the power to make decisions is not necessarily the same as empowerment.
Empowerment requires you to ensure your people have a support structure around them that enables them to be comfortable with the power and execute it accordingly.
In order to feel empowered, your people need to have the skills, knowledge, data, resources to be able to make informed decisions.
They should also have systems and processes around them to review and analyse their decisions after the fact.
Do this and, in time, your people will become truly empowered.
empowerment #supportsystem #investinpeople
We have short attention spans.
No big secret there.
So, when you're doing online webinars, presentations or meetings, instead of trying to fight against that, why not leverage it.
How?
Have a QR code pop up on the screen during your presentation that invites viewers to scan it for a Special Offer, or a Free Tool or More Information.
It's something I just saw Neil Patel do really well...
https://neilpatel.com/
qrcodes #webinar #attentionspan
UFOs. Extra Terrestrials.
If in fact they are real, should we Fear them OR Welcome them?
It's an interesting question about perspective.
And you can apply it to many aspects of our life.
Should we Fear the Unknown or Welcome it?
Those who Welcome the Unknown and embrace it find it easier to challenge the status quo and move beyond their current paradigm.
Those who Fear the Unknown tend to stagnate and stay in their little zone.
So, what are you going to do?
fears #unknown #paradigmshifts
Last week there were lots of lots of cyclists on the road here in Kuala Lumpur.
Why?
Because Malaysia won a Silver Medal in Cycling at the Tokyo Olympics and all of a sudden, cycling was on everyone's mind.
Anytime you have a sentiment like this, there's an opportunity for you to leverage it for your business.
And you don't have to be selling sporting equipment either.
Here in Malaysia, it could be as simple as doing a Cycling-focussed promotion.
'Send us a photo of you and your bicycle for a 20% discount!'
But hurry. This Olympic sentiment may only last a few weeks or months.
Carpe Diem!
carediem #leverage #olympics
Many people don't start because they fear they'll fail.
Many more people make a start...but then quit, because after many attempts, they still haven't been able to get it right.
Well, after 1350 daily attempts...I still stuff it up.
And when I do...I just try again.
For those of you who need to see a little imperfection...here's a short BLOOPERS REEL...
bloopers #tryagain #imperfection
Hospitality businesses love to focus on their Service Recovery.
If you have a bad check-in experience at the hotel, they might offer you a complimentary dinner in the restaurant by way of an apology.
If you had a bad meal experience in the restaurant, you may be given a free spa treatment.
But of course, that hasn't actually fixed the problem.
Too often, hotels especially, put so much emphasis on the Service Recovery program that their people lose sight of what really matters to their guests...
Just Fix My Problem!
servicerecovery #hospitalityindustry #customerservice
You might think you're offering Constructive Criticism.
But often it is just received as Criticism. Negativity. Pessimism.
The best way to ensure that your criticism is seen as being truly constructive is to offer an alternative.
BUT...that doesn't make it a MUST.
After all, the person who you are criticising, who has created the thing you are critiquing, is supposed to be an expert in their field.
You simply identifying a possible problem, shortfall or failing, should be enough for them to go away and find an alternative.
Still, where possible...try offering an alternative along with your criticism.
constructivecriticism #alternatives #feedback
Many companies have found during this Covid-19 shift to Work from Home, that what used to take 8 hours to get done in the office, is now getting done in 2-4 hours at home.
So, if that is true of your company, what are you going to do when we finally get back to office?
Will you still insist that your employees sit there for 8 hrs a day?
Or will you just give them more work to do, now that you know they're capable of more?
Maybe, you could split that extra time.
Get them to focus on being productive for 4 hours of the day. Then try to get an extra 2 hours worth of work out of them...
And then let them go home 2 hours early!
Or let them stay in the office and work on their own project for 2 hours a day.
Ultimately, the company will still be getting more out them.
Plus the employee will end up working 2 hours less.
It's a Win-Win.
And surely the returns to the company in terms of employee satisfaction and loyalty will be paid back many fold over the years.
What do you think?
workfromhome #productivity #businesslessons
During this pandemic, many companies turned to Zoom.
At first, it was mainly a way to monitor attendance. To make sure their employees weren't just sitting around the how doing nothing.
As the pandemic continued, Zoom became a way for employees to stay and feel connected.
The big question is, as many companies continue to Work from Home, at least to some degree, can you find a way to harness Zoom as a real productivity tool.
That will be the key to truly unlocking what, for many, is the Holy Grail... Work from Anywhere!
workfromhome #workfromanywhere #zoommeetings
Many people who post content regularly on social media find themselves obsessing about the Likes, Views and Followers...even if they don't admit to it.
But as my mate Ben Hollandsworth suggests, the minute you start focussing on the Game and trying to beat the algorithm, you've probably already lost.
Just look at what's happened to me on TikTok over the past few months.
I started with less than 20 views. Then after a couple of months, I was getting around 40 views. Suddenly, overnight, I went from 40 views to 400+ views. Then, after 7 consecutive days of 400+, yesterday I was down to 92 views.
Why? How?
No idea.
Blame it on the a-a-a-a-Algorithm.
tiktok #algorithms #socialmediaplatforms
Many people have found themselves at a career crossroads over the past 18 months or so.
Of course, it's all due to COVID-19...or so they say.
But the truth is, most of them were not actively managing their own career.
They were just kinda going with the flow.
Like we probably all do at some stage.
But it is never a bad time to get review, reassess and get active with your career.
And here are some great FREE resources to help from Rohan Mahtani...
https://bit.ly/3lwZxqt
I'd go so far as saying no matter where you're at with your career, you'll get something out of it.
careerjourney #careeradvice #linkedin
Identifying a potential customer's Pain Points and then offering them a solution to resolve that pain, is a great way to make them YOUR customer.
But how do you find those Pain Points?
Well, a simple way would be to look at your competitor's failings.
The things that they're messing up, no matter how minor, will probably be Pain Points for their customers.
Just reaching out to those customers and saying, 'Hey, you know that little thing that our competitor does that's a little bit annoying? We promise we won't do that.'
If you can deliver on that promise, they should become your customer pretty soon.
customeracquisition #painpoints #marketing
The key to happiness is having Zero Expectations.
So says Gary Vaynerchuck.
But something about that has never quite sat right with me.
And I've just worked out what it is.
You see, Expectations are Foundational.
From a very early age we learn to expect that if we cry long enough and loud enough, we'll either get our nappy changed or get some food.
We've learned that if we're good, we can expect Santa Claus to bring us nice presents at Christmas.
We expect that buying a product or service will deliver some specific benefits.
I would suggest that without expectations, society fails.
So, I believe we must have expectations.
The key to happiness then, is having expectations...but then learning to live with and accept the disappointment we will have if those expectations are not met.
expectations #happiness #disappointment
Many of us tend to be pretty critical of the choices we make.
Even when those choices didn't necessarily lead to bad outcomes, we still expected more.
Whilst I'm a big fan of that process of analysis and assessment, it doesn't mean you should beat yourself up over not making the perfect choice.
If the world was perfect, the operating environment was ideal, then sure, maybe you should make perfect choices.
But the world is never perfect.
And perhaps now, more than ever, is a good time to cut yourself some slack over some of your less than perfect choices.
choices #judgement #mistakes
We've missed out on some great experiences over the past year and a half.
Especially those related to travel.
But Malaysia Airlines have realised that we also miss some of the annoying experiences too.
So, they released an Autonomous Sensory Meridien Response (ASMR) Experience.
What's that?
Basically, an audio experience.
You can sit back, close your eyes and listen the sounds of a flight from pre-boarding announcements right through to landing.
For me, as someone who has spent many, many hours listening to those sounds, I always found them really annoying.
But now that I haven't heard them for so long, I found this audio experience oddly enjoyable.
You can check it out here ... https://bit.ly/37rTzz7.
So, think about the annoying elements of your customer's experience. Could you maybe create your own ASMR experience?
soundscapes #audioexperience #marketing
In this politically correct era that we live in, we tend to talk a lot about avoiding confrontation.
But sometimes, confrontation happens.
It's time we talked more about how to get through the confrontations.
Either to win them, or to survive them.
If you don't agree...take a listen to my recent run in with the Alpha Male in the macaque monkey troop I encounter on my morning walks here in Kuala Lumpur...
confrontation #avoidance #survival
When it comes to our investments, we like to diversify. Not put all our eggs in one basket.
We want to spread the risk and spread the reward.
But when it comes to our employment, it's usually just with one employer at a time.
If that company goes bust, we're out of a job.
Sounds the opposite of diversification.
Given that our job is our main source of income, that all seems a bit risky.
With the massive upheaval in the way we work during this pandemic, maybe now is the time to discuss a mechanism where we can be employed by multiple companies at the same time.
It would spread the risk for the employees...but also for the employers as well.
Interesting idea!?!
employment #diversification #workforcetransformation
Seeing is Believing.
Once I see it, I will belief it.
I may not believe in ghosts or UFO's, but the minute I see one of them...I'm a Believer!
But as Seth Godin suggests, it's often easier to see something that we already believe in.
Sometimes, no matter how much evidence you show people, they still convince themselves to not believe.
If I don't believe in the benefits of meditation, chances are no amount of evidence to the contrary will make me a believer.
So, the business lesson in this is...
Don't waste time trying to sell someone who doesn't want to be sold.
Far better to spend your energy finding those who already believe, and then help them see you.
marketing #selling #believing
Thanks to COVID-19, we've probably all now experienced an online or virtual conference or meeting.
Something that we would have previously hosted at a hotel or a venue, now has to be done virtually.
But hotels could still play the role of host.
Maybe the Chef could live stream a cooking class during a break?
Or the Spa Team could live stream a yoga & stretch session?
With a bit of planning, the hotel could even send out notepads and pens and mints to all attendees so it feels more like the real thing.
To be clear, this may not be a great revenue earner for the hotel.
However, it would certainly help keep them Front of Mind.
And it's still an opportunity today as many parts of the world are still under some form of lockdown or restrictions.
virtualevents #hotels #businessopportunity
When it comes to delivering our customer experience, we focus a lot on the Customer Touch Points.
We want to Control every point where a customer comes into contact with our brand, our product, or our service.
It may be your website. Maybe your reception desk.
However, there are some touch points beyond our control, yet still very much a part of the customer's journey to experience our brand.
For example, the taxi driver that delivers your guest to your business.
Whilst it's not specifically part of your brand, it is part of your customer's experience.
You can't Control the taxi driver's service delivery, but you can Influence it.
It could be as simple just saying thank you to the driver. Or perhaps giving him a piece of candy or a gift voucher to say Thanks!
Over time, the word will get around that yours is a good place to drop passengers off.
The drivers will be happy to go there.
If they're happy, your customers will probably enjoy the trip.
And that can't be bad for your brand.
customerexperience #touchpoints #influence
Logitech CEO, Bracken Darrel, is all for Company Culture.
But he also says it's important not to lose sight of Individual Culture.
You don't want your people to just recite the Company Edict verbatim.
You need them to put their unique, individual spin on it.
In doing that, you can ensure it all remains authentic.
So let invite people embrace the Company Culture, but also encourage them to stay true to their Individual Culture at the same time.
Smart advice.
companyculture #individuality #authenticity
We tend to think that it's the things we did wrong that cause us the most grief.
But chances are, it's the shots that you didn't take, the mistakes that you didn't make, that end up costing you more.
It's the Errors of Omission, or of not doing, rather than the Errors of Commission, or doing.
So go on! Have a go!
NB: Thanks Seth!
mistakes #lifelessons #try
Staying on the edge of culture can be risky for brands.
The risk is that they may end up offending or upsetting their existing customers.
But McDonalds Chief Marketing Officer, Morgan Flatley, reckons that's a risk worth taking.
She believes that brands are ultimately resilient.
Customers will forgive a few missteps. They will get over it.
So maybe it's time for your brand to play on the edges a bit more.
branding #culture #marketing
There's not much point in seeking advice if you're not willing to at least consider it.
If you've already made your mind up, then you're really just looking for confirmation that you're right.
And that's ok. Seeking confirmation can be an important part of your process.
But don't kid yourself that this is the same as asking for advice.
advice #confirmation #selfawareness
Simply asking for advice should not out you under any obligation to follow it.
But, if you choose to ignore that advice, then it's on YOU!
You need to accept the consequences.
You need to own the outcome.
advice #mentorship #accountability
Over the years, when someone has asked me for advice and then seemingly ignored that advice, or gone against it...I was offended.
Why bother asking my advice if you're going to ignore it?
You're asking me for advice, presumably because you know I know more than you, so why do the opposite?
But that's silly.
People seek your advice for any number of reasons.
And just because they choose not to do as you suggested, doesn't mean they're ignoring you.
Maybe your advice just wasn't quite right for their uniques situation at that specific time.
Remember, it was your Advice that they sought...not your Instruction.
advice #guidance #mentorship
If we want to be the Best we should learn from the Best.
That makes sense. But it's not always easy to do.
Oftentimes the Best tend to keep their learnings and their secrets close to the chest.
They're not going to share them with you so that you can then beat them at their own game.
So instead, maybe it's worth studying the failures...and then doing the opposite of what they did.
This is Learning by Inversion.
And whilst it's certainly not a guarantee of success, it might be a good place to start.
learning #fails #bethebest
The Past is your Ego.
The Future is your Pride.
The Present is your Humility.
So says Milwaukee Bucks basketball superstar Giannis.
And I reckon it's a great way to understand our perspective and bias when it comes to each of these phases of our life.
It kinda puts a timestamp on the emotions of Ego, Pride & Humility.
humility #ego #perspective
People live in fear when they project the past onto the future.
That's a quote I got from the Michael Jordan documentary, The Last Dance.
And I reckon it's a great way to approach the future, the unknown.
Why should you fear missing that shot, making that basket?
You haven't tried yet.
So you don't know.
Sure, if you project your past attempts at similar shots onto the future, then you might have something to fear.
But this is not the same shot...it's THIS shot.
So take it...with no fear!
overcomefear #fear #taketheshot
Part V of our Storytelling Series with expert storyteller Hasani X...
And today...FREE Resources for you!
Instantly access 6-Short leadership communication videos based on 20-years of experience crafting 1,000's of stories and training over 10,000 leaders and teams
Here's the link - https://bit.ly/3AWAcvy
You're Welcome!
storytelling #branding #value
Part IV of our Storytelling Series with expert storyteller Hasani X...
Problems & Pain - Premise - Power - Pleasure.
These are The Four P's of Storytelling.
Now see how Hasani applies these in crafting his own Founder Story.
NB: here's a link to Hasani's site if you'd like to learn more - https://bit.ly/3yNTxwU
storytelling #branding #value
Part III of our Storytelling Series with expert storyteller Hasani X.
It's not who is the Best that matters.
It's who can communicate the Best Story.
And we determine what is the Best Story, not based on facts, figures or function.
We decide the Best Story based on how it makes us feel connected, safe, etc.
Our Best Stories get people to Buy-in, Believe and Engage.
Don't be the best kept secret.
Communicate the value you have to offer.
Tell your Best Story.
NB: here's a link to Hasani's site if you'd like to learn more - https://bit.ly/3yNTxwU
storytelling #branding #value
Part II of our Storytelling Series with expert storyteller Hasani X.
The best way to get started with storytelling is to identify your...
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Customer Story
-
Founder Story
-
Mission Story
That's where you start.
NB: here's a link to Hasani's site if you'd like to learn more - https://bit.ly/3yNTxwU
storytelling #branding #marketing
Today is Part I of a special series I'm doing for the next few days with expert storyteller - Hasani X.
I asked Hasani why is storytelling such an effective way for us to communicate.
As you'll hear, he reckons we're basically hardwired to absorb stories.
NB: Here's a link to Hasani X's website if you'd like to learn more - https://bit.ly/3yNTxwU
storytelling #communication #branding
Invariably, as companies grow a bit bigger, there tends to be more of a focus on The Handbook. The SOPs. The P&Ps.
And that's important. Companies need to do this to ensure consistency.
The problem is, when an organisation focuses too much on the Handbook, they can stifle their creativity.
Employees think less about being creative and more about following the Book.
Creativity is probably a big part of how your company got to where it is.
It's the reason you were able to create a unique product or service.
So, by all means, create the Handbooks...but just ensure there's enough scope in there for the creativity to continue to flourish.
creativity #employeehandbook #SOPs
We like to have definitive answers
We prefer the absolute.
But most of the time, it's not that simple.
It's rarely all of THIS or all of THAT.
Should you use THIS social media adverting or THAT traditional advertising?
The answer is almost always...BOTH.
Thanks to Gary Vaynerchuck for the inspiration!
lifelessons #eitheror #noabsolutes
You've heard the expression 'There's a market for everything'.
Well, if you've ever doubted it...take a look at this.
An Italian artist has just sold what he calls an 'immaterial sculpture'.
And what is that?
Well...nothing.
Literally...it's nothing.
Just space. Just air. Not even a vacuum really.
It's not like he sold it for $1 either.
It sold for EURO 15,000.
So, the next time you're not quite sure if there's a market for your widgets...consider this.
Here's a link to a story on the sculpture if you want to take a look - https://bit.ly/3e5AVAx
marketdemand #art #value
Whether it's gambling, trading stocks or currencies or launching a new product, service or marketing campaign, you can get away with being greedy.
You can get away with holding out for better returns.
You can get away with not taking any of your wins off the table as you progress.
As long as you stay focussed.
As long as you stay disciplined.
As long as...you're not lazy...not even for a moment.
If you do, it can all unravel pretty quickly.
Conversely, you can get away with taking risks and being lazy too...as long as you're not expecting too much in return.
As long as you're not being greedy.
risktaking #greedy #lazy
Malcolm Gladwell, famed author of The Tipping Point, is pretty bullish on the future.
He believes that we as a society are moving away from a reliance on the Hierarchy and becoming more accepting of the Network.
And that, according to Gladwell, is a good thing.
He may well be right.
He cites Black Lives Matter and the US vaccine rollout as examples of how the Network proved to be a better solution than the Hierarchy.
So the question is, Is your business ready for this?
Both in the way your company is structured and operates and how you deal with customers and clients.
How will that all change as we move away from Hierarchy and towards Network?
Here's a link to the article - https://bit.ly/36kWE3g
thenetwork #hierarchy #thefuture
A sabbatical is basically an extended break from or leave from your job.
It can paid, unpaid or partially paid.
It can be for 1-3 months or more.
Some sabbaticals require the employee to undertake specific tasks, activities, further education, etc.
I think the benefits of a sabbatical, to both the employee and the organisation are self-explanatory.
However, if you're going to allow sabbaticals, you should certainly be having some robust discussions about your official Sabbatical Policy.
sabbatical #policiesandprocedures #companyculture
What fascinates me most about Change is how much we don't like.
People are generally risk averse.
We don't like change. We'd prefer things to stay the same.
However, as the famed Dutch-American impressionist Willem de Kooning said, sometimes we need to change, just to stay the same.
Whilst I don't necessarily think that applies on a personal level, on a business level it absolutely does.
Anywhere you have a competitive landscape, those competitors will be working hard to change things. To remove you from your position.
So, if you want to stay where you are, you actually need to change...just to keep pace.
change #competitiveedge #maintaining
Why do we travel?
Sometimes it's to get to another destination and experience it.
Sometimes it's simply to enjoy the journey.
But sometimes the place you want to get to most is a WHO, not a WHERE.
That's the message in a brilliant ad campaign from Skyscanner.
Because sometimes we travel just because we want to see our mother again.
Or maybe it's to hug our granddaughter for the very first time.
It shows a real understanding of the true intent of their customer.
And that...is magic!
NB: Thanks to Nick Day for sharing that Tweet from Trenton Burke.
intent #customerinsights #adcampaign
I recently described a conversation I was having as 'meandering'.
The definition of meandering is 'moving slowly in no particular direction or with no clear purpose'.
The person I was speaking with took that as an insult.
That's not the way it was intended.
In the context of our discussion, which was about early stage product development, I believe meandering conversations are important.
They allow you to seek and absorb feedback without preconceived ideas and biases.
At a later stage, once the product is defined, sure, you want to be the opposite of meandering. You need to be focussed and targeted.
The lesson is that even if we both know the definition of a word, we may have different perceptions of it.
Also, that as the context changes, so too may our perceptions of the intent of that word.
Communication is tricky sometimes.
interpretation #context #communication
I was recently told that someone was intimidated by my intelligence.
That's pretty funny to me because I have been around some intelligent people in my life, and I know that I am a long way off that.
I have also been told that some people think I'm an idiot.
That's not true.
However, I understand how that perception can come about because I try not to take life too seriously, I like to joke around a bit, etc.
Neither of those perceptions matches my reality, but knowing that they are out there allows me to do two things...
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I can tailor my message according to the perception of the audience I'm speaking to.
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I can stay grounded. Not getting too high when someone perceives me as intelligent. Not getting too low if they think I'm an idiot.
And that...is a great place to be.
selfawareness #perception #reality
We know we can't simply rely on luck to achieve our goals.
But luck can still be a meaningful tactic.
As Seth Godin suggests, putting ourselves in situations where luck may be able to play out can be a smart tactic to employ.
Being alone in an elevator with the keynote speaker at the premier industry event is a bit of luck.
If that elevator breaks down and you're now stuck there alone with him for 35 mins, that's really lucky...for you (maybe not for him).
Should you count on getting lucky? Absolutely not.
But at the same time, you definitely shouldn't dismiss or discount luck as a potentially useful tactic as part of your overall strategy.
luck #strategies #tactics
The early recordings of Elvis Presley - I mean the really, really early recordings - were special.
Bruce Springsteen reckons the reason for that is he hadn't heard himself on the radio very often yet.
And because of that, there was a Purity and Freedom to what he was doing.
He didn't have the opportunity to review and analyse and tweak his performances. He wasn't self-conscious.
He was pure Elvis.
Now think for a moment about how we live today in a world of constant and instant feedback.
We often think that makes us better.
But maybe, if you consider the Elvis example, that's exactly what's holding us back.
Maybe this is preventing us from being pure us.
selfawareness #purity #feedback
I've come to the conclusion that I am not the guy that's gonna call you to see what's going on, to see how you are, to make plans, etc.
However...if you call me...I will answer.
I will be there to answer your call.
And I reckon that's ok.
I used to think that if I'm not the one making the call then I can't be a very good friend.
But I don't think that any more.
I'm now ok with just being the one you can call.
callme #support #bethere
I've noticed something interesting since we've all been working from home.
The mini-meeting has disappeared.
That quick informal, 'Let's go and have a quick chat about this', meeting to discuss a specific topic.
If we're not in the office, those mini-meetings don't happen.
Instead, it's all virtual meetings and Zoom calls.
And when we have these meetings, we tend to lump lots of other little things into the one meeting.
No matter how focussed we are going in, we always end up chatting about other things that aren't related.
As a result, the topics that needed to be addressed can get lost a bit.
To counter that, we should be making sure each meeting is structured around a specific intent or outcome.
Many companies think they're doing that because they have an Agenda and Minutes.
But sometimes that's not quite enough.
So, structure your meetings around intent, including the intent to just have a general chit chat.
Because those less formal discussions are important too.
zoomfatigue #workfromhome #virtualmeetings
When it comes to change, the story we often tell ourselves is that we're not quite ready to make a decision yet, so we'll just stay the same.
But, as Prof. Laurie Buchanan suggests, if you don't change, that is in fact the choice you have made.
Don't kid yourself.
Deciding to do nothing is actually deciding to accept things the way they are.
To accept the status quo.
NB: Thanks to Jenn Simms for sharing!
change #choices #decisions
There are literally thousands of companies that chose not to pivot and start making face mask or hand sanitiser when this Covid-19 pandemic first began.
Most of those probably assumed this thing wasn't going to last long enough to make it worthwhile to make a temporary pivot.
By now, many of them will be thinking that they missed the moment.
They could have owned that space had they made the switch back then.
But here's the good news...there will always be another moment.
It may not be the same moment. It may not even be as big an opportunity. But it will still be worthwhile.
Don't dwell on the moments missed.
Keep your eyes open. Your ears open. Stay attuned to the opportunities.
There will always be another moment.
opportunities #seizethemoment #moments
Anyone with an internet connection these days has the opportunity to get themselves educated.
And with that democratisation of education comes the interesting phenomenon of people being educated beyond their intelligence.
They may well be academically educated. They may be knowledge educated.
However, they may lack the ability to apply that education.
They can still lack emotional intelligence. They might lack common sense intelligence.
We need to be careful that we don't put those with simply the most education on a pedestal.
It's the people with the more well-rounded intelligence that we should be paying attention to.
educated #intelligent #emotionalintelligence
There are many valuable lessons to be learned from this global Covid-19 pandemic.
One that many of us are learning now, as we start to look at a life after (or with) Covid-19, is the value of staying nimble.
Think back to how agile and adaptable you were when this thing started.
Well, you will need to be just as nimble, agile and adaptable on the way out of this crisis too.
The future is far for certain.
There will no doubt be many twists and turns.
So, Stay Nimble.
That applies to this crisis, and quite frankly, any future crisis too.
nimble #agile #adaptable
I used to be loyal to Ray Ban sunglasses...until I found Maui Jim's.
And I used to loyally read the Melbourne Age website every morning...until they put all the content behind a subscription wall.
As brands and businesses, we like to tell ourselves that our customers are loyal.
They may well be...to a certain extent. As long as it suits them.
So long as the current iteration of your product or service fits to your customers prevailing wants, needs and circumstances...they will be loyal.
All things being equal...they will be loyal.
But all things are almost never equal. At least not for long.
customerloyalty #brandloyalty #consumerbehaviour
Remember when we all used to say that Time was our most valuable asset?
Well, then we had a Global Pandemic and the world basically ground to a halt.
For most of us, Time is the one thing that we have more than enough of now.
When the pandemic first started to take hold, it looked like medical insurance would be our most valuable asset.
Then, as health systems got overwhelmed, it didn't really matter if you had insurance or not. You still couldn't get to the front of the queue.
The reality is that what assets we consider the most valuable can shift over time.
And it's often related to just how much of that asset we have.
In that sense, maybe we should be thinking about this in terms of our Most Valuable Resource, not Asset?
priorities #valuable #assets
The world needs Builders.
People who make stuff. People who create things.
But I believe the world also needs Breakers.
People who try to break thing. People who question and challenge.
Because in doing so, the Breakers help make the things that the Builders make even stronger, more powerful and more resilient.
Strong companies need both those that Build and those that Break.
To all of you Builders...we salute you!
BUT...to all of you Breakers...I'm glad to be one of you!
builders #creators #breakers
We tend to make a deal of privacy.
Especially our digital privacy.
We hate the idea of a company tracking our activity online and then showing us ads that are relevant to that activity.
But here's the thing...you're still going to see ads!
Any time you're using an app for free, like Facebook or any number of social apps, chances are you'll be seeing ads.
So, if you're going to be seeing ads anyway, isn't it better that those ads are at least vaguely of interest to you?
Surely that's better than seeing ads about stuff that is of absolutely zero interest to you?
If so, maybe it's time to turn your data sharing back on?
datasharing #digitalprivacy #advertising
Many people who have lost their job over the past 18 months or so as a result of this pandemic have turn their hand to consulting to generate an income.
One of the biggest concerns they have is finding enough clients.
But that's the wrong way to approach it.
You actually only need ONE client...if they will pay you enough.
If you're good enough. If you can bring them enough value.
So, instead of worrying about how can find enough clients, focus on adding more value, charging more and then ultimately you'll find you don't ned so many clients at all.
clientacquisition #consultingbusiness #value
Initialized Capital is a Venture Capital firm that focuses on startups that have not yet found Product-Market fit.
So, when founder Garry Tan says there a no general customers, only specific customers, it's worth thinking about.
No doubt Tan has seen countless Pitch Decks talking about 'general customers'.
The danger with that approach, of course, is that you can lose sight of the fact that your customers aren't generalisations.
They are all unique individuals.
But in practical terms, you can't really treat every individual customer differently from all those others...or can you?
It's certainly a discussion worth having.
customerfocus #productmarketfit #individuals
I know for a fact that I have lost some of my edge during these never ending Lockdowns.
A simple list of tasks that would once upon a time be knocked off in an hour or two, now seems to take me the whole week to complete.
And that's not because I'm trying to stretch them out to fill up the week.
It's because I struggle with the motivation and focus to just get it done.
I think it's to be expected.
I know many people are struggling with this.
So what's the answer?
Well, for some people, you might find a new motivational course or time management course will help get you back on track.
Not me. I know that stuff doesn't work for me.
I just have to knuckle down and make it happen.
But maybe the focus shouldn't be on maintaining your edge.
Instead, during these trying times, just try to stay in touch with your edge.
Just like in a football game or a tennis match, no one side ever has ascendency for the entire game.
The key to winning is to focus on staying in touch when the momentum swing is against you.
Then, when the tide turns back your way, you will still be close enough to claw back your losses.
So, in the context of your work, maybe that means submitting a D+ piece of work occasionally.
That's not ideal, of course, but it keeps you in the game. It keeps to close enough.
Hang in there!
struggling #theedge #motivation
No doubt one of the biggest problems many companies face is their inability to change, adapt and evolve their product or service offering to remain relevant.
But you don't always have to be the bright, shiny new thing.
You don't always need to change.
Just take a look at the now ubiquitous Bic Biro.
First launched in the early 1950s and here we are today, almost 70 years later and nothing has changed.
It is basically the exact same product.
The clear plastic tube, with a stopper on the end and simple lid on the top.
That's it.
It is beautifully simple.
It hasn't changed. Why? Because it works, just the way it is.
Sometimes, you don't need to change.
NB: Thanks to Nic Day for sharing the Bic story with me a while back.
change #simplicity #marketing
Just do you.
Just be yourself.
It all sounds simple enough.
But what about if you don't really know who YOU is?
What if you don't know who you are, what you stand for, what you believe in, what you don't?
How can you 'Just do you' if you don't know you?
It seems like crazy thing, but many people find themselves in exactly this situation.
And if you don't know YOU, if you're still working it out...then that IS you.
You are uncertain. At least for now. Until you work it out.
That means it's ok if your stance on something changes from one day to the next.
You're evolving. You're working it out.
You don't have to know who YOU is...to Just Do You!
uncertainty #selfawareness #beyourself
Singer Ed Sheeran says the reason he's able to write some many great songs...is that he also writes so many bad ones.
It's part of his creative process.
Ed compares his process to the flow of water in a pipe. The good ideas are in there somewhere, along with the bad ideas.
The only way to let the good ideas out is to let the bad ideas come out too.
The reason most people struggle with creativity is that they're afraid to let the bad ideas out. They're afraid of failing. Afraid of looking silly.
There's also a suggestion that you begin to recognise what makes a bad idea and pattern-match the elements that make a good idea.
So, all in all, if you're struggling with creativity...just let it all out.
The bad ideas and hopefully the good ones too.
creativeprocess #goodideas #creativity
Recently, I was telling a mate of mine how much I've enjoyed my Nespresso coffee machine during lockdown.
He called me a Coffee Snob.
Instant coffee is no longer good enough for Trent. He's a Coffee Snob.
I had the same conversation with another mate.
He called me a Coffee Neanderthal!
How could I call myself a coffee drinker and drink that rubbish?
It turns out, snobbery, like most things in life, is relative.
So don't worry too much about who thinks your a snob and who doesn't.
Just do you.
selfawareness #justbeyou #perspective
The early days of ship travel was something for the elite.
Same with the early days of airplane travel.
Only the elite could afford it.
Over the years, we've come to expect that travel is available to the masses.
But what will happen in the Post-COVID Age of Travel?
Airlines and Cruise Ships have lost a lot of money during the pandemic. Will they need to increase their ticket prices now?
If only vaccinated travellers are permitted, that will surely exclude many of the poorer nations initially.
If hotel quarantine and multiple COVID tests are required, this will again mean higher costs. Thus, potentially limiting travel to only the wealthy.
And IF travel is, for at least a period of time, only for the elite, what happens to the many travel and tourism related businesses built for the mass market?
A 3 star resort? Where will their guests come from?
Lots to ponder.
postcovidtravel #postcovid19business #travelandtourism
Having someone experienced on your team is great.
Someone who's been there and done it all before.
That depth of knowledge and experience in the field is invaluable.
But what is often neglected is the potential Nostalgic value that can also come with that Experience.
If you can also tap into and leverage the Nostalgic Value in that person's Experience, you've got a Double Whammy!
nostalgia #experience #unlockingpotential
Heineken has a great ad campaign called 'Cheers to all.'
The key tag line in the campaign is 'Men drink cocktails too'.
Of course, Heineken don't really care about men drinking cocktails. They sell beer.
What they care about, is the opposite.
If men can drink cocktails...then women can drink beer.
It's a clever way to deliver their message without actually saying it.
It almost challenges the consumer of the ad to engage and to think beyond what is being said to discover the hidden message.
Maybe you should think about how you could do the same with your messaging?
advertising #branding #messaging
If you believe in God...go spend some time with the atheists and learn about their perspective on this crazy old notion of God.
If you're a vegetarian...spend some time with the meat eaters to hear their thoughts on nutrition and why they believe meat is the answer.
If you believe in the vaccine...open a dialogue with the anti-vaxxers to get a better understanding of why they are so vehemently opposed to it.
Spending just a little bit of time in 'Opposite Land' helps give you a more rounded world view of the issue at hand.
From a business perspective, it's a no-brainer. You must do this.
And from a personal perspective...well, it just can't hurt.
differentperspective #opposite #opinions
We all procrastinate.
For most of us, probably more than we'd like.
But Daniel Remon reckons Procrastination can actually be a great productivity tool.
Dan suggests Procrastination is a trigger. It's a feedback mechanism.
When we're Procrastinating, it might be telling us that we need a break.
That's valuable feedback that will ultimately increase your productivity.
Maybe you're Procrastinating because you need more information before you're comfortable making a decision?
Again, great feedback.
Or maybe you just need to get more organised and strutured.
If you recognise Procrastination as a feedback mechanism and use that to trigger the right responses...that's bound to help you be more productive.
Thanks Dan!
productivitytips #productivityhacks #procrastination
Thomas Jefferson said...
“Ignorance of the law is no excuse in any country. If it were, the laws would lose their effect, because it can always be pretended.”
The onus is on each of us as individuals to know what the laws are and live within them.
Now, I understand that Mr. Jefferson was a pretty smart fella.
But...he didn't have to deal with Twitter and other social media channels and 'Fake News'.
So what happens when the laws are constantly changing?
And...when we're bombarded with 'Fake News' on social media about people breaking the laws?
And...when there is no place for us to check what the current laws are?
Not to mention how those who are not on social media and the internet. How do they find out what the laws of the day are?
Is it time to rethink this fundamental tenet of our legal systems?
legalsystem #society #truth
We all worry about what other people think of us. What their perception of us is.
Some, more than others.
But as long as we know why we're doing it, as long as we understand, it doesn't really matter.
The rest is all about managing other people's perception of you.
Or maybe even just managing the way you deal with other people's perceptions of you.
Of course, it is important that the market gets it too.
If the market doesn't perceive that your product or service is worthy, that's a problem.
But ultimately, that too is a question of Perception Management.
Here's a link to Thought Leaders Practice - https://bit.ly/30pr7e1
perceptions #selfawareness #thoughtleadership
We all know that guy who just always seems to be Happy.
We probably also know a few folks who just seem to be happy being unhappy.
It's just the way we are, right?
Maybe not.
Research would suggest that happiness is a skill that can be learned.
So, if you're unhappy, there are steps you can take to change that.
Maybe you can check out Happify to learn how to be happy... https://bit.ly/2T5Vg0T
happiness #learnnewskills #behappy
If you do me a favour, chances are, I'll do you a favour in return.
I'll reciprocate.
It's kinda how we're wired as human beings. It's part of the human condition.
Of course, there will always be those who, know this, try to game the system.
They opt for 'The Reciprocity Hustle', as Seth Godin calls it.
These are the people who do you a favour only because they want a favour from you in return.
But that's a dangerous game.
Maybe I just decide not to reciprocate?
Or maybe, the favour I do you in return is not the favour you were hoping for.
Better to just do the right thing for the right reasons. Just leave it out there.
More often than not, reciprocity will find you.
reciprocity #karma #dogood
We've all got limited resources.
Time. Effort. Money. Energy.
So, when it comes to using those resources, you'd best make sure you're directing them towards people who have intent or interest around your product or service.
To spend your resources on potential customers who have neither the intent to use your product or service or, at the very least, an interest in learning more about it...is just a waste of time.
A simple business lesson.
But like all things simple...not necessarily easy.
resources #businesslessons #intent
I'm a huge believer in the Power of Serendipity.
But, that doesn't mean you should leave it all to chance.
Even that random meeting with someone as you pass each other in the street...doesn't happen unless you get off your bum and walk down the street.
It sure wouldn't have happened if you just sat at home on the couch.
You need to give Serendipity a bit of a nudge.
That nudge can be as simple as publishing a blog, contributing to an article of even just a simple social media post.
Do that. Put it out there. Then just watch the Serendipity happen!
serendipity #dothework #makeithappen
Confidence grows with action and shrinks with idleness.
So says @TheStoicEmperor.
And I reckon that pretty much sums it up.
So often we defer the start because we lack confidence.
We're worried about the outcome. We're worried about failing.
But just sitting around waiting for confidence to appear is probably not going to help.
You need to start. That will generate the confidence you're looking for.
BTW - If you're looking for some help with confidence, check out the Confidence Connoisseur herself...Beverley Spencer - https://bit.ly/3uHUfcH
confidence #noexcuses #juststart
Many companies have an Assets Register to keep track of that company's physical assets like computers, furniture, etc.
But surely one of the most valuable asset of any company is its Learnings.
The lessons learned, from both successes and failures, are invaluable company assets.
Unfortunately, we often fail to recall the lessons we learned when we need them most.
So, why create a Learnings Register?
This situation occurred - We did this - The result was this - This is what we learned.
As simple as that.
Then, the next time a similar or relevant situation occurs in the future, we just refer back to our Learning's Register to improve on the outcome this time around.
Does anyone know of any company that has implemented a Learnings Register?
Would love to hear about it.
learnings #lessonslearned #assets
Thanks to streaming services like Netflix and services like BitTorrent, we no longer need to wait till next week for the next episode.
These days, we can consume the whole story, from start to finish, in one session.
So, if that's the way we are consuming stories, how does it effect the way we tell the story of our business or brand?
Do we need to change the way we tell our story?
Maybe. Have a listen...
storytelling #consumerbehaviour #businesslessons
It's great to be Optimistic.
But that's not necessarily the same thing as Wishful Thinking.
Optimism usually suggest some base in rationality and reality.
Wishful Thinking, on the other hand, is little more than you hoping for something to be.
If you get yourself locked into Wishful Thinking, there's a good chance you'll end up being disappointed.
Looking to the future with Optimism, however, sounds like a pretty good way to approach life.
optimism #wishfulthinking #grounded
The experts will tell you that you must contextualise your social media content to the platform you're posting on.
Tik Tok skews younger and music is a big part of the platform. So your content should reflect that.
And that same video that works on Tik Tok, wouldn't really suit Linkedin, which is a business / professional network.
I agree with that.
BUT...I don't do it!
Why?
Simply because I'm not willing to put in the time and effort to reformat the content for each platform.
And I say...that's ok.
Even without contextualising the content for the platform, it is still expanding my Reach.
Sure, the posts may not perform as well on the other platforms.
But that's ok.
As in life, social media is never a matter of all or nothing.
socialmediaplatforms #socialmediacontent #reach
I've noticed a lot more ambulance sirens around lately.
Must be due to the spike in Covid-19 cases here in Malaysia.
Or maybe, neither is the case.
I certainly don't know if all those people in ambulances are Covid-19 patients.
And I don't know if there even are more ambulances around.
Maybe, it's just that I'm more aware of them now?
With the surge in cases here in Malaysia, Covid-19 is all we ever seem to talk about. It's front of mind for everyone.
So, of course I'm going to have a heightened awareness around ambulances.
But that doesn't mean there's actually more of them.
Just because we're more aware of something, doesn't mean there is more of it.
awareness #cognitivebias #perception
People who have been the same type of job or the same industry for several years can sometimes feel they are pigeonholed into being 'that guy'.
After I'd been in the hotel industry for several years, I was known as a 'Hotel Guy'.
And that's the type of career opportunities that I got.
The best was to avoid being pigeonholed is to view your skills and experiences from a Meta level, not a technical level.
For example, a hotel Food & Beverage Manager has specific technical skills that fit that role.
But...if she takes a Meta view...she's a manager of people, systems and processes'.
With those skills, she can cross over to just about any industry.
Once you've established the Meta view, just ensure all of your messaging around yourself - you resume, Linkedin profile, social media posts, etc - all come from that Meta viewpoint, not the narrower, more technical one.
Good luck!
careeradvice #careerchange #resumetips
Self-Driving Cars are basically here already.
As the 5G network becomes mainstream, that may be the final piece needed to make fully autonomous vehicles a practical reality.
Some say that will take another 5 years. Others say it's maybe 10 or 15 years away.
Regardless, most would agree that it's going to happen sooner rather than later.
When it does, I believe it opens up a potentially lucrative niche market for Seniors Domestic Tourism.
The would-be traveller that can no longer just get in a car and drive themselves to a holiday spot 2, 3 4 or more hours away.
But they could jump in a car, tell it where to go...and sit back and relax.
And now could be a really good time to start establishing yourself as the leading expert in this soon to emerge new space.
selfdrivingcars #businessideas #seniors
Seth Godin suggests that 'Changes in the culture often happen when someone is gutsy enough to reorganize the time stack.'
We've established generally accepted time frames for things in our life.
This is how long a doctor's appointment will be.
This is how long a spa treatment will be.
This is how long it will take to build a new house or a new car.
And if you, in your business, spend about the same amount of time as everyone else is spending to do those things, you'll end up with roughly the same result.
The way to stand out, says Seth, is to change the Time Stack.
Maybe you spend a lot MORE TIME making your product or delivering your service. And in so doing, you can hopefully now charge more for the high quality you have created.
Or, you spend LESS TIME. Get it done quickly. Then move on to other things. new innovations and ideas. Or marketing your thing to a wider market.
Either is fine.
But, if you want to create a significantly different value proposition, you'll probably need to choose one.
time #valueproposition #thinkdifferently
Corporate Gifts have long been a big business...and they still are.
They represent any opportunity for companies and brands to stay front-of-mind for their customers and clients.
"We really appreciate your business. Here. Please accept this little (branded) gift with our compliments."
In a Covid-19 world where all things 'touch' are bad, a No-Touch Tool would make a great corporate gift.
You loyal customers can put it on their key ring or keep it in their pocket and use it whenever they need to open a door, press an elevator button or even open a bottle of beer.
Some of them now even come with a rubber nub on the end so you can use them on your smart phones or other touch screen surfaces.
Here's a link to a great article on what to look for and some great examples... https://hiconsumption.com/best-no-touch-tools/
corporategifts #covid19marketing #notouch
There were any number of paths for you to choose over the course of your life.
You chose the path you did. So here we are today.
What about the future?
The same applies.
Just as your past was not predetermined, neither is your future.
From here on out there will be many different paths for you to choose.
It's up to you.
The decisions you make. The choices you make. The path you choose.
Exciting...isn't it?!?!?
NB: Thanks to Tim Urban (https://twitter.com/waitbutwhy) over on Twitter for the awesome graphic that inspired this episode.
choose #paths #thefutureisyours
The best product or service in the market is not necessarily the best available.
It may just be the best that the market knows about.
There may well be better versions out there, but they're just not known.
Don't be naive.
It is not enough to simply build a better product or service offering.
You need to be seen to be better.
You must be known to be better.
better #marketing #awareness
Thanks to the internet and social media, anybody who wants to have a voice can have one.
If you want to add your thoughts to the debate, you can.
But just because you can...doesn't mean you should.
Unless you can add something of value to the discussion, then you're really just adding to the noise.
To be clear, 'value' doesn't have to be new data or research or knowledge.
Simply saying the same thing a different way can actually be of value.
But if you have nothing of value to add...maybe you should just do that...add nothing.
addingvalue #contribution #opinions
Lots of people ask for feedback.
But not always do they really want to hear it.
I mean, I get it. We don't like to hear something negative. Something harsh.
Especially if it's about a project we've put our heart and soul into.
However, it's far better to get that harsh criticism now than to wait until your project fails - until your harsh outcome.
At least take it on board. Consider it.
Maybe it's just that person's opinion and is not reflective of the overall market.
Or maybe there might just be something in that harsh feedback that you can learn from to make your thing just that much better.
So, not only should you embrace harsh feedback...you should actively seek it out.
NB: Thanks to @TheStoicEmperor for the quote.
constructivefeedback #harsh #critcism
I was asked by our finance folks if the drop in revenue from March to April this year could be explained by 'seasonality'.
Well, I guess it could....but that's not really the reason.
We are still so far off normality that it's still way too early to blaming seasonality for the ebbs and flows in revenues.
But it did get me thinking about how easily in past we would use seasonality as the excuse.
Sure, we all know we have high seasons and low seasons.
But think about that for a second...we KNOW.
So, if we know it's coming, what are we doing to try to counteract it's impact?
And I'm not talking about dropping the prices or offering special local residents discounts.
I mean really significantly tweaking or morphing our business...just like many of us have been forced to do over this past year or so.
Not so long ago we would have just said it's not worth the effort. It's not our core business. It's just a few months anyway.
But maybe if there's one thing we've learned from COVID-19 is how quickly and significantly we can change our business...when we have to.
In the next low season, tell yourself you have to!
seasonality #covidinnovation #covid19learning
People generally like Familiarity.
It makes us feel comfortable.
That's why I always go to the same supermarket for my weekly shop...until I couldn't!
When I had to shop at a new supermarket recently, I hated it.
The items were all in different places. They didn't have my favourite brands.
Nightmare!
But, as they say, Familiarity Breeds Contempt.
So, throw in just 10% of Different to help keep it fresh.
comfort #consistency #rulesofsuccess
If you're selling a product or service these days, chances are you spend a fair amount of time trying to not offend some people.
To maintain a level of political correctness.
But if you have a product designed for slim young women, it's ok that your website doesn't feature bigger, older women.
They're not your market. They're not your customer.
It doesn't make sense for them to be the face of your product.
Don't get me wrong, I'm all for diversity at a business level. Indeed, I think it's critical.
But when it comes to your product or service, usually what works best is a targeted, focussed marketing strategy.
And if that means you upset those who don't align with your demographic, that's ok.
politicalcorrectness #targetedaudience #truetoyourself
Way back in Ep. 487 of this show I spoke about how I'm ok with a Wrong Decision as long as it's not a Bad Decision.
And what defines a Bad Decision is one where you simply haven't done the work. You haven't put the effort into considering all the data, all the possible outcomes and scenarios, etc.
Here's a link to Ep. 487 - Bad Decisions vs Wrong Decisions - https://bit.ly/3j5J0oV
Billionaire investor Ray Dalio has a similar perspective in his Principles.
He suggests we spend too much time focussing on the Conclusion and not enough talking about the Reasoning behind that conclusion.
And that's where the real value and learning is - in the Reasoning.
So, if you want to provide value, talk less about your Conclusion and more about your Reasoning.
NB: Here's a link to Ray Dalio's Principles - https://bit.ly/3uVp0M7
reasoning #learning #decisionmaking
Whenever we're telling someone about what we do for a job, we tend to focus on our Responsibilities in our job role.
And for most of us, this carries through to our Resumes as well.
This was the Job Title I had. These were my Responsibilities.
But that's not really what a potential future employer wants to know.
What they really want to know is what you accomplished.
What Impact did you have in that role?
So, the next time someone asks you what you do for a job, try to craft the response in terms of the Impact that you have at work.
And, oh yeah, go ahead and craft your Resume in the same way.
NB: Thanks to Rohan Mahtani for that little gem.
resumetips #jobhuntingtips #resumewriting
How often have you found the answer you were seeking, only to tell yourself, 'Yeah, I already knew that' ?
Well, if you already knew it, why aren't you taking action now?
Why are you still seeking the answer?
The reason, I think, is because you didn't really know it all.
Sure, maybe you knew it intellectually or even superficially.
But deep down, in detail, in your soul, you didn't really know it.
At least not to the level where you were willing to act on it.
Or maybe you're just looking for another excuse to procrastinate?
Maybe the answer has come from someone lower than you on the totem pole?
So then to accept that they have the answer is to admit that you didn't.
It's a statement we've probably all made to ourselves at some point in time and it's got some interesting dimensions to it.
Let's explore.
NB: Thanks to @TheStoicEmperor over on Twitter for the inspiration.
nomoreexcuses #takeaction #procrastination
Ever noticed how successful people just seem to have more luck?
Serendipity just seems to look after them.
Well, if you want to improve your chances of tripping over a little more luck and good fortune, try expanding your Reach.
And it's not just your Reach in terms of people. It's Reach in terms of knowledge and information. Reach in terms of situations and experiences.
In short, the more you get proactive and Reach out, chances are the more serendipity you will find.
Why?
Because Reach is the Ultimate Serendipity Engine.
NB: Thanks to Julian Shapiro for the inspiration.
reach #serendipity #controlyourfuture
So often, businesses devote so much time, effort, money and resource to develop a new strategy, only to have it fail when they come to implement it.
According to Sam Spurlin, there's a pretty basic reason for that.
The fail to implement changes within the Operating System (OS) of the organisation.
Your OS determines how your organisation functions on a day-to-day basis. The may you make decisions, level of autonomy, meeting & project structures, etc.
And if you need to implement a new strategy in the first place, chances are that's because something has failed at the OS level.
If you try to introduce the new strategy into the old Operating System, of course it's going to struggle, and probably fail.
So, before you spend too much time on a new strategy, ask yourself if you're willing make meaningful changes to the organisation's Operating System itself.
If you're not, you may just be wasting everyone's time.
Here's a link to Sam's great article on this - https://bit.ly/3tAVLwx
organisationalchange #OperatingSystem #strategy
A mistake, by definition, is wrong. Right?
So how can you make a Right Mistake?
Well, sometimes you don't know it was a mistake until much later on.
Sometimes it's simply the value and benefit of hindsight.
Other times it's because new factors emerged and evolved that you could not have possibly anticipated back when you made your decision.
Knowing that you can make a decision today that may turn out to be a mistake, but that it was the right call at the time...is kinda liberating.
Sound confusing?
I get it.
It confused me when I said it out loud.
But still, somehow, in my head, it makes sense!?!
mistakes #choices #decisions
We often hear companies talk about the importance of the uniform to the people wearing it.
It connects them to the organisation. Gives them a sense of identity.
Well, I would argue that is absolutely NOT the role of the uniform.
The uniform is for people outside of the organisation.
Your customers. Your guests.
Your staff should already know who they are and what their role in the organisation is.
If they don't, a uniform is not going to fix that.
By all means, give some thought to how it makes your people feel.
But remember, first and foremost, the uniform is not for them anyway.
uniforms #identity #people
The problem with being right is complacency.
You stop trying. You stop searching. You stop striving.
Whereas those who are still trying to prove themselves right tend to keep pushing until they do.
As a result, they can ultimately push past those who were right before, if those people rest on their laurels.
And the interesting thing about being right is that sometimes you're actually not really right at all. You're just not wrong. And that's not the same as being right.
So, if you're right...just be careful.
right #wrong #keepmovingforward
At some point in the future, it's going to end. You're going to quit.
Whether it's your business, your career or even your daily podcast. ;-)
So, if you know it's going to end, decide now, before you begin, what that end will look like.
Will it be when you reach a certain target or when sales fall below a specific number?
Whatever criteria you decide will signify the end, decide it now, well ahead of the end.
That way, when the end does come, you'll be ready for it. You won't be forced to make rash decisions under pressure as panic sets in when you sense the end coming.
Actually, maybe you don't need to necessarily decide before you begin. But definitely decide well before the end.
quitting #controlyourfuture #destiny
Once Upon A Time the Milkman used to deliver fresh bottles of milk to our doorstep. Then, the next day, he'd return and collect the empty bottles and replace them with fresh ones.
These days, we refer to that as a Circular Delivery Model.
Whilst it might seem like a nostalgic blast from the past, it's actually a model that could make a lo of sense for a number of businesses.
If you have a product that is consumable and needs to be replaced or replenished, you should consider the opportunities in the Milkman Model.
It will get you closer to your customer and so you will be able to get real market feedback.
You can incentivise your 'Milkman' to upsell on the spot.
And even if the economics don't quite work out now...just wait till Drone Delivery & Pickup becomes a thing in a few years.
NB: Here's the BIG OPPORTUNITY...create a Milkman Aggregator Business. Provide the delivery and pickup/return services for multiple products and businesses.
businessmodels #businessopportunity #knowyourcustomer
Imagine this...
You're walking down the street and see a guy off in the distance who looks like your friend Steve.
You call out to him. Hey Steveo!
Nothing. So you yell a bit louder. Hey! STEVEO!
He turns around. It's not Steve.
So why did he turn around?
He wasn't Responding to hearing his name. He was Reacting to the noise.
If he sees something he Recognises, like you, his name or a problem you might be able to help him solve, he'll Respond in a meaningful way.
If not, he'll just move on.
We focus a lot on getting the Response. Creating products and services to serve wants and needs.
But sometimes in doing so, we belittle the value of the Noise. Too much Noise is bad, we think.
Remember, without the Noise, he wouldn't have even turned around.
Sometimes the Noise can be just as important.
noise #response #marketing
I'd hate to think how much money I would have now if I had saved just 5% or 10% of all the money that's passed through my hands over the years.
I'd hate to think about how much time I've wasted waiting for my suitcase to appear on the luggage carousel at the airport.
I'd hate think about lots of other things too...so I don't!
Quantifying the degree to which we've missed out or messed up usually serves no purpose.
It's enough just to know that we could have done better, should done better and can and will do better.
So don't dwell on the amount by which you failed.
Just focus on doing better.
failure #success #focusonwhatmatters
This is my new process for communicating and sharing important news, events, happenings of a personal nature.
I realised last night, as I wanted to share some news, that my first reaction was to just post it on Facebook. That's where many of the people who I wanted to share this news with 'live'.
But then I thought about the potential to draw a negative reaction from other, 'lesser friends' on the platform.
Some might be happy for me. Some will be envious. Some jealous. Some would disagree with my decision. Some would even politicise it.
So, in the end, I decided to...
Internalise - just take a moment to appreciate the news for myself ;
Rationalise - identify the 3-5 most significant people in my life and just share the news with them ;
Publicise - only then would I contemplate sharing it more broadly across social media...if I must.
I reckon that's a pretty process.
What do you think?
socialmedia #selfawareness #perspective
If we've learned one thing as a result of this pandemic...it's that behavioural change is possible.
But if we've learned two things...it's that it can be hard.
Think about all the changes you've made in your behaviours over the past year.
Then think about how hard some of those changes were.
Now think about how much 'help' you had in making those changes.
The government close the borders, shut down the airlines, hotels, spa, restaurants & bars and mandated mask wearing and temperature checking.
And even with all that 'help' it was still hard.
There are still times we forget our face mask or to social distance.
Not because we are evil or stupid. Just because behavioural change is hard.
We have a tendency to assume that as long as we are ready to accept and embrace that behavioural change, everyone else should be too.
But it doesn't always work that way.
So spare a little patience and tolerance for those who are still trying to get on board.
NB: On a similar note, if you have a business plan that says 'We're changing the way people do...X', you're trying to change people's behaviour. And as we've learned...that's not easy.
behaviouralchange #COVID19 #lessonlearned
Who are you?
Invariably, who we are is closely linked to what we do.
And that means, for many people, their job or career are a major part of their identity.
I am a Spa guy. I am a Hotel Guy. I am a Painter. I am an Engineer.
But what happens when that job goes away, for whatever reason?
For many, it means they lose a big part of their identity.
I guess it's what happens when someone retires after a long career in the same job or industry. All of a sudden, a big part of their identity is missing.
Given the massive uncertainty in the world right now, many people at a risk of losing a big part of their identity, either for a short time or maybe forever.
So maybe now is a good time to think about how much of your identity is linked to your job and how much is linked to other things you do.
If not, you run the risk of being lost if and when that job goes away.
identity #selfworth #uncertaintimes
We talk a lot about the data. The metrics. Our KPIs.
And fair enough. These things are all important.
But as Nick Day reminds us, there are other things that simply can not be measured.
We can't measure the passion our employees have for the business.
We can't measure their intent.
We can't measure the impact they can have on an individual customer at a specific point in time.
But all of these things are equally, if not more important, than all the metrics and data that we pour over.
whatmattersmost #intangibles #metrics
The Worst Case Scenario...almost never happens.
That might seem a little silly to say right now, given the global pandemic we're living through.
But I would argue that a big part of the reason we're in such a mess right now is because of exactly that...something like this almost never happens.
And so we don't have the systems, processes and experiences in place to cope with it.
So, if the Worst Case Scenario almost never happens, you should be using that as an Enabler, as a motivator.
But be careful. You could just as easily fall into a habit of using the Worst Case Scenario Test as an Excuse.
Here's a link to Ep. 246 of the Show where I first spoke about Worst Case Scenario - https://bit.ly/3gRlZIy
enablers #excuse #worstcasescenario
The more experiences you have, the more people you meet, the products and services you try, chances are, the luckier you get.
You will start to be exposed to new opportunities
As you increase your 'Surface Area', you will be able to recognise potential synergies and opportunities where perhaps you wouldn't have before.
So, the next time you find yourself lamenting the lack of good luck you're having, try to find ways to increase your 'Surface Area'.
Get out there and expose yourself to more people, products, services, experiences, etc and you might just find your luck improves.
NB: Thanks to Julian Shapiro for the inspiration!
lucky #dothework #selfimprovement
I am a huge fan of Disruption.
I think the word itself is overused these days, but the concept is important.
The idea of looking at things differently, trying to find new ways to do the same thing, or new ways to do new things is critical to all businesses.
BUT...and this is the big BUT...
Maybe now is not the right time?
Why?
Simply because we have all been through a year of hell!
Our entire lives have been disrupted.
Right now, what most markets really need most is a bit of stability and familiarity.
So, by all means, keep looking for ways to disrupt your business.
But maybe jus take a breath on implementing those disruption plans. Just for a while.
postCOVID19 #disruption #stability
Famed Tech Venture Capitalist wrote a post back in 2010 titled 'No Conflict, No Interest'.
Suggesting that sometimes the trade off of having people interested and invested in your thing is that they may have a conflict of interest.
But that's ok. At least they're interested!
And that means they will hopefully have some knowledge, skills, experience and abilities in areas specifically related to your thing.
As long as there is integrity, a conflict of interest doesn't have to be damaging.
So don't worry too much about avoiding conflicts of interest.
First, worry about getting the interest.
conflictofinterest #integrity #transparency
Nobody likes to feel dumb.
Sometimes, however, in our effort to show how smart, intelligent and valuable we are, we can lose sight of that fact.
When creating information for our customers and clients we tend to favour the smart side.
And that's completely understandable, of course. After all, if we don't, why would they chose to pay us for our expertise?
But just be careful that in doing so you don't end up making your customers feel dumb.
knowyourcustomer #smartpeople #customercommunication
Oftentimes, when we think about making a good first impression, we focus on the physical elements.
How we look, how we dress, how we're groomed.
And from a location point of view, we focus on how our office or shop looks.
But as suggested in a Tweet from @AscendantPower, if we don't bring the right energy and presence to that first impression, it just won't be that impactful.
Certainly, the physical elements can be an important part of the energy and presence too.
But don't underestimate the importance of the energy of your people in creating that good first impression.
You won't get a second chance.
firstimpressions #positivevibes #energy
More times than I care to remember I’ve been accused of being negative.
Why?
Because I doubt things. I question things. I see the positive. But I don’t linger on it.
For me, the real interesting stuff lies in the doubt. In the negative.
I totally understand why that’s seen as negative. It is, by definition, exactly that.
But in this context I don’t believe that negative is a bad thing.
So, I’m happy to wear that tag of being negative.
I’ll just continue to embrace the Positive Power of Doubt
positivemindset #doubt #negative
Every problem has a solution.
If it doesn't have a solution...it's not a problem.
And if it's not a problem, you shouldn't be spending any time, energy or effort focussing on trying to solve it. Because you can't.
It's possible that the problem can be solved by someone else. If so, great.
But if it's not a problem that YOU can solve, then it's not a problem. Not for you.
NB: When the brilliant Seth Godin digs into the writings of the brilliant David Deutsch, this is the kind of insight you can find. ;-)
problemsolving #solutions #control
Something is better than nothing.
Anything is better than nothing.
Or so we're told.
But I'd like to call NONSENSE & GIBBERISH on that!
Don't get me wrong, I totally agree with the sentiment.
Better to try something than do nothing.
BUT...if the end result of your try or your attempt is rubbish...
don't release it to the world.
Don't publish it. Don't launch it.
If you do, what you're saying to the world is 'I'm ok with this. I'm ok with rubbish. I'm ok with this sub-standard product.'
And that's not what you want.
Sometimes, Something is just not better than Nothing.
dosomething #try #getitright
Resumes are dead. OK. What should take / has taken its place??
That question was posed by Alexis Ohanion on Twitter recently and it prompted a torrent of interesting perspectives, opinions and alternatives.
One of my favourites was from Jordan Johnson who pointed out that 'Resumes look backward'.
And they do.
But what am employer really wants to know if what you can do for them in the future.
Granted, past performance is an indicator of future performance.
However, it is not the only indicator. And it certainly isn't a guarantee of future performance.
Thus, I'd agree that one of the fundamental flaws of the current resume format and process is that it is too backward-looking.
What do you think?
BTW - here's a link to the Tweet from Alexis that started it all. There's lots of great links within the comments.
https://bit.ly/3asuqpC
resumetips #recruitmentprocess #resumewriting
LEGO - the kids building block company - released a full length animated feature movie in 2014.
In doing that, they created a genius piece of Content Marketing.
The movie made a $400+ million profit in its own right.
But sales of LEGO increased by over $3.5 BILLION...with a B!
They achieved that not by creating a glorified ad for their product.
They achieved it because they did the exact opposite.
They created entertainment.
Most us think of content is interesting and informative.
Most of our customers think it's boring.
Try entertaining them instead.
contentmarketing #contentstrategy #marketing
The Answer is The Question.
And the Question is...Why Do You Care?
If you're having trouble getting started writing that article, creating that content or even completing that job application...the Answer is that Question...
Why do you care?
Because if you can find the answer to that question, then you'll find you just start speaking from the heart, not the head.
Why do you care about that job or that company or that subject?
Tap into that and you can unlock the answers to the questions you're being asked.
answers #jobapplication #askingquestions
Yesterday was episode 1234 of this show.
1-2-3-4
There was a time when I thought that would be a good number to end on. Finish on an interesting number.
But I've come to realise that it was just an arbitrary target which nobody would care about - or even notice.
We can sometimes lose sight of the fact that nobody else really cares about our arbitrary targets.
We just assume that if we think it's important, others will too.
Why should they?
If you set milestone targets - like, say, Ep. 2000 - then they might join in your excitement.
But don't mistake arbitrary for a milestone.
Nobody cares about arbitrary.
targets #goals #perspective
AFL Football legend Jonathon Brown recently made a great point about the addictiveness of the Chase for Greatness.
Everybody wants to be part of a winning team.
Everybody wants their shot at greatness.
And it applies just as much in a work context as it does to a sports context.
Show your team that your are building something great and they will want to be a part of it.
It’s addictive!
success #striveforgreatness #winning
Service is not the same as Hospitality.
Service is transactional. Somebody serves you.
Hospitality is reciprocal. I invite you. I host you.
A great article by Tejal Rao in the New York Times discusses what can be both a subtle difference and a huge gulf between Service and Hospitality.
Here's a link to that article - https://nyti.ms/3e7wLHF
service #hospitality #hospitalityindustry
Getting fit is pretty Simple.
You just need to exercise more.
But as we all know, that's not always so Easy to do.
If you burn more calories than you consume, you'll probably lose weight.
Pretty Simple.
But not necessarily Easy.
Don't just assume that because something is Simple that people will find it Easy to do.
Similarly, don't judge yourself too harshly when you have trouble achieving what you know is a pretty Simple target...if it's not also Easy.
NB: Thanks to Tim Ferriss & Jerry Seinfeld for the inspiration.
simple #easy #clarity
Many of us find it challenging to regularly post on social media because we overthink it.
We're told that to gain more followers we need to post consistently about the same topics.
The problem is, we're much more than that.
I reckon it's better to view your social media accounts and profiles more as a portfolio of all that you do.
Much like an artist would present their portfolio to show all of their skills and abilities.
All of your thoughts, ideas, interests.
Remember, you can always post links out to the specific post that might be of interest to specific people.
So to simplify things, consider your social media as The Portfolio of You.
socialmedia #beyourself #portfolio
It's hard not to take it personally when someone criticises your thing - your product, your service, your company, your presentation, etc.
Even though they want to stress that it's not personal, it's just their professional opinion...it is personal. To you.
You're invested in that thing.
But here's why you really should not take it personally...
They can't possibly know all of the factors and conditions and considerations that got you to this point.
They will never have the whole story.
So, if they don't have the full picture, how can they possibly provide a complete critique?
They can't.
So, by all means take note of it, but don't take it personally.
Interestingly, the same applies even to a personal criticism too.
criticism #keepitprofessional #selfawareness
Can you achieve career success if you're not doing work you're passionate about?
Yes!
Can you ever truly find happiness if you don't find your passion?
Yes!
Would your results be better if you find your passion?
Maybe? I don't know.
But don't underestimate the power of good old-fashioned hard work.
And, oh yeah, luck might have a bit to do with it too.
So, if you've found your passion...great! Congratulations.
But if you haven't, it's not the end of the world.
passion #passionandpurpose #findyourpassion
Striving for perfection is a good thing.
The problem is, perfection is largely unattainable.
Of course the other problem is that in many cases, perfection is subjective.
So, if it's largely unattainable and subjective, there's a good chance we'll never achieve perfection.
And so, holding off on launching your new product, or new website, or putting your thing out to the world until it's perfect, can quickly just become an excuse to avoid doing it.
We can't fail if we don't do it. If we don't do it until it's perfect, we don't fail.
Be careful that your search for perfection isn't just becoming an excuse.
perfection #excuses #imperfection
Many businesses offer free samples of what they do as a way to try get customers to sign up and pay for their main product or service.
If it's an online course, there'll be a FREE webinar to try to get you into their sales funnel.
If it's an offline business, it might be a FREE audit or consultation.
But why not get these potential customers to pay for that webinar or that audit?
Sure, you might get less people signing up to pay for it, but at least those that do sign up are genuine prospects for your main business.
PS: A great tip for getting people to pay for your webinar, is to included a 1-1 Private Session with you, the expert, as part of the deal.
leadgeneration #salesfunnels #prospects
We tell ourselves stories all the time.
Usually it's to help us justify and explain and make excuses for the current situation we find ourselves in.
And that's ok.
The problem is it's not always the whole story. It's a slightly tainted version of the truth. It's biased.
Then, when the circumstances change, the narrative no longer fits.
So just be careful that you don't believe every story that you tell yourself. At least not without some serious questioning.
storiesmatter #selfawareness #narratives
Employees come to work for your for reasons other than just the salary that you pay them.
Customers come to your business for reasons other than just the products and services that you sell.
That 'other' stuff has been referred to as The Cultural Capital of your business.
From an Employee perspective, is your company a good place to work?
That doesn't have to mean it's a fun place to work.
If you're a legal firm, a company culture of seriousness and careful consideration is probably more appropriate.
From a Customer perspective, is your business environment appealing to them?
The ambience, the branding, and of course the people they interact with.
It might be worth pausing for a moment, every now and then, to just take stock of the Cultural Capital that is helps make you business special.
companyculture #capital #USP
I've long been fascinated with this idea of finding your Passion.
One of the more interesting elements of Passion is this suggestion that once you find your Passion, things just get easier.
If you find a job you're passionate about, you'll never work a day in your life. Right?
Well, I reckon that's rubbish!
See the things is, the more passionate you are, chances are, the harder you will want to work.
And that can be exhausting!
You could actually end up being more exhausted if you're doing something you're passionate about, than if you're just working a job you don't really like at all.
So...just beware.
findyourpassion #passion #purpose
I've just spent a couple of days in the mountains, just outside of Kuala Lumpur.
Literally, on the fringes of this major city, was a completely different world.
And I think it's a great metaphor for our businesses.
Just on the edge of your existing customer and market set there may be lots of really interesting opportunities.
Potential that you didn't even know existed.
So spend a little bit of time just having a look around the fringes.
You never know what you might find.
opportunityawaits #newbusiness #newideas
As a result of COVID-19, many businesses have been forced to close for an extended period of time.
As you start to re-open your business, the focus will no doubt be on having the Covid-Safe Protocols. Making sure you've got all the COVID SOPs in place.
But I would encourage you to treat this as a NEW opening, not a re-opening.
Use it as an opportunity for a true reset of your business.
Review ALL your SOPs, not just those related to COVID-19.
Give the place a coat of paint, if you can afford it.
Ask yourself if the products and services that you're offering are what the market really wants and needs today.
And, just be ready to close again some time in the future. If there's a spike in cases again, you might have to close the doors again.
Which, of course, is another opportunity for another NEW opening.
Good Luck!
aftercovid19 #reopening #postcovid19business
360 Degree Performance Appraisals have been around for a while.
The process of getting feedback not only from your boss, but also your co-workers, subordinates, etc., makes sense.
However, no matter how many people point out our flaws, if we don’t accept it, we find a way to convince ourselves it’s just not true.
Today, with so much of our work interactions happening via Zoom, we might have a new feedback mechanism...The Zoom Playback Opportunity.
Record your Zoom meeting, watch it back later, and analyse your behaviours and interactions.
That kinda takes the 360 Degree Appraisal to a whole new level.
nb: Thanks Phil for the inspiration on this one.
zoommeetings #performanceappraisal #selfawareness
One of the great frustrations if you're a bit lower down on the ladder in your organisation is when you've got a great idea but upper management doesn't see it the same as you do.
When this happens, there's a pretty simple reason for it.
The bosses have determined that your idea just isn't going to move the needle.
It's not going to make enough of an impact.
And usually, they'll be looking for it to move the needle in terms of Revenue or Brand and PR.
So, if you're pitching your idea to the bosses, try to show them how it can move the needle.
Otherwise, they're probably not going to give it a try.
movetheneedle #makeanimpact #newideas
We often refer to our Career as a Journey.
But, building on what David Schwarz said in this insightful article about securing a position on a Board ( https://bit.ly/3dkMhiQ ), maybe it's better to think about your Career as a Process.
A journey almost implies it's more of a meandering thing that just kinda happens.
A process though suggests something more deliberate, more structured.
On a journey your path is often determined by the elements, the environment and the circumstances.
But with a process you can be an active participant. Your actions can determine the outcome.
So, today's homework...
Are you on a Career Journey...or in the midst of a Career Process?
careerprogression #careerplanning #careerchoices
Most businesses like the idea of having an experienced team.
And most consumers like to think there's an experienced team behind the product or service that they're buying.
However, there is always a risk that having an experienced team can lead to stagnation.
It's hard for the experienced team to keep generating new ideas, to stay on the cutting edge, to challenge the status quo.
They are the status quo!
The best way to avoid this is to have a mix of Old vs New, Experienced vs Novice.
What mix? What's the right ratio? What's the formula?
It depends on your company, the company dynamics & the people within it.
But you should absolutely be aware of where your company is on the Experience-Stagnation Curve.
And, if you're getting closer to the Stagnation end of the curve, maybe it's time to get some fresh eyes in.
experiencedteam #stagnation #statusquo
If you're thinking of your calendar or your diary as simply a place to schedule and track your meetings, then you're getting it all wrong.
Julian Shapiro reckons you should think about your calendar as a ledger of the time you've traded away.
You've chosen to schedule those meetings.
You could have done other things instead.
And maybe those 'other things' could have been a more effective and efficient use of your time.
Maybe you would've had time to spend time on something that would bring more value to you or your organisation if you hadn't scheduled those meetings.
If you were to do an audit at the end of the month on all the time you spent in meetings vs the value or benefits gained...would you be happy with the result?
If not, perhaps it's time to balance the ledger.
timemanagement #timemanagementtips #scheduleplanning
Just to be clear, I do NOT consider myself to be any sort of authority when it comes to fashion.
Still...I can't help but wonder why we don't see more action around fashion startups targeting the 45+ bracket.
Surely this would be a good market.
These folks are a bit more mature, more aware of what they want and have more disposable income to pay for it.
Maybe I'm missing something?
Maybe there actually is a vibrant startup scene around 45+ fashion?
But if there is...I've never heard of it.
fashion #startups #generationx
Branding is important. No doubt about it.
Understanding you are and what you stand for as a business, a company and as a brand.
Understanding your Mission, Vision and Values.
It's all super-important.
BUT...if you don't have any customers, it will all be for nought.
So, it's ok to focus on getting customers first.
You don't need to have all your branding stuff sorted out on Day 1.
It can grow and evolve as both you and your business do.
branding #buildingbusiness #customersfirst
If you really want to get some perspective on joy, just watch a 3 year old child in the park.
They find joy in the simplest of things.
Maybe watching a leaf fall to the ground. Or even just a bird flying by.
And in turn, it never fails to bring a smile to me face too.
I always coming away from such an experience challenging myself to try to see the world through their eyes.
Invariably, of course, life soon gets in the way again.
But whenever you need a jolt of inspiration to find joy in the simple things, just watch a young child in the park and try to see the world through their eyes.
perspective #children #joyfulliving
There is a subtle difference between Winning and Earning.
You Win the lottery. It's a random game of chance.
But you Earn the victory when your team beats the opposition. It was your effort and team work.
The feeling of Earning is very different to that when you simply Win.
A sense of achievement and accomplishment.
It's an important distinction to keep in mind when creating your marketing and promotion strategy.
You could give your customers a gift based on a Lucky Dip or a Door Prize. They Win.
Or, you could award the gift to the customer who shared their best photo of them with your product. They Earn that one.
Remember, it's a very different feeling for the customer.
They feel far more engaged with your business is they Earn the gift, rather than if they simply Win it.
winning #earned #reward
Every industry has Key People of Influence.
You know who they are in your industry.
And if you are not one them, you probably want to get close to those who are.
It's all about getting closer to the sun.
Here's a great, simple, effective way to do that...
-
Search the content created by that person
-
Take a few quotes from that person
-
Add your own thoughts, opinions, questions about that quote
-
Then post that as your own new content
PRO-TIP
Create social media tile that has the quote, an image of the person and add some subtle 'branding' of your own social media handle.
Post it and tag the Key Person of Influence.
Better still, send that person the social media tile for them to share with their network.
Why would they share it? Simple. We all have healthy egos AND we like having no friction.
If you send me a nice social media tile with my quote, chances are I'll share it.
NB: Make sure you give attribution to the article, conference, etc where you found the quote.
socialmedia #influencer #influencermarketing
It does make perfect sense that your plan for TODAY should be mindful of YESTERDAY's plan and also the plan for TOMORROW.
But that doesn't mean it's the right way to make your plans for TODAY.
The problem comes when you spend too much time focussed on considerations in yesterday's plan or on where you'd like to ultimately end up tomorrow, that you lose sight of what's important today. Right now.
You can find yourself trying to just make things fit.
Instead, you should approach today's plan as if it's Day 1.
You walk in today, you have what you have. Can't change anything about what's already done.
Don't worry too much about the end game.
Just focus on what you need today.
dayone #hereandnow #focus
I think we'd all accept that the world is not just Black or White. It's Grey.
Yet when it comes to something like Professional Ethics, we tend to think that it is Black or White.
But it's not.
That's why I believe it's important for you to understand where your own Ethical Line in the Sand is.
Know it. Get comfortable with it. Be prepared to live with the consequences of it.
And, like all lines in the sand, be aware that it may shift slightly over time, depending on the prevailing winds and circumstances.
drawtheline #lineinthesand #integrity
Your Hero Product is that one product that your customers really love.
The one they can't get enough of.
It's important that you understand exactly what it is about that product that makes it a Hero.
Why does everyone love it?
What makes it special?
Then, as you build product/line/brand extensions, you'd better make sure that they have the same special thing.
If not, you'll just end up creating Zero Products.
heroproduct #brandextension #secretsauce
Some like to believe that the difference between Truth and Reality is really just a semantic one. It's just words.
Well, maybe.
But there can be a Semantic Gulf between Truth and Reality.
Not just a little difference. It can be a massive gulf in between.
The Truth is, the harder you work, the better your chance of a promotion.
The Reality is, if you're not the boss's favourite, then no matter how hard you work, you may never get that promotion.
That's just the Truth...AND...the Reality!
nb: Credit to 'Operation Buffalo' on Netflix for the great quote!
truth #reality #realitycheck
Back in Ep. 1068 I spoke about how, 'If You Can Make Them Stop...There's An Opportunity - http://bit.ly/3eY6Xj9
One of the best ways to do that inside your store is with creative merchandising.
But the problem with merchandising is that sometimes we try to be too creative. Too clever.
We spend lots of money on fancy displays that don't really create that STOP moment.
Brian Roemmele shared an image of a really simple example of great merchandising.
A multi-shelf display of 100+ Heinz mustard bottles and just one of those bottles was displayed upside down.
It really stood out.
And the additional cost of this display? Zero!
So, when you think about merchandising, think about just one thing...
Make Them Stop.
That's it. Nothing more.
merchandising #selling #creativity
If you think you know the answers, then there's no need to diversify your approach.
You just do what you know.
When you don't have the answers, you're much more likely to try different things until you find out what works.
In the context of today's business environment especially, it might be a real good idea to assume you don't know the answers...even though you might think you do.
With so much uncertainty in the world right now, having some diversity in your approach is probably a good thing.
If you do, you should be more able to adapt when it turns out that you didn't know the answers.
What was true before simply may not be true tomorrow.
nb: thanks to @naval for the idea & @visualizevalue for the great graphic
diversifying #agile #businessstrategy
The reason you can't break through, the reason you can't get people to pay attention to your thing, is there's just too much noise out there and people have short Attention Spans.
Right?
Wrong!
According to Julian Shapiro it's our Consideration Spans that is the issue.
The time within which we decide whether we want to continue.
People still listen to a 3 hour Joe Rogan podcast.
People still binge watch an entire season of a series on Netflix.
So don't obsess about making your content short.
Obsess about making it good. And then obsess about hooking people in quickly. If you don't do that, they'll just give their attention to someone else.
attentioneconomy #attentionspan #marketing
It's fascinating to me how much time and effort we spend agonising over having the right answer, when in fact there is no way of knowing what the right answer is.
If you don't know what the right answer is, remember that the only answer you can really give is...
...the answer you feel comfortable with.
Some would say the right answer in this situation is the truth.
Whilst I'd agree with that to a certain extent, there is the Truth...and then there is the Whole Truth.
Just because I have given you an honest answer does not necessarily mean it's the whole truth.
So reconcile yourself with the knowledge that the only answer to give when you don't know what the right answer is...is the one you feel comfortable with.
answers #questions #truth
'I think bringing your own chopsticks and a spoon is a good idea.'
That's part of a conversation I overheard today between two elderly Chinese ladies in Kuala Lumpur.
It got me thinking.
Is this now going to be a thing?
Will we need to start bringing our own cutlery to eat in a restaurant?
How long will a shift in behaviour like this persist after Covid-19 fades from our memories?
And the BIG THINK...
What other cultural shifts, like this one, are happening and how can we leverage these shifts into future opportunities?
So, tell me, what cultural shifts are you seeing that will likely remain well into the forseeable future?
postcovidworld #cultureshift #opportunities
Gary Vaynerchuck says 'One Step Back is Always A Good Strategy'.
Whilst I wouldn't necessarily agree that it is ALWAYS a good strategy, I certainly agree it's never really a BAD strategy.
We're often scared of taking a step back, just in case we get stuck back there.
But sometimes it's not only necessary, but also a good idea.
It gives you time to reflect. To take a breath. To catch up. To re-focus and re-align.
And, as we touched on in Ep. 1198, this Covid-19 crisis may actually give you the Cover to take that step back now.
Think about it. It'll be pretty easy to explain to a potential employer in a year or two why you took a step back in your career at this time.
So, don't overthink it.
If you feel you need to take a step back right now, take it.
It's probably not a bad strategy.
careerjourney #careerprogression #careerchange
The truth is not cold. It has no temperature.
It just is what it is.
Oftentimes we don't like the sound of the truth and so we go on the defensive.
We just tell ourselves the truth teller is being a bit mean. A bit cold.
But the best response is to accept that the truth is not cold, or harsh or heated, even.
It just is what it is.
NB: Thanks to Cameron Diaz in The Counselor for that little gem of a quote.
truthbomb #realitycheck #greatquotes
Once upon a time it seems like we got all the information and made our decisions based on that.
These days, it seems like we're always waiting for, or at least expecting, further updates. More data. More information.
And in waiting for more, we delay our decisions.
Procrastination Rules!
So, if you're experiencing a little Organisational funk when it comes to decision making, maybe it's time to just assume there is no further information coming.
Ask yourself, 'Is this enough information for us to make a good decision?'
You might just find that you do.
Take a look at some recent decisions where you waited for more information and ask yourself, 'Did that extra information really help us make a better decision?'.
You may be surprised how little difference it really made.
decisionmaking #informationoverload #procrastination
If I was running a hotel these days, I'd be approaching brands in my local area to create themed and branded rooms within my property.
What sort of brands?
Any and all brands could work.
But ideally, it would make the most sense for brands in the bedroom, living room, bathroom space. After all, that's really what a hotel room is.
Bed, Bath & Beyond might be a good one.
IKEA would be a perfect example.
Even a hardware brand like Bunnings in Australia.
These branded hotel rooms could effectively become living showrooms.
A great place to market test new products too.
Imagine a Bunnings Hardware branded hotel room where you get a screwdriver upon checkin and you can remove the tagged products on the wall of your room and take with you when you check out.
There's no end to the creative ideas you could come up with.
hotels #hotelmarketing #brandingideas
I've spoken with many people who blame Covid-19 for destroying their business.
For many of them, that's only part of the story.
The reality is, their business was struggling before the current Covid Crisis.
But that's ok, as long as they use Covid-19 as the Catalyst to make the changes they've actually needed to make for some time.
And the good news is that they now have the Cover they need to go ahead and try something new, without the fear of failure.
Frankly speaking, they don't have much choice.
Until Covid-19 they could've probably just kept plodding along for another year or two or more.
But now, they must make changes.
So, even though Covid-19 probably isn't really the Cause of many of the problems with many of our businesses, it absolutely can be the Catalyst for change AND, more importantly, it can give us the Cover we need to give it a go.
covid19 #businessmodelinnovation #stayagile
We tend to obsess about the results.
We obsess about the Output.
As a result of that, we often lose sight of the value of the Input.
We do that at our peril.
Oftentimes it is the nuances and intricacies hidden within the Input that actually enable us to unlock the real power of the Output.
NB: Thanks to Gary Vaynerchuck for the inspiration for today's episode.
input #output #process
The payments space has been evolving pretty rapidly over the past few years.
The developments have largely been enabled by advances in technology.
As the technological evolution propels us towards the Internet of Things, where everything is connected, payments will become embedded.
That means that your Smart Fridge will know when you're running low on milk and order it automatically from an online grocery store that will deliver it via drone to your front door.
That entire transaction will happen without any involvement from you.
As Artificial Intelligence improves, one day soon your Smart Home will probably negotiate with the Smart Power Grid to get the best energy deal for your home.
Again, the payment will be embedded in the things - ie: the Smart Home and Smart Grid.
Welcome to the Future. It's just around the corner.
paymentsolutions #paymentsindustry #internetofthings
There's a lot of talk about the New Normal.
What will life be like in a post COVID-19 world?
What opportunities will present.
But don't forget about the Old Normal.
Many of the frustrations of the Old Normal will still be there.
And some of them, like traffic jams, will be much more frustrating, at least for a while, because we haven't had to deal with them during lockdowns and movement controls.
Wherever there is a frustration, there is an opportunity for you to create and craft products and services to help alleviate them.
And that is a massive opportunity.
newnormal #postcovid19 #businessopportunities
I heard this quote on the new Netflix Series - Operation Buffalo.
Science is the great conversation stopper.
In a world where we all have access to platforms to express our opinions, the conversations just seem to go on forever.
And that's not necessarily a bad thing.
But at some point, we just need to draw a line through it and move on.
At some point we just have to agree to disagree on our opinions, but hopefully accept the facts.
The simplest way to do that is to defer to the data, to the facts, to the science.
science #data #opinions
We talk a lot about the importance of young people making mistakes and losing, so that they can learn from their losses.
In theory, the same holds true for older, more experienced people too.
But in reality, it's not so easy for us older heads to do that.
The problem is, the more experienced we are, the more we tend to believe that we are right.
So, if we lose a contract or a negotiation, it's simply because the other party just didn't understand.
Nothing for me to learn here.
I am right. I know I'm right. I have all this experience.
They are wrong.
End of story.
So, if you're a bit older and more experienced, like me, just be aware that you may need to work a little harder to dissect and analyse the losses so that you can learn from them.
learning #mistakes #losses
Whenever the quality of something is ultimately subjective, we tend to just defer to the experts.
But the experts should still provide some type of explanation, justification of qualification for their opinion.
With music, for example, thy might say this song is the best because of the beat or the rhythm or the tempo.
With a painting, it might because of the colours or use of shading.
That way, you can dissect their reasoning and form an informed opinion based on your own perspective.
To simply defer to the experts because it is subjective is never a good idea.
subjectmatterexperts #opinion #subjective
We've all had the experience where we're listening to someone telling us how something is and we think..
'Hang on. That's not how I see it!'
We all experience life through a different lens, with different realities.
Yet oftentimes we tend to apply that lens as a blanket across the entire situation, as if to say, emphatically...
'This is how it is!'
It's almost as if we don't even consider for one second that there could possibly be an alternate reality for someone else.
The reality is, that is how it is...for YOU.
It may not be how it is for ME.
#realitycheck #perspective #empathy
You should put just as much thought and effort into how your business looks when it's closed, as when it's open.
We've all walked past a shop window after they've closed and seen the outdoor furniture and signs all stacked at the front of the shop, just inside the door.
Of course, that makes sense operationally, but it's not a great impression for the person looking in your window after hours.
Potential customers may still making buying decisions, even though your business might be closed.
If the look in and see a less than inviting shop, closed or not, they may well decide not to bother coming back again tomorrow, when you're open.
shopfront #afterhours #firstimpressions
The global recovery from the COVID-19 crisis will be unevenly distributed.
Just as each country went into this crisis at different times, stages and levels of intensity, so it will be as we come out.
And in THAT lies a massive opportunity.
You can look and see and learn from what happens in those countries that come out of the crisis early.
Look at what products and services are in demand.
Then, see how you can leverage that knowledge to get first-mover advantage in your country, as your recovery begins.
If you're lucky enough to be in one of the countries leading the way out of the recovery...even better.
You can know export your knowledge and experience to those countries who aren't quite there yet.
This is a MASSIVE opportunity.
Indeed, it may well be where the next big companies emerge from.
Go For It!
postcovid19business #businessopportunities #covid19recovery
Day 2 of our conversation about opportunities.
A great way to find new opportunities is through niche communities - a relatively small group of people united around a common theme or interest or activity.
A niche community can be built around just about anything.
Even better, a niche community can have multiple levels or layers to the niche.
eg: Young Mums becomes Young Single Mums in Rural Areas.
The more layers to the niche, the tighter that community probably is.
So here's how to find the opportunities...
-
Get involved in niche communities that are of interest to you.
-
Find out what their pain points are. (Just listen. They'll be talking about them)
-
Create or craft product or service solutions to address those pain points.
Now, you not only have a product or service that has a a definite market, but you also have a market which will support you, as you're part of their community.
NB: This is NOT about trolling communities to try to sell them stuff! It's about joining communities that fit your interests and then helping find solutions to shared problems.
opportunities #communities #nichemarket
Wherever there is uneven distribution, there is an opportunity.
Chances are, in an unevenly distributed marketplace, there will a portion of that market that feels marginalised, underserved.
That is your opportunity. To even up the distribution.
And even though it might seem like a small opportunity, relative to the bigger market, it might just be big enough for you to eke out a business for you.
marketopportunities #businessopportunity #businessstrategy
Most would say that the whole point of wishing for something is to dream a little.
To hope for something that is out of reach. Unattainable even.
But consider this slightly contrarian view.
The problem with that, according to Seth Godin, is that wishing consumes a lot of energy.
And if you're spending all that energy on something over wish you have no control, the end result is usually frustration at not getting what you wished for.
Far better, says Godin, to wish for something over which you do have some control. Something that you at least have some chance of impacting the result.
That way, the wishing can take on a motivational element whereby you maybe try that little bit harder to get there.
Thanks Seth.
motivation #wishing #hopes
Lots of business are thinking about Scenario Planning these days.
Essentially what this is, is considering possible alternate futures so that you can put in place systems, plans, processes and strategies to best adapt, should one of these future scenarios play out.
This interesting article suggests that using novels or fictional stories in the process might actually be a big help to businesses. https://bit.ly/3q1Ce6N
The reason is that whenever we're considering our business, our industry, our colleagues, there will always be some in-built bias.
But if we're looking at it all through the lens of a made up story, it's much easier for us to have an open mind.
Woody Wade, as an expert in Scenario Planning, what do you think about this idea?
PS: That's Bill for the article!
scenarioplanning #strategicplanning #thefuture
Controversial Tibetan Buddhist, Chogyam Trungpa, once said...
"It's easier to put on a pair of shoes than to wrap the earth in leather"
It's a quote that does, I feel, have a few different levels to it.
But to me, the simple essence of the statement is the same as the one I shared with you in Ep. 1138 of this show - The World Is As You Find It , which is quote from the movie Vice.
And the reason I think it's worth exploring is that we always seem to talking about changing the world. Making big impacts.
It feels like we almost have an obligation to do so.
But maybe we don't have to.
Sometimes, maybe we're just better off putting on a pair of shoes instead of trying to wrap the world in leather.
quotes #perspective #realitycheck
Anyone who has ever made a sales pitch, had a business meeting or had a job interview knows this feeling...
You put all the time and effort into planning for what you DO want to say, only to end up saying something you wish you hadn't.
And it's often those things we say that we shouldn't have said that end up costing us the deal, or the sale or the job.
It's not the things that we forgot to mention.
For example, if you're applying for a job with a vegan skin care company, you probably don't want to mention that you like to take your kids fishing and hunting in your spare time.
So, next time, think first about the things that you definitely do NOT want to say, then worry about what you do.
interviewtips #thinkdifferently #chooseyourwords
Depending on your perspective, eSports is either a bunch of kids sitting around playing video games OR a legitimate sport.
But regardless of your perspective, you can't deny that this is a real business.
Most estimates value the eSports industry at around USD $1 billion today and expect that to almost double by the end of 2022.
Whether you call the participants in eSports 'athletes' or 'gamers', they have their own unique set of Wellness needs.
And here's the big opportunity...much of what and how we talk about Wellness is just not geared to these people.
So, if you can craft or create your Wellness products and services in such a way that they relate to and resonate with the eSports community, you have a very real opportunity to own that niche.
You could become THE eSports Wellness person/business/brand.
esports #gaming #wellness
NFT stands for Non-Fungible Token.
That means each token has a unique value.
Unlike, say, a $1 bill, which is a kind of Fungible Token.
That is to say, that each $1 bill has the same value.
And why NFT's matter is that they can be attached to digital assets (like a photo, an audio file, a video, a GIF, even a meme) and assigned a value.
By attaching the NFT to your digital content you are also essentially creating attribution. Establishing that you are the creator and owner of that content.
As NFT's life on the blockchain, they are forever part of the digital ledger.
What all this means for the creators of digital content, it now makes it much easier for them to not only establish ownership, but also then on-sell or lease that content to others.
Here's a great article on NFT's to help you understand a bit more - http://bit.ly/3urz0wH
And here's the ATTN.live website I mentioned in the episode - http://bit.ly/3uoNYUk
Finally, Ian Utile's Twitter - https://bit.ly/3pEovTi
NFTs #blockchain #contentcreators
Whether you're recruiting or looking for a job, you need to be thinking about the priorities for the position in terms of Knowledge, Skills or Experience.
Ideally, as an employer, I want to see that you've applied your Knowledge to develop some Skills that you can then show me in action, via your Experience.
To me, Knowledge is the often the least important.
If you don't know it...Google it. Or YouTube it.
And when it comes to Experience, what we as employers often get wrong is that we insist on Experience within a specific field or industry.
But sometimes, we miss out on considering the perfect candidate, just because their Experience is in what we consider a non-related field.
So, for me...
1 Skills
2 Experience
3 Knowledge
What's your opinion?
jobapplication #recruitment #jobcandidate
This is a message that I feel is especially relevant for those in my age demographic.
If you're young, you know you need to put in the effort to transform yourself into a supervisor or manager. You don't have the score on the board yet. So of course you need to put in the work.
However, if you're in your mid-40' to mid-50's and have achieved some level of success, it's easy to just assume that you've done all the work that is required.
Now all you need to do is wait your turn.
When my boss leaves, I'll get her job.
When a new position opens up, of course it'll be mine. Because I've already got the score on the board.
Indeed, I would suggest that it's this very realisation, that transformation requires effort, that leads to the classic Mid Life Crisis.
We realise we're not where we want to be. To get somewhere else we've got to make the effort. So we throw it all away and start again.
transformation #change #effort
Back in Ep. 912 (http://bit.ly/3dz0uum) I suggested that you can't sell anything to anyone.
The decision to buy is theirs.
All you can hope to do, is to help them buy.
Along a similar vein, Gary Vaynerchuck says you shouldn't bother trying to sell the unsellable.
There's no point wasting your time trying to convince someone to buy your thing.
Much better you direct your efforts to those that are ready, willing and able to buy from you.
buyingandselling #sellingskills #salesadvice
Have you ever stopped to think that maybe the reason that the grass is greener on the other side...is because they're just taking better care of it?
Maybe they're just working harder at it than you are?
So, rather than just gazing enviously at their beautiful grass..maybe you need to work a bit harder?
NB: Here's a link to Ep. 800 where I warned that the grass over there might just be 'Fake Grass'...http://bit.ly/3qA3Hh2
workharder #dothework #grassisgreener
We hear a lot about Work-Life Balance.
Especially at the moment with so many people working from home, having to balance Work and Life in the same place.
But who's to say what the right balance between Work and Life is for you?
Only YOU!
You might prefer to work all the time because you love your job.
Or, you might be a 9-5 kinda person who wants to switch off and go home and life your life.
Either is fine. In fact, any combination of Work and Life is also fine.
It's entirely up to you and not for others to determine.
Work-Life Balance is completely personal construct.
worklifebalance #perspective #balance
Everyone's talking about Bitcoin...again.
I do NOT pretend to know where Bitcoin is heading. I don't think anyone can really sure for certain.
But I do know that at times like this it's easy to get carried away with the hype and make rash decisions.
So...in that spirit..here are the 3 Key Questions to should ask yourself before you invest...
1 - How much are you willing to lose if it all goes to zero?
2 - What is the most bullish forecast on Bitcoin?
3 - If that most bullish forecast comes true, given the amount you are willing to lose, would the return be significant to you?
If it is, you should absolutely roll the dice.
If it's not, maybe you'd be better off just watching from the sidelines.
bitcoin #investingstrategy #besmart
COVID-19 has seen many companies implement fairly flexible Work From Home policies.
Some have even implemented Work From Anywhere.
So if you're now working from home (or anywhere), what's to stop you having two jobs? Or even more?
Traditionally, many companies have had an expectation that, certainly their senior employees, would devote all of their business time, effort and energy to the job. This job. This one job.
Employers don't want you focussed on another job at the same time.
But if you're working from home, how will they know?
Should they even care?
Can they even enforce such an expectation?
This shift, should it continue, will raise lots of interesting questions for the Employer / Employee dynamic.
workfromhome #workfromanywhere #changingtimes
Some have suggested that, just like the Roaring 1920's followed the 1918 pandemic, so too the 2020's will be Roaring.
There will be so much pent-up demand as a result of all the restrictions and lockdowns we've been living through, that once the vaccines help us get this virus under control, we will splurge. Will live large. It will be a boom period of consumerism.
Will that really happen?
I don't know. Nobody does.
But looking at history, there are certainly a number of similarities between then and now.
So the question is, do you really want to risk missing out?
My suggestion, start thinking now about how your business might be different if indeed the Boom does come?
Will your product range look different? Will your distribution look different? How quickly will you be able to scale up?
I'm certainly not suggesting you make these moves now.
But asking the questions now and reviewing your systems and process to make sure you are ready, just in case the Boom does come...just seems like a smart thing to do.
postCOVID19 #roaring20s #strategicplanning
You need to be different to stand out and get notice.
Right?
Well, kind of.
But if you're a personal trainer, for example. How can you make yourself different?
It's tough.
There are a gazillion personal trainers out there. Surely by now every possible variation on personal training has already been taken.
As Oscar Wilde told us, 'Be yourself. Everyone else is already taken'
It doesn't matter if there's someone else out there doing the same as you.
As long as you do it authentically to who you are, then you will be different.
Whatever your product or service, don't try to force yourself to be different from the competition. If you do, it will probably come off and insincere.
Instead, focus on simply being authentic.
authentic #bedifferent #differentiation
A big part of the reason for the success of Clubhouse and the reason that so many other similar products and platforms, like Twitter Spaces, are emerging at this time is that we've been missing the serendipity that happens in a live voice conversation.
Sure, the human connection aspect is a big part of it too.
But I believe that over recent years with the rise of the short messaging platforms, we have lost much of the serendipity that we would otherwise have if we were using just talking to each other.
You never know exactly where a live voice conversation will end up or what twists and turns you will take to get there.
Yes, the COVID-19 pandemic has helped ensure these voice platforms get traction.
But it is the Serendipity of Conversation that will ensure they continue beyond that.
serendipity #conversation #discovery
Mr. Beast is a YouTube sensation. Apparently the highest earner on the platform in 2020.
And now...he has a chain of Mr. Beast Burger restaurants.
Check out the story here - https://bit.ly/3rOltgS
And you could do something similar in your business.
If you have a Spa business, partner with a Spa Blogger to create a unique package of treatments, products & services based on her personal preferences.
Then brand it with her name.
Then for 2 days create the 'Susie Spa Experience' at your spa.
If you have a restaurant, invite a Food influencer to create his ideal menu. And do the same.
You don't necessarily need to create new menu items. Just have them select their favourites from what you already have.
Whatever your product or service, there is probably an influencer out there who you could partner with to create their special branded Flash or Pop-Up experience.
influencer #cobranding #partnerships
There are at least two different dimensions to that statement.
Firstly, who determines what is 'good'?
Is it you? The consumer? The experts?
It's a highly subjective term.
When we set out to find a 'good' answer, we already have a pre-conceived idea of what 'good' means. If you come to me with an answer that doesn't fit my ideas, then I may perceive it as a bad idea, when in fact, it is the right idea.
Secondly, maybe the idea that you presented may be wrong for this problem, but it could be perfect for another problem.
And if you want to take that a step further, if we have misdiagnosed the problem in the first place...it may well be the right answer after all.
What do you think?
Do you see any other dimensions with this quote?
PS: Thanks to Nick Day for sharing.
goodideas #problemsolving #perspective
Most of us have already been slotted into a pigeon hole.
He's a Branding Guy.
She's a Hotel Gal.
He's a Spa Guy.
She's a Tech Gal.
But the great thing about social media platforms is that they give you the opportunity to reinvent yourself.
I'm definitely NOT suggesting that you pretend to be something that you're not.
But we all have multiple dimensions to who we are as a person.
These platforms, like Clubhouse, give us all the chance to dabble in another space, without throwing away all that we have established in our current or previous life.
Give it a try. Just be genuine.
socialmediaplatform #reinventyourself #clubhouse
Don't waste your time, effort and money on trying to sell something to someone who you don't know is ready, willing and able to buy.
Common sense, right?
But oftentimes our messaging in our social media is filled with sales messages.
Just because you have highly segmented and targeted your audience doesn't mean that they are necessarily in the mood or mode to buy.
If you don't know that your prospect is warm to the idea of buying, focus on branding messages instead.
Sell to the Warm. Brand to the Rest.
selling #branding #maketing
I've been saying for a long time now that I'm a big believer in Voice as the platform of the future.
There are a number of reasons that I believed this.
Voice is quick and easy, compared to writing or recording a video, for example.
Voice is friction-free.
Voice is passive. It allows you to listen while you're doing other things. You don't need to sit in front of the screen.
But after being pulled into the Clubhouse Vortex for the past 48 hours, I realised I was missing something.
The real magic of Voice, is the human connection that it gives you.
You can feel if someone is happy, sad, angry, bored, etc just from the sound of their voice.
That is the Power of Voice.
Combined that with the real-time, drop-in format adopted by Clubhouse and you have a super compelling platform.
Voice #platforms #clubhouse
300 hours of video content is uploaded to YouTube every MINUTE!
995 photos are uploaded to Instagram every SECOND!
4,000 photos are uploaded on Facebook every SECOND!
And in 2020 there were 17,000 new podcasts created every WEEK!
Even little ol' me has now published 1,165 episodes of this show.
There is just a ridiculous amount of content out there.
Yet we are continually being told that if you want to be an Influencer and bring value to your audience, you need to create more content.
You do NOT!
You can bring just as much, if not more, value by curating content from other people that is relative to your audience.
(Be sure to give the right attribution to the creator though)
Become the Taste Maker rather than the Content Creator.
contentcreator #curator #influencer
Finally! I am now on Clubhouse!
I've had my eye on this one for a while now and just itching to get invited in.
Thanks to Trevor, I got one!
Clubhouse describes itself as 'drop-in audio chat'.
And I guess that's about as good a way as any to describe it.
So...now that I'm in...what do you want to talk about?
If you're on Clubhouse, please do connect with me and let's get Club-in'...or House-in' or whatever they call it!
You can find me there @trentmunday
clubhouse #audio #socialnetworks
We've all seen those job ads that offer a salary range, based on the candidate's skills and experience.
Invariably, the successful candidate finds themselves offered a salary which is not at the top of that range.
The reason given of course is that they didn't have quite the skills & experience their new employer was looking for. So they end up with 10% less than the top salary that was on offer.
Are they now expected to work 10% less? No.
Were they the best candidate available? Presumably yes, otherwise they wouldn't have been offered the job.
So, you get the job. But you're not quite good enough. We're really settling. So we'll give you less and then, if you can prove your value, we'll consider an increase later.
Not super motivating. In fact, probably more demotivating than anything.
Instead, why not offer them the top of the salary range from Day 1?
If they don't meet the agreed performance criteria within 6 months, then adjust their salary down.
Thoughts?
salarynegotiation #newemployee #hiringprocess
Yesterday we discussed how, if we accept that Shame and Fear are the biggest motivators of consumer behaviour, then maybe the Wellness industry has been built on Fear.
I think that warrants a little deeper consideration.
Why?
Because we Wellness people tend to be a positive lot. We don't want to be seen as negative. And Fear is a negative emotion.
So, if our consumers are motivated by Fear, but we are looking at everything through rose-coloured glasses...are we missing the mark?
Are we missing the mark in terms of our messaging?
More importantly, are we missing the mark in terms of the products and services that we are creating for our consumers?
Your thoughts?
wellness #consumerbehaviour #askingquestions
We know that much of our behaviour happens without us really thinking about it.
We also know that our customers make much of their purchasing decisions for emotional reasons, not rational ones.
Till Boadella suggests that Fear and Shame are two of the biggest motivators of buying behaviour.
The Fitness Industry, Beauty Industry, Dating Industry and even the Porn Industry are all built on Shame.
I don't fit in. I don't look pretty. I'm not good enough.
And as for Fear...well, we're living through a great example of it right now with COVID-19.
The Insurance Industry, Medical Industry and even the Wellness Industry are are all built on Fear.
We're not running towards being better, we're running away from being worse...because we're scared.
So, through this lens, how could you modify your marketing and especially our messaging to ensure that you can trigger those emotions of Fear and Shame?
Here's the link to Till Boadella's website - https://bit.ly/3cpUBz6
fear #shame #consumerbehaviour
I have a confession to make...
I have become a Lululemon Man!
Since I started my new burst of fitness activities about 5 months I have be wearing Lululemon gear...and I'm a Fan!
One thing I love is finding the hidden motivational messages inside the garments.
'Better Everyday' is on the inside on one shirt.
'Find Your Focus' is on the inside sleeve of another.
What I love most about these messages is that they are only for the fans. Only for those who own the product.
Only YOU know the secret.
They're not overt, in-your-face branding messages for all to see.
And this is a strategy that could be applied to just about any product.
Put your message on the underside of the box, on the inside of the packaging, on the inside of the lid.
Anywhere you like...as long as it's not plain to see for all.
Share the secret...but only with your fans!
branding #messaging #marketing
I think it'd be pretty naive to think that something that has caused such a dramatic change in our behaviours over such a sustained period of time, like this COVID-19 Pandemic has, will not lead to long lasting changes in the way we live our lives.
Looking at my own behaviours over the past year or so, I have become more Patient. I've had to. I've had no choice.
I've also become more Empathetic.
Now, I know many will recall the crazy scenes at supermarkets when people were hoarding toilet paper and pasta, with no thought for their fellow man.
Not a lot of Empathy being shown there.
But that was just our survival instinct. (yes, somehow people saw toilet paper as essential to their survival!?!)
Once we got over that though, we have been bombarded with stories every day of the terrible plight of others around the world.
That can't help but lead to more empathy for what others are facing.
So, if Patience & Empathy are going to be at the forefront of our behaviours Post COVID-19, how does that impact your business.
Maybe quick service won't be so important?
Maybe the brand stories that show empathy will resonate more deeply?
What do you think?
patience #empathy #postCOVID19
Often time it's a good idea to try to copy what the big brands do.
They have the money and resources to get it right when it comes to website designs, social media strategies, advertising campaigns, etc.
But when it comes to marketing, it's important to remember there's a key difference in what they're doing compared to what you're probably doing.
With brands like McDonalds, Coca-Cola, Apple, etc., everybody already knows what products and services they sell and the value they represent.
So much of their marketing is focussed on Branding.
Chances are, much of what your marketing should be focussed on is Selling.
For Coca-Cola, sticking their logo everywhere they can makes sense. It helps them stay front on mind.
For your business, paying big money to put your logo on the back of a team shirt is unlikely to have the same impact.
More useful advice like this is Till Boadella's book 'The 7 Laws of Direct Marketing'. Here's a link to Till's site - http://bit.ly/3cpUBz6
directmarketing #branding #selling
Anyone who's ever managed the P&L of a business or a department would be familiar with the line item under Expenses for Marketing.
Unfortunately, many businesses use this for just part of the marketing puzzle. Usually, for expenses related to advertising, promotions & sales.
But Marketing is much more than that.
Marketing is about creating products and services to meet the wants and needs of a consumer.
Tom Goodwin recently suggested that if we treated Marketing not as an Expense but as an Investment, maybe it would be taken more seriously.
I'm not sure if that would even be allowed under the accepted Accounting Standards (Does anybody know?)
But regardless, if companies just made the shift in mindset internally, it might work just the same.
I like it! What do you think?
marketing #investment #businessstrategy
UNICEF has recently reported that over 30 billion school meals have been missed since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic as a result of school closures around the world.
In many of poorer and vulnerable communities this has already led to a major nutrition crisis as the school meal is often the one nutritional meal many of these kids get each day.
At the other end of the spectrum, a number of folks in more developed and wealthier communities have turned to fast food and comfort food during their home lockdowns.
This too is having considerable impact on their nutrition levels which has the potential to have long lasting impact on their health.
Thus, there is likely to be an increased demand in the future for nutritional deficiency treatments, supplements, advice, etc.
Here's the latest from UNICEF - https://www.unicef.org/press-releases/nutrition-crisis-looms-more-39-billion-school-meals-missed-start-pandemic-unicef-and
nutrition #COVID19impacts #wellness
NOTE: This is NOT a post about Job Redundancies! No amount of of that kind of redundancy is good, if you're the one losing you're job!
But redundancy in terms of language and explanation.
When you send someone a bouquet of flowers with a note saying 'Happy Anniversary' or 'Thinking of you on this special day'.
Chances are, the person receiving knows what the special day is. The note isn't really necessary. It's redundant.
But we do it anyway.
Or Happy Birthday cards. What other kind of birthday card is there? Of course you're wishing them a Happy birthday. The 'Happy' bit is redundant.
But we do it anyway. As if to reinforce the message.
However, in our businesses, we often go the other way.
We assume that our customers, guests and clients just understand our jargon, acronyms, systems and processes.
Often, they do not.
So spend a bit more time looking at over-communicating in this situation. Risk being a bit redundant to the many, for the sake of putting the few at ease.
It's worth the effort.
PS: Thanks to Seth Godin for sending me down this rabbit hole.
redundant #clarification #communication
Being disciplined about something that doesn't really excite you, like exercise, is difficult.
Being disciplined about doing something you enjoy, is easy.
So try taking something that you enjoy, applying a level of discipline to the way you do it - eg: duration, frequency, etc - then, after a while, try taking on that exercise plan that you've been dreading.
You may well find that once you have created the Habit of Discipline, you can apply it to just about anything.
discipline #habit #routine
You've no doubt heard the cliche...
'I don't see problems. I just see opportunities.'
and...
'In every challenge lies an opportunity.'
Well, the first one I think is just rubbish we tell ourselves when we're trying to pretend that problems don't bother us.
But the second one, the part about challenges being opportunities, is very real and something that not enough businesses spend time focussing on.
Spend time identifying every little challenge that your customers experience with your business. Each one is an opportunity to fix it. And that is a chance to Surprise & Delight your customers.
But be aware that just because it is an opportunity, doesn't mean that it will always be financially viable to fix it and exploit it.
challenges #opportunities #fixit
Reading books should open the door to a new world for the reader.
That's why Fran Lebowitz enjoys the serendipity of walking into a book store, discovering a book, and just reading it.
Unfortunately today, many of us spend our time on the internet and on social media instead.
And thanks to the algorithms, social media is much more of a reflection of who we already are. It's a mirror.
We need to do better. We need to work harder.
Focus on using the internet just as you used to use books...as a door, not a mirror.
Here's a link to Ep. 52 of this show where I spoke about Windows Not Mirrors - https://apple.co/2n0HFoT
discovertheworld #readabook #alwayslearning
This is a timely Reality Check and Self-Awareness Check for all the managers and leaders out there.
When people say they respect your opinion...they may do.
But chances are what they're really respecting is your right to have that opinion.
When subordinates say they respect your authority...they may do.
But chances are what they respect is that the 'system' has decided to put you in a position of authority.
Even if they don't respect you...they will do as you say because they will defer to the position of authority that you hold.
Respect is hard-earned.
Deference comes from something that is bestowed up on you. Like authority.
That's how I see it.
How about you?
respect #authority #selfawareness
This is a NOT a COVID-19 related question.
It's not about whether your business is considered to be an 'essential service'.
The question is, would your customers and clients be at a loss if your business did not exist.
And if the answer to that question is no, then you have two options.
Option 1 - change the form of your business in some way that makes it more compelling and necessary.
Option 2 - Get Out!
businessstrategy #relevance #reinventingbusiness
If you're still thinking in terms of B2B or B2C you may well be missing the whole point.
In his new book The Ministry of Common Sense, Martin Lindstrom suggests that the important thing to remember is that your business is actually all about H2H...Human to Human.
Whether you're selling to another business or an end user, you're ultimately selling to another human.
Here's a link to the book - http://bit.ly/3obzdQd
And here's a link to the Part I of my 8 Part Interview with Martin on a range of topics from Branding to WeightWatchers to Wellness - https://bit.ly/3659Eu3
commonsense #B2B #B2C
There are many so-called hereditary ailments and diseases.
Diseases to which we have a genetic predisposition.
However, time and again, science has shown us that whilst your genes may well show a predisposition towards a certain condition, that does not necessarily mean it is your destiny.
Oftentimes it is possible to avoid such an outcome by making meaningful changes to your diet and your lifestyle.
So says Dr. Mark Hyman (and many others for that matter)
Take control of your destiny.
Here's a link to Dr. Hyman's site if you'd like to learn more. http://bit.ly/3iBOrNl
genetics #functionalmedicine #wellness
The concept is not new. Arguably, it's as old as money itself.
But it seems this advice can only ever be given by someone a bit older to someone who's a bit younger.
But not always.
They key is in the term 'Relatively Speaking'.
Both Rich and Slow are relative to you. Nobody else.
The problem comes when we measure both by somebody else's definition.
getrich #wealth #happiness
'Intuition is not found in books.'
That's a great line from the series Queen's Gambit on Netflix.
But perhaps it is the information and knowledge found in books that gives you the confidence to unlock and unleash your intuition?
intuition #knowledge #confidence
When it comes to opinions, just about everyone has one.
Some say the last thing we need is another opinion. We have enough already.
I disagree.
Because differing opinions lead to discussions...and THAT is where the value is.
Problems arise, of course, when opinions are presented as facts.
However, as long as we acknowledge all opinions for what they are, just opinions, I say...bring 'em on!
opinions #discussions #debate
The Oracle of Omaha has a great knack of simplifying some of the more complex financial theories.
When quizzed recently on the relationship between Consumption and Income, in a macroeconomic context, his reply was so beautifully simple that we could all learn from it.
'Match your Consumption to your Income, not the other way around.'
It sounds simple enough, but many of us often find ourselves on this endless consumption loop. When we do that, we're always looking to increase our consumption.
But Mr. Buffett's approach is much more likely to lead you to happiness and in so doing, success.
warrenbuffett #financialadvice #consumption
Work From Home has gone mainstream as a result of the lockdowns and restrictions imposed due to the coronavirus.
Once something most companies would never seriously consider. Today it's the preferred way to do business - either by choice or by decree.
And that might prove to be the great equaliser for many physically disabled folks around the world who have been previously excluded from the workforce.
Whilst some countries, cities and companies do a great job at providing accessibility for these folks. Many do not.
Moving forward, maybe a lack of accessibility will no longer be a barrier to joining the workforce.
workfromhome #disabledpeople #disabledaccess
I believe we have finally reached the tipping point.
We are about to end The Golden Age of Wellness.
Sadly, it took a global pandemic to get us here...but we're here.
Never before have so many people around the world being speaking about Mental Wellness, Emotional Wellness, the Wellness of Contact & Connection, etc, etc.
For many people these topics were not so long ago considered to be a bit fluffy. Things that, even if they were missing from our lives, wouldn't be a a big deal.
Now, as a result of extended lockdowns and social distancing, they know different.
wellness #wellnessbusiness #tippingpoint
We usually think of branding as a way for someone who wants your product to be able to differentiate it from your competitors.
But today, as I saw a car with one of those roof top storage boxes on top and tried to think of what those things are called, I realised that this is a prime opportunity for a brand to win a place in my mind.
As the car drove by and I continued to search my mind for the answer, I saw a brand on the box - TAKA.
So now, instead of searching google for 'Car Roof Top Storage Box', I will add the word TAKA to the start of that search.
And thus, this brand is now firmly cemented in my mind...and I'm not even looking to buy one.
Because I didn't understand what it was and TAKA branded it, they've won the coveted place in the mind of this consumer.
branding #brandrecall #brandrecognition
We've all seen lots of people complaining about the challenges of working from home.
The crappy internet. No quiet space. The kids. The dog.
But consider this perspective...
If you're working from home it means #1 you still have a job & #2 you still have a home.
Many people have lost both as a result of this crisis.
Consider yourself lucky...doubly so.
perspective #workfromhome #grateful
By locking people down we are denying them their basic human need for contact and connection.
By social distancing we are doing the same.
By forcing these so-called 'Non-Essential' businesses like Spas to close, we do the same.
In some countries, like here in Malaysia, even Chiropractors and Traditional Chinese Medicine practitioners are considered non-essential and so needed to close when we went into full lockdown.
But all of these activities are part of people's overall Wellness and Wellbeing.
So, when we lock all these services down, along with that...Wellness Is On Lockdown!
PS: This is not a statement about the merits of lockdowns. Rather, an observation about the impact.
NB: Credit to Angela Smith for the quote.
wellness #wellbeing #lockdown
With the right perspective, this can be a very empowering statement.
It's not your fault that things are this way. It's not my fault either. And so with that, all you can do is go ahead and make the most of the situation. Just do your best.
And you're now accountable.
There's no point complaining about how unfair it all is. It is what it is. So just get on with it.
You don't have to change the world. You can try to if you really want to.
But regardless...The World Is As It Is.
To me, that's kinda nice to know.
quotestoliveby #accountability #empowering
There's no point waiting until summertime when it's hot and you need shade to start thinking about planting a tree.
You have to plant your tree well before so that it has time to grow and then, when you need it, it can provide you with that shade.
The same applies to your career.
If you're uncertain about the stability of your job or even if you're just not particularly happy in your current job, start looking around now.
Check out the job boards. See what jobs are out there. Start looking into the companies that have job in your area of interest. Work out what skillset might be required for your future job. Start networking and building relationships with those in the space you're interested in.
You don't have to apply for any jobs yet if you're not ready to.
But at least start planting your trees...career-wise.
careermove #careerchange #careermanagement
With so many skilled, experienced & talented people currently out of work as a result of the COVID-19 crisis, this is the perfect time for a Global Mentor Marketplace.
These people with all this wealth of knowledge and information are now ready, willing and able to share their expertise...in return for a bit of money.
And on the mentee side, well, there's always a ready supply of people seeking expert opinions, advice and guidance.
So, Linkedin...what are you waiting for?
You have the ideal platform to add this feature to.
Just let me tick a box that says 'Yes, I'm available to be a mentor.'
And 'My hourly rate is...'
The platform can take a 20% fee.
The mentors can take 80%.
The mentees can get the valuable advice they need.
Surely this is a no-brainer!?!
mentoring #mentee #marketplaces
A few years back when we had a major financial crisis, governments did what they could to prop up their banks and financial institutions because they were deemed to be Too Big To Fail.
The logic went that if these companies collapsed then the entire economy of these countries would implode.
Now, consider this.
In many countries SMEs - Small & Medium Enterprises - represent 30%, 40%, 50%+ of the national GDP and oftentimes more than 50% of the country's workforce.
So actually it is Small Business that is Too Big To Fail.
Be sure to support your local businesses whenever you can.
And be mindful that government efforts to prop up small business in general is not just good for those businesses, it might be the key to he survival of the entire economy.
SMEs #smallbusiness #SMBs
Since I've lost a bit of weight in recent months I number of people have said to me, 'You Must feel so much better now?'
Logically, I want to say yes.
However, the truth is I never felt that bad before and I'm not sure that I do necessarily feel any better today than I did back then.
But it doesn't matter.
I know that losing a bit of weight, doing a bit more exercise is ultimately good for me. And that's all I need to know.
The 'Vanity Metric', to borrow a term from social media, of people saying I look better, doesn't really matter.
Just like those social media vanity metrics of Likes, Shares, Comments, etc don't really matter either.
Do what you know is better.
vanitymetrics #lookgoodfeelgood #bebetter
A Cash Flow forecast for any business is super critical and especially so for a small business.
But in times of uncertainty like we're going through right now, it's easy to let your Cash Flow statement lull you into a false sense of security.
So be careful.
The reality is, in times of uncertainty, you simply can not be certain of when your cash will come in or when your business will pick up again, requiring more cash flowing out for stock and supplies.
At times like this, businesses will often just take their current month's figures and then extrapolate that over a period of 6 or 12 months.
The problem comes is your current month's figures represent a peak period - which, by the way, you may not even know yet - then extrapolating these figures might leave you short of cash inflows in a few months as the business drops off again.
So, YES, please do a Cash Flow. And review it every month.
But just be aware that we're living in uncertain times and so your position may change at any time.
cashflow #forecasting #uncertaintimes
This is the time of year when everyone's talking about their New Years Resolutions.
9-10 months from now, most of them will be sitting back wondering why they didn't manage to achieve them.
The answer, of course, is pretty simple.
They simply didn't do they work to make the changes they needed to make.
They didn't create the good habits.
As my Lockdown Yard Time buddy @realtalkwithd asked yesterday...
'How many people are figuring out resolutions aren't nearly as meaningful as habits?'
Get it.
Create good habits. Do the work. Job done!
BTW - here's a link to Ep. 396 where I shared Tim Ferriss' Past Year Assessment idea - https://bit.ly/35bFYuL
newyearsresolution #successfulhabits #makethechange
Bruce Poon Tip, founder of travel company G Adventures, recently suggested that the collective travel industry could be considered the largest startup in the world today.
Now, you could argue that's a bit of a stretch. Or even an oversimplification.
However, it is a perspective worth exploring.
Many businesses in and around the travel space have been decimated and effectively brought back to zero as a result of the COVID-19 crisis.
So, assuming that the travel industry does recover again at some stage, many of the old legacy players will no longer have their massive moats and barriers to entry.
The landscape will indeed be ripe for disruption.
Perfect conditions for startups.
travelindustry #startups #opportunity
NB: Thanks to Dennis Schaal for the tweet!
Most of us tend to define our career success purely in terms of output - in terms of quality &/or quantity.
But Sam Spurlin reckons the better way to think about career success is in terms of the ratio of Effort (in terms of time, creativity, emotion, etc) to create that Output.
As Sam says, this allows more leverage points for thinking and behaving differently.
What I like about this perspective is that it's also a great way to hold ourselves more accountable for our own success.
Didn't achieve all you'd hope? Take a look at the Effort you put in. Now consider the ration of Effort to Output.
careersuccess #effort #output
Many cities around the world cancelled their New Years Eve fireworks displays due to concerns about COVID-19.
A few went ahead with a synchronised drone light show instead.
Could these drone displays one day replace the fireworks completely?
Maybe.
Think about it.
Fireworks are noisey, smokey and certainly not cheap.
Drones are relatively noise free and no other real pollution concerns.
And as the technology gets cheaper, I think drones may well be a great alternative to fireworks.
Perhaps this year will prove to a tipping point for the end of fireworks displays?
fireworks #drones #tippingpoint
Today is the first day of the new year.
This is the day that so many have been waiting for...to start that next thing.
The new diet. The new exercise program. The next job search.
But why? Why do we wait?
Is today really any better than yesterday was?
We tell ourselves that by that future date that we've set, we'll be ready. Better prepared.
But is that really true or just the story we tell ourselves?
All we really achieve by setting these future start dates is that we rob ourselves of the few extra days of progress we could have made if we started now.
So...What Are You Waiting For?
waiting #takeaction #procrastination
There's often a lot of anxiety at this time of year as we reflect and realise we didn't achieve all we'd hoped to this year or that we haven't arrived at the place where we thought we would be by now.
What we need to realise though...is that we've still got time.
If you're in your 50's and lost your job and worried that you'll have to find another career...that's ok. Why not? It's not too late for your Act 2 or even Act 3.
If you're in your 30's and still haven't decided on the right career path for you...again, it's ok. You have plenty of time.
For any age group, the advise applies.
Just go out, find a job doing anything. Not just to keep money coming in, but also to keep you engaged.
No job needs to define you...unless you chose to let it.
And there's plenty of time left for your next Act.
Happy New Year!
careerchange #uncertainty #nevertoolate
William Shakespeare said, "Expectations are the root of all heartache."
That makes sense.
People have expectations. They aren't met. They're disappointed.
Many of us like to think we know what others are expecting from us.
But we can never really be sure.
The only chance you have of countering those expectations and avoiding potential disappointment is to communicate. In fact, over communicate.
communicate #expectations #transparency
Empathy is a big part of what makes us human.
The ability to have understanding and compassion for others.
But with the dramatic changes in behaviour during 2020, I wonder what that will mean for our ability to empathise in the years to come.
Half of our faces are covered by masks and so much of a person's emotion is hidden from us.
We are living our lives through a ZOOM lens. On virtual video calls. can we really understand the world through such a lens?
And let's not forget about the survival instincts that kicked in when lockdowns were announced and supermarket shelves were stripped of toilet paper and pasta.
These were certainly short-term changes in our ability to be empathetic.
But will they have long-term impacts too?
And if so...what does that mean for the future of society as we know it?
empathy #COVID19impacts #compassion
Lockdowns and Work From Home has changed many habits and behaviours in 2020.
One of those changes for me has been wearing a watch.
I have a clock on my wall, on my laptop, on my TV, on my phone, in my car, and now...on my 'Garmin Fitbit' (ie: my activity tracker).
Do I really need to wear a watch too?
I don't think so.
So what of the Apple Watch? Will they rebrand it at some stage? After all, people don't really buy it for the watch?
Or, as with the iPhone, will they keep the 'watch' branding?
And what about the next generation of kids? Will they grow up wearing a watch?
watches #changinghabits #thefuture
Over the past 6 months or so I've spoken with 5 different teams launching a new business.
A digital-first startup.
All of them talk about Scale...A LOT!
But what not enough of them are talking about is Relevance.
And THAT is the real key to success.
If your product or service is not Relevant to your customers, you may never have to worry about Scale.
scalingup #relevance #startups
I always used to believe that if you're going to donate money or time to a charity that you should do so quietly.
If not, it can come across like you want to be recognised and thanked for the effort.
But I think I've changed my mind on this one.
As long as your intent is pure, I now believe you should be as loud as you want about your charity.
Because the more noise you make, the more your cause is amplified and the more chance you have of getting it noticed by other people.
That in turn will hopefully lead to more people getting on board to help too.
So...with that in mind...here's a link to the Kitojo Empowered Girls School Project in Uganda that we're trying to raise some money for so they can keep helping break the poverty cycle for these kids...
https://lnkd.in/gSQPp2E
Appreciate your help if you can.
publicity #socialchange #charitablegiving
My ONE wish this Christmas is to help Lucky Asiimwe and his team at the Kitojo Empowered Girls School.
Kitojo is a rural village in Western Uganda and Lucky set up a school a few years ago to help the poor, underprivileged and often orphaned girls break the cycle of poverty.
Many of these kids never get the chance to finish primary school.
Instead they're forced to work from a very early age in the local stone quarries to help generate income for their families.
Ultimately, we're trying to make this school self-sustaining by farming crops and making products that can be sold in the local markets.
Right now, our priority is to raise money to pay for teachers, cooks, security, nurse, etc at the school.
Just AUD $17,000 is enough to pay all these salaries for 1 year.
If you can possibly spare a few bucks, it would mean the world to me if you could click the link below and donate.
If you can't, no worries. But maybe you could help share this link with the people in your network.
https://www.mycause.com.au/page/242757/kitojo-empowered-girls-school-uganda/1
This is a good thing.
Merry Christmas!
fundraising #breakthecycle #empoweringwomen
Surprise & Delight is a great concept for your business and your customers.
Randomly send them a small gift every now and then.
Offer them a discount on a purchase occasionally, just to say Thanks.
But there's one additional element at Christmas time that makes it a little harder to Surprise AND Delight your family and friends.
And that is...expectations.
We all have expectations around the gifts we're going to get for Christmas.
Maybe that's due to the subtle hints you've been dropping in the months leading up to Christmas.
Or maybe just based on the gift you received last year.
Chances are, if you receive Delight - ie: the gift you wanted - it won't be a surprise. You expected it.
And if you do get a Surprise, there's a good chance it won't Delight you because you didn't get what you wanted.
NB: For Trent's Special Tip For Christmas Gift Giving...tune in.
expectations #surprise #delight
Those of us who tend to see things a bit differently and who are often able to see opportunities where others do not, tend to believe we need to be at the centre of that change.
That's where we can make the most impact.
That's where we can best reap the rewards.
Or so we tell ourselves.
But often that's just our ego talking.
Sometimes it makes more sense to sit on the fringes of that change while someone else drives it.
That way, as you watch and listen, you will be able to respond and react, often with much more flexibility.
And in doing so you may well be capitalise on that change even more than if you were at the centre of it.
change #opportunity #fringe
The internet, and all the things that live on the internet, like social media, allows you to sell just about any product or service you just about anyone.
But of course, just as it allows you to do that, so too does it allow anyone else to do the same.
Thus, essentially Commoditising Everything.
Except, according to Gary Vaynerchuck, your ability to communicate.
The key to success is identifying what form of communication works best for you.
Is it video? Audio? The written word? Or even a Zoom call?
Once you've worked that out, double down.
communication #internet #socialmedia
COVID-19 has resulted in many of us 'Working From Home'.
In fact, the new reality we're finding is that we could really Work From Anywhere, in many cases.
Most see this as an opportunity for companies to save money on their corporate offices and for the workers to get a better Work-Life balance.
But there's another opportunity.
If you have a consumer-facing or client-facing business, consider creating spaces and environments in your shop or business where visiting customers can stay a bit longer and do some of their work.
Maybe your customers will stay a bit longer.
That gives them a chance to build a stronger connection to your brand.
They might even spend a little extra money too.
businessidea #outsidethebox #thinkdifferently
When it comes to assigning blame for something, we're often good at point the finger at someone else.
But Gary Vaynerchuck's idea of pointing thumbs instead of pointing fingers is sometimes the reminder we need when it comes to accountability.
The thumbs point back at you.
It's a great perspective on accountability.
accountability #responsibility #blame
As humans we tend to be fascinated by the extraordinary, not the tedious.
We love the big, hairy, audacious goals.
We want to be the one to build the next Facebook or Amazon or Apple.
To be the next Zuckerberg or Bezos or Jobs.
But for all but a rare few, that's just never going to happen.
Instead, maybe the way you can make the biggest impact in the world is by focussing on the tedious.
And while you're there, you may well stumble upon that subtle tweak or iteration that leads you to the next big breakthrough. Who knows?
littlethings #bigideas #realitycheck
What will you do if you do NOT get this job?
Imagine being asked that question towards the end of your job interview.
It's a great question on a few different levels.
Most candidates probably wouldn't expect a question like that so it's not one that they would have prepared an answer for.
That means they'll need to think on their feet.
How do they handle that? Do they get flustered? Or are they cool and calm?
It's also a question that challenges candidates to be honest.
The honest answer for you might be that you'll go home and keep applying for other jobs because you need a job. But would you say that?
Maybe you'll go an apply at their rival company? But do you tell them that?
Great question.
Now...What's the toughest job interview question you've ever been asked?
jobinterviewquestions #jobinterviewhelp #jobapplicants
We all have at least a few key messages that we want people to hear.
The problem is, people are often too busy or too distracted to hear them.
There's just so much noise out there.
Most of us have pretty short attention spans.
BUT...if you can distil your message down to just one or two words or a phrase or even a couple of images so that it could fit on a t-shirt...I reckon you're on the right track.
Because that means that your message is clear enough, succinct enough and obvious enough for people to absorb it with just a quick glance.
PS: Beverley Spencer's got some good ones. https://www.linkedin.com/in/beverley-spencer-39aa8017/
attentionspan #marketing #concise
We're generally pretty good at telling ourselves a story and then convincing ourselves that it's true.
The problem comes when we consistently get data and feedback that supports the story we want to believe, we confuse that consistency with accuracy.
For example, when you go to a hotel and step on the scales in the bathroom and it shows 2 kg heavier than what your scales at home say.
You convince yourself that the one at home is correct.
Partly because that's the story you want to believe and partly because the scales at home have been consistently giving you feedback that supports that story.
So think about, in your business, what data are you getting that is consistently supporting the story you want to believe - even though it may not necessarily be accurate.
consistency #accuracy #realitycheck
I have a Garmin vivosmart 4 activity tracker.
But I refer to it as my Garmin Fitbit.
You see, to me, it's a Garmin device that has Fitbit-type functionality.
So, in that context, who has won the Battle of the Brands? Fitbit or Garmin?
Most would say Garmin wins because ultimately it was their product that I bought.
But to me, Fitbit actually has won the battle for that space in the mind of the consumer - me - for activity trackers.
Because, even though I wear a Garmin device every day, I still think of it and even refer to it out loud as my Garmin Fitbit.
And why is that?
The answers will help you solidify your own brand presence.
Stay tuned...
branding #brandrecall #brandidentity
Being ignorant can actually be really empowering.
As long as you understand that you actually are ignorant about that thing and then you're humble enough to go out and learn about it.
Often times we have just a little bit of knowledge and we are content that this is all we need.
The end result is, we think we know more than we really do.
But if you know you're ignorant and you then seek to learn, you will end up be far more informed.
PS: Thanks to Joe Rogan for that little gem on your podcast.
ignorance #alwayslearning #knowledgeispower
A lot of people are dealing with rejection at the moment.
Maybe they've been rejected from their job and be laid off or furloughed.
Maybe they've been applying for new jobs and getting rejection letters.
Rejection can rear its ugly head in may ways, shapes, forms and circumstances.
What's important in a time of rejection is that you don't tie that rejection to your self worth.
If you look to others for validation, it can be a slippery slope.
Instead, you need to be able to look internally for that validation.
Then, by all means, look externally for a bit of calibration with the marketplace.
But be comfortable that it's just calibration, not validation.
Self-Validation will go a long way to ensuring your long term happiness.
selfvalue #validation #selfawareness
The way we cope and react and respond to our situation and circumstances today will determine our future.
Just as the days behind us helped determine and define where we're at today.
It's not a new concept.
But I do think it's one, especially given the difficulties, stresses and strains many of us are facing right now, that is worth remembering.
perspective #quotestoliveby #lifelessons
Malaysian Airlines just sent me a little box with a few packets of their in-flight peanuts and a nice note from the CEO.
Super simple. Inexpensive. Yet impactful.
Whatever products you're selling in your business, you could do the same.
It doesn't have to be a big, expensive gift.
Something small. Send it directly to your loyal customers. Add a personal note.
It's that simple...AND impactful.
marketing #customerloyalty #makeanimpact
Gary Vaynerhuck has been saying for a long time now that the key to happiness is having zero expectations.
I've always believed the premise.
However trying to hold zero expectations is really hard. It seems almost unnatural.
BUT...I'm hear to tell you, it is something you can learn to be better at.
I'm finding that the more I give - in terms of my time, advice, etc - the less I am expecting from those to whom I give.
If you don't appreciate it? That's ok.
Don't agree with me? No problem.
And it really is an empowering thing.
So...keep at it.
expectations #empowering #selfawareness
Habits, of course, don't have to be bad.
We can build good habits too. Like exercise.
But once you've realised that your habits can actually help unlock your freedom, you'll embrace your habits even more.
You see, by embracing your habits it frees you up to think about and focus on other things.
And that can be a pretty empowering freedom.
habits #freedom #embracechange
We often talk about the importance of Customer Service and the process of identifying Customer Touch Points.
The problem with Customer Touch Points is...
- there are lots of them & 2. you don't always have control of them (like if I get your product or service via a distributor)
So instead, identify Customer Care Points - those points where your customer is perhaps facing some uncertainty about the purchase or maybe even when they need some post-purchase guidance and reassurance.
If you understand your customer's journey then you will understand those points where they need that little extra bit of care.
This is where you can the most impact.
Just like my health insurance company did yesterday. Take a look/listen...
customerservice #customercare #customerjourney
Today, a question for you.
And it's one that's had we stumped for years now.
I recently overheard two Indian ladies having a conversation in Hindi but in the in the middle of their discussion they mentioned 'Birthday Cake'.
Hang on! That's an English word.
Why don't they have a word for that in Hindi?
I understand that when the language was first created the concept of a Birthday Cake may not have existed in the culture. But today, I'm guessing everyone in India is familiar with the Birthday Cake.
The same is true of technology terms like Internet, Social Media & Ride Sharing.
Why did we come up for words for these things in English, but not in other languages?
Any ideas?
language #words #culture
This quote, from Anais Nin, is a nice little reminder of perspective and bias.
Oftentimes we like to think that we're keeping an open mind and assessing the situation on its merits.
But the reality is, we will always have some level of bias based on our own perspective, experience, knowledge or ignorance.
And when that happens, we tend to see things as WE are.
NB: Thanks to Tim Ferriss for the Tweet!
biases #perspective #realitycheck
The very word 'Charity' carries a certain amount of weight.
It can create a feeling of being beholden to someone else.
And that can be totally disempowering.
Maybe we could just use the word 'Help' instead.
Help is a much less intimidating word with perhaps an even more powerful impact.
charity #philanthropy #help
Self Awareness Check!
I am not a dancer. I am not a singer. And I'm not a great cook either.
But that's ok.
I don't need to be all those things...as long as I am aware that I am not.
That doesn't mean I can't dabble in them. Of course I can.
Indeed, if you're a small business owner, you have no choice. You have to be a Jack of All Trades.
But it's important to also understand at what point you need to seek help.
There's no point kidding yourself that you can do that thing well, or even well enough, when the truth is, you can't.
You have to know what you are not.
selfawareness #realitycheck #knowyourself
Just about every business I know claims to be super-focussed on their customer.
Yes those companies also spend a ridiculous amount of time and energy on looking at what their competition is doing.
But surely, if you truly understand your customer and are genuinely delivering for them, why would they even look at your competitors?
I see this a lot in all companies, but especially in new companies.
So, if you're starting a new venture, by all means, take a look at what your potential competitors are doing.
But just a glance.
Then, just focus all your energy on who you're doing it FOR.
customerfocused #customerfirst #competitiveedge
I've been thinking a lot about my own purchasing behaviours.
Specifically, how that behaviour has been impacted by COVID-19 with the various restrictions imposed on us all this year.
And I've come to the realisation that the key to success for your product or service lies somewhere in the between these 3 Elements.
Offer Efficiency for your customers.
Make it Convenient for them to buy your thing.
Become a Habit for your customer.
And it's that las one...Habit...that I reckon is the big one.
If you can become a Habit for me, I am willing to sacrifice a little Convenience and Efficiency just to get to your thing.
customervalue #habit #convenience #efficiency
3 YEARS!
Every day for 3 Years in a row.
That's how long I've been doing this show.
Thanks to all who have watched, listened and contributed over the journey.
Special thanks to Sayeed for helping out with my website, the daily thumbnails, etc.
Thanks to Kapwing for supporting the show with their awesome Subtitle Tool.
And of course extra special thank to my wife for putting up with 3 years of G'DAY and SEE YA!
Now...to the Give Away I promised...
5 x 1 hour slots with me for an Intelligent Conversation.
Anything YOU want to talk about...even Politics and Religion (if you really must?!?!)
Here's the link to book an Intelligent Conversation - https://bit.ly/3lseqGK
giveback #anniversary #dailypost
We often focus on identifying a gap or a need in the market and then crafting a solution to satisfy that need.
That can work pretty well for products, but not necessarily for services. especially when the 'services' are being delivered by you as an individual.
As a result of this current crisis, many people have lost their jobs and now find themselves with only their individual skills, talents and experience to rely on for an income.
So rather than trying to force your square peg of skills and experience in that round hole of a specific market need, try this...
-
identify the specific skills & experience that you have
-
seek out companies, brands, businesses, markets who have a need for your specific skillset
That way, you don't limit yourself to a specific market.
Remember, your skills could be useful to a much broader market than you realise.
Here's a link to the book I got this idea from - Though Leaders Practice - https://bit.ly/30pr7e1
skillset #thoughtleadership #marketneed
A race to the bottom is what happens when we try to be all things to all people.
It also happens when you continue to discount and drop your prices to gain market share, rather then try to differentiate on the merits of your product or service itself.
The problem with the race to the bottom is that you just might win!
And if you win, you might have to stay there.
Because now you own that dangerous place in the consumer's mind of being the cheaper choice, the discount option.
So...#1 be aware of when you are in a race to the bottom & #2 be prepared to pull out of that race before you win...or you might be down there forever.
PS: Thanks to Seth Godin again for the inspiration.
differentiator #marketing #positioning
Freedom is a noble thing.
But it is not without its consequences.
For with Freedom, comes Freedom of Choice and with that freedom comes inequality.
Some will use their freedom of choice to benefit others, while some will use it purely for selfish reasons and even to harm others financially, emotionally, physically, socially - all of the above.
So, by all means strive for your freedoms, but understand that they will not be unencumbered.
freedomofchoice #consequences #equality
Even a conversation about something as inane as the weather can be rewarding and enlightening if you're having it with an intelligent person.
At times of uncertainty like right now I find that many people actually become more open and honest to having intelligent conversations.
I guess it's because we're less worried about our own vulnerabilities when we now that everyone else is vulnerable too.
So go and seek out intelligent conversations - about any random topic you can imagine.
You'll thank me for it.
PS: Tuesday, 1st December marks the 3rd Anniversary of the Trent365! So Tune in then and I'll have a little giveaway to try to do my bit to help stimulate intelligent conversation.
conversation #alwayslearning #expandyourmind
I've found that one of the biggest stumbling blocks stopping ordinary people from telling their story is that they don't really even know what their story is.
Not yet knowing how their story ends or even how they want it end is another big factor. But it's more than that.
We're all a work in progress...and so is our story.
The true magic or your story will only really unfold as you start to tell it. Just like you, your story is constantly developing.
So stop waiting to have the storyline all mapped out.
Just start telling your story.
PS: Thanks to Beau Miles for the inspiration. Check out Beau's AWESOME YouTube channel here to get a taste of what great storytelling is all about... https://bit.ly/37fRbLk
storytelling #journey #yourstory
Every hotel is focussing on making their property COVID-Safe right now.
That's the absolute minimum requirement.
It certainly doesn't give you any meaningful USP.
However, if a hotel can succeed in offering real Wellness throughout the property, that can indeed become a USP.
A number of companies over recent years have tried their version of a Wellness hotel room. Most haven't really done a great job.
SPOILER ALERT - I happen to know of one company planning to launch a new Wellness hotel room concept in just a few weeks. I've seen it. It looks really promising. As soon as they launch, I'll be sure to let you know.
wellness #hotels #USP
10-12 years ago, it seems like every company was tooting their Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) horn.
Today, CSR is a term we hardly even hear anymore.
That's because they values and principles of CSR have become so woven into the fabric of our organisations, that we don't really need a label for them anymore.
I don't want to hear that you have a CSR Programme. I want to hear what your company is doing to support the education of young people in your community, for example.
And this is where I believe we will be with Wellness in the next 10-12 years.
Right now, Wellness is something just about every company is talking about. Either internally for their people or externally for their customers and clients.
But in 10 years time, they will be specifically talking about what they're doing to help their employees eat better, sleep better and generally lead more well lives. We'll no longer need a label for it.
What do you think?
wellness #corporatesocialresponsibility #organisations
Why is it that we can find a million reasons why we should change, but then it only takes one reason for us not to?
I guess it's human nature.
Change, for many of us, means uncertainty and risk.
And by nature, most of us don't like risk.
Even when all the data, all the intelligence, all the research tells us we are wrong, it takes just one small sliver of data that suggest we might actually be right to convince ourselves that we're on the right path.
Maybe it's time for you to be a little more critical of the data you chose to accept.
change #humannature #excuses
As an organisation, you can have all the best intentions in the world, but if the incentives you have in place for your people are not closely aligned with those intentions, you're probably going to fall short at some stage.
If the manager is incentivised on bottom line performance, they'll likely choose the cheaper supplier, not the one with better environmental credentials.
If you want your organisation to be environmentally responsible, you now have a disconnect.
incentives #intentions #companygoals
Any time you get rejected for anything, take it on face value. Accept it. Learn from it. Redirect your efforts.
You may need to redirect the type of roles or opportunities you're looking for.
Or you may simply need to redirect the way in which you are crafting and delivering the message.
Either way, the simple fact that you were rejected probably means that you need to change something.
For a Rejection is simply a Redirection.
PS: Thanks to Alena for sharing that little gem on LinkedIn recently!
rejection #redirection #perspective
Fictionalised History is when we sprinkle a little bit of fiction and take a little creative license with the facts around a particular historic event or person.
It's something we see a lot today with these Netflix series based on people or events from history - like The Crown, which tells the story of the British royal family.
But the most recent series of The Crown has drawn some detractors who have called out a number of factual inaccuracies.
However, as Russell Brand points out, what really matters is the 'Truthiness' of the story, not so much the precise facts.
The challenge with reality is that it is nuanced. Sometimes the pure facts alone are not enough to convey the reality of that time or place in history.
For your story to resonate with the audience you sometimes need to sprinkle on a little fiction in order to make that story relevant and engaging to the modern audience.
In world dominated by seemingly constant discussions about Fake News, I just think 'Truthiness' is an interesting perspective to consider.
truth #historyfacts #storytelling
I've spoken with several people who have either lost their jobs, or had to close their businesses or to take significant pay cuts as a result of this COVID-19 Crisis.
The vast majority of them are telling me, after an initial adjustment period, they're happier now than they were before. And it's not just the older demographic either.
Yet when I tell this to others, they say, 'Well, yeah, but they're just saying that. They're not really happy. They'd much rather have their old job and old life back.'
But I'm telling you, for most of these people, that's just not the case.
They've found that it costs them a lot less to be happy than what they'd always thought.
Now, that's probably not much comfort for those in their mid-late 30's with a big mortgage, car loans and a few kids. For you, the pain is no doubt very real, and scary.
But for those either side of that demographic who are on the brink of losing jobs and business and are terrified about their future...I hope you might find some solace in this message.
happiness #lifeaftercovid19 #newbeginnings
Wait & See sometimes seems like the safest strategy.
But often, it's not.
Case in point, when I arrived at the entrance to the park for my morning walk, only to find the gate was closed.
Many were standing around adopting a Wait & See approach, assuming the gate would eventually open. (spoiler alert - it didn't!)
Not me. I immediately headed off in a different direction.
And as it turned out, Wait & See would have been the wrong decision.
In this case, and in many other situations, the more impatient approach paid off.
PS: I discussed a similar concept way back in Ep. 95 - Impatience Is A Virtue. Here's the link - https://bit.ly/2HcCPlR
patience #waiting #takeactionnow
In Ep. #1082 I suggested that people will choose Superior Product over Superior Service.
My old mate Julia countered with an example of guests choosing the hotel with Superior Service to one with a Superior Product but without the great service.
And certainly that can be the case.
But only if the elements of the product that are better, are not fundamental to the purchasing decision.
For example, if Hotel A has a better lobby area and pool area, I might opt for Hotel B - which has the better service.
But if Hotel A has a better bathroom and better quality mattress, I'm unlikely to choose Hotel B, regardless of how good the service is.
Why?
Because the bathroom and the bed are fundamental to my purchasing decision when it comes to selecting a hotel.
What do you think?
hotels #servicequality #fundamentals
We talk a lot about the importance of great customer service, a no doubt it makes a big difference.
But ultimately, people will choose the Superior Product over the Superior Service.
We are also much more forgiving of service failures, whereas with product failures, not so much.
If two products are near identical then yes, superior service makes a big difference.
Having said that, it is ultimately the customer who decides what constitutes 'near identical'.
What prompted these thoughts? Pizza. Yes, pizza.
Check it out...
superiorquality #superiorservice #customerservice
The airline industry has been decimated by the COVID-19 crisis.
There is an urgent need to re-think the traditional airline business model.
Mark Ross-Smith suggested some time ago that Government-owned airlines could become marketing arms for their respective countries.
And that looks like what Garuda Indonesia is doing.
The national carrier has announced they are merging with 8 other state-owned tourism companies.
Interesting idea. Interesting times.
airlineindustry #businessmodels #marketing
Survival Bias is a form of selection bias whereby we focus on those that succeed or survive and ignore those that don't.
Whilst focussing only on those that succeed may at first appear logical, the fundamental problem with it is that in doing so you are only looking at half of the story.
Often times it is not what a person or a company does that allows them to succeed, but what they do not do.
And that is the power of analysing those that do not survive.
biases #businessanalysis #businesssuccess
The Venus One Tourism Academy in Bali is allowing students to pay their fees...in coconuts!
This is brilliant on so many levels...
-
Students who can't afford the education, can now get it.
-
They're learning, not just academics, but how to make real products.
-
They're also learning about creating and running a business.
-
They're learning important lesson about the environment & sustainability.
-
Specifically, they're learning valuable lessons that will be an integral part of the tourism & hospitality business in the future - namely, sustainable business practices.
Well done!
Here's a link to the story - https://bit.ly/2Ulym2X
PS: Thanks to Prof. Gerry Bodeker for the link!
sustainability #businessmodels #hospitalityindustry
The folks over at the Global Wellness Institute have added a bubble to their famous Global Wellness Economy Monitor bubble diagram - Mental Wellness Economy.
And they've assessed a valuation of USD $121 billion.
For sub-segments have been identified...
-
Senses, Spaces & Sleep at $49.5 billion
-
Brain Boosting Nutraceuticals & Botanicals at $34.8 billion
-
Self-Improvement at $33.6 billion
-
Meditation & Mindfulness at $2.9 billion
Here's a link to the Press Release from the Global Wellness Institute - https://bit.ly/3nf1BB4
mentalwellness #wellness #wellnessindustry
If you're looking to raise money for your business, you should think long and hard about whether you're taking Dumb Money or Smart Money.
Dumb Money is where the investor brings nothing else to the table except the money itself.
Whereas a Smart Money investor brings the money but also adds value to the business in other ways.
It may be that the investor brings with her lots of contacts and connections that can help your business grow. Perhaps the investor has a specific set of skills that will help your business. Or maybe the Smart Money investor has other businesses which could add strategic value to your business - with a distribution platform, for example.
Smart Money is obviously preferred. But sometimes Dumb Money is the only option you have.
In that case, Dumb Money is ok. Just be sure you don't give away too much equity in your business too early to a Dumb Money investor. You may live to regret it in the long run.
smartmoney #funding #startups
A great way to get a handle on your brand identity and brand personality is to think about your brand as a person.
Who is the person that best personifies the type of personality traits that you would like your brand to have?
It might be a movie star like George Clooney, as it was for Nespresso.
But it doesn't have to be.
If you're treating this as an internal exercise, to get your team all aligned around your brand, it can simply be someone that all the people in your organisation are familiar with.
If you understand that brands need to act and interact with people, the idea of looking at your brand through the lens of a personality makes perfect sense.
branding #brandpersonality #brandidentity
There's a positive message to be found within this negative statement.
Right now, many people around the world are feeling anxious due to a sudden lack of options, choices and alternatives.
But...and I know this is often easier to say that to do...if you can accept that sometimes it is exactly those options and alternatives that have been holding you back, you can find a way to make that lack of them your superpower.
For when we have alternatives, we often don't give our all to the current choice.
However, with no other options, we are left with no choice but to give this way our absolute all.
Good Luck!
alternatives #motivation #resilience
Comedian Dave Chappelle, in his chat with David Letterman on his Netflix series suggested people often assume that their suffering is mutually exclusive to everyone else's.
I guess it is human nature to worry about ourselves first.
But the reality is, just as you may be suffering right now, so too are many. many others.
Acknowledging that doesn't make your pain any less important, to you.
I think that's a nice little lesson in compassion.
compassion #lifelessons #humannature
David Letterman, the former late night TV host, has been around a while.
So you'd expect him to drop a little wisdom in between the wise cracks once in a while.
That's exactly what he did on his Netflix special interview with comedian Dave Chappelle.
Chances are, if you and I agree on something, we haven't ever really considered all possible angles, arguments or perspectives.
But if we disagree, you can bet your life I will throw every possible argument I can think of at you to convince you I am right.
alwayslearning #disagreement #differentperspective
Here's a quick Self-Awareness Check.
If you're a basic Reader, you read something interesting and say, 'Well, that's interesting.'
If you're a Teacher, you read something interesting and say, 'Now, how can I help others understand this?'
If you're a Thought Leader, you read something interesting and say, 'What is my perspective on that? Why is it this way? Is there another angle to consider'.
So...honestly...which are you?
PS: Thanks to Thought Leaders Practice for the inspiration. Here's a link to that book - https://bit.ly/30pr7e1
selfawareness #thoughtleadership #thoughtleader
The marketplace is not wise.
So says marketing guru Seth Godin.
It has no real goals or vision or mission.
It is simply a group of people (hundreds, millions or billions depending on how wide you are targeting) looking to satisfy their own wants and needs Nothing more.
Therefore, the market alone can not solve the really big issues the world faces.
For that, we need to have a set of guidelines, boundaries and parameters.
And for that, we need true leadership.
marketdemand #supplyanddemand #philospohical
Lots of people have great ideas.
What they don't know though, is will their ideas actually work.
A simple, cheap way to validate your business idea is to just create a simple landing page that explains your product or service and invite visitors to sign up for updates on when it will be available.
Or if you want to be really sure, offer them a chance to buy now. To take a pre-order.
Or even easier, just create an ad, run it on Facebook or Google and again encourage customers to give you their email address..or better still, an order.
validation #businessideas #leanstartup
Not so long ago many people felt the QR code was dead and gone. It was one of those unique tools that just never seemed to find gather enough momentum to stick around.
Now, thanks to COVID-19, QR Codes have had a resurgence.
They have replaced just about all in-room marketing collateral in hotels.
That's something that's been on the way out for a while now anyway. As I've spoken about before...
Blog - Death of In-Room Marketing - https://bit.ly/2Gmvf7E
Ep. 174 - Death of In-Room Marketing - https://bit.ly/3kTHWWG
As your customers get more accustomed to scanning a QR code, a whole new world of in-room / in-restaurant / in-store promotional opportunities open up.
For instance, you can use a tool like VisuaLead to generate cool, custom QR codes - https://bit.ly/3elfUkb
Even more exciting is the variety of content you can put on the other side of that content.
Get creative!
QRcodes #marketingopportunities #hotelmarketing
Any time your customers need to stop and pause there's an opportunity to get their attention. To get in front of their eyes and into their minds.
Thanks to COVID-19, many stores make you stop and pause before you enter...to scan the QR code for contact tracing and to check your temperature.
So at the entry point, is a fantastic branding opportunity.
I saw a recent example at a pharmacy where Vaseline had create a branded entrance at the single entry point to the store.
No customer can enter the store without pausing at this entrance.
Every customer will see the Vaseline brand.
If you own the store, create an entrance and approach the brands whose products you sell to use it as a promotional opportunity.
If you have a product or service that is sold somewhere else, approach the owner of the store with the idea.
promotion #marketing #advertising
Lots of hotels are trying to tempt locals to come in for a short staycation.
Come and stay a night at the hotel and get a discount on the restaurant and spa and any other outlets that are open.
But I think they're getting the messaging the wrong way around.
Instead, the offer should be, 'Spend $250 in our restaurant and we'll give you a free night in the hotel.'
We all need to eat. That's the Need. Staying in the hotel room is just a Want.
So sell the Need first, then promote the Want as the add-on.
hotels #marketing #promotions
Consumers are smart these days. No point kidding yourself.
If you present them with an exaggerated promotion, they will see through it for what it is.
Like those '2 Days, 1 Night Stay' deals that hotels put out there.
I'm using one right now.
Check in after 3pm and check out before 1pm the following day.
That's a maximum of 22 hours I get to stay.
Last time I checked, there were 24 hours in just one day.
Feels like this offer was just ever so slightly exaggerated.
promotions #marketing #consumercentric
The TimeShare model for vacations has been around for a long time.
A partial ownership type model that allows each 'owner' of the property a limited number of days throughout the year to use the property.
But with all that's happened in the world this year, we have been forced to focus more locally.
We've also become much more aware of being self-sufficient.
That says to me there's an opportunity for FarmShares to become the new TimeShares.
timeshare #newbusinessideas #possibilities
It seems like a pretty obvious thing to say, but people will only buy your product or service or take the action that you want them to take if they understand why.
Of course, this is only the first step.
There are then many other factors they must consider, like the cost, the time, the convenience, etc.
But too often we blame these other factors when in fact we have not yet gotten our customers to that point of understanding...and that's on us.
marketing #customerbehaviour #understanding
Many business live and die by their Key Performance Indicators (KPI's)...at least they think they do.
But in times of crisis like right now, many are finding that most of their KPI's really don't matter much.
With many business struggling to get enough customers, the only metric that really matters is the Top Line Revenue metric.
Even the Profit Metrics don't matter much for many as they're already operating at a loss.
So maybe it's time to consider a Tiered KPI System.
Focus on your Top 2 KPI's first.
Only once they're achieved, do you start looking at your next 4 KPI's.
And so on.
businessmetrics #kpis #rethink
Once it became obvious that contact, at least for some time, was going to be a bad thing, I figured this could be a BOOM period for Vending Machines.
I spoke about that back in Ep. 899 of the show - https://bit.ly/35DEk4t
I'm still a believer.
Just consider these elements...
-
Flexibility of Product Selection
-
Flexibility of Price
-
Low Labour Cost
So whatever the crisis or what ever the trend, Vending Machines can move with the times.
vendingmachines #businessmodel #flexibility
Mistakes and Failures can be crippling.
But they can also be foundational to your longer term success.
Are you going to let your mistakes bury you OR plant you?
mistakes #lifelessons #motivational
Is this win better than yesterday's win?
Did that loss hurt more than your previous losses?
Usually, the one that we are experiencing now is stronger, because it's now. It's present. It's fresh in our mind.
Always remember that Recency Bias is real.
biases #recent #perspective
There are so many areas of our lives where we simply don't have much control.
Even situations where we tell ourselves that we do have some control, like our work or even our family situation, when we really dig a littler deeper we find that we don't actually have much control at all.
So it's important, for your sanity as much as anything else, to find your little moments of control.
Find those moments where you have as near as possible to total control of the outcome.
It could be as simple as a doing a bit of exercise, or reading a book, doing some study or even potting a plant.
Whatever it is, find those moments. Embrace them. You'll be glad you did.
control #moments #accountability
Creating change in any organisation is hard.
You're always going to be butting heads with the 'Old Guard' whenever you try to implement something new.
Trying to do that at scale, is almost impossible.
A better approach is to create change at a micro level and then try to create an environment that is conducive to letting that change spread throughout the organisation.
Another great insight I got from reading Brave New Work by Aaron Dignan - https://amzn.to/39tctEk
changeagent #changeleadership #organisationalchange
Probably the ONLY good thing to come out of this COVID-19 Crisis has been an increased awareness of all things Health & Wellness.
We will eventually stop talking about COVID-19 all day and all night.
But it would be naive to assume that such an impactful and long-lasting event will not have a significant residual impact.
That says to me that we will be conscious of Health & Wellness in the Places & Spaces we live in for some time to come.
And THAT says to me there's an opportunity to create brands that own that space in the consumer's mind.
Who will create the Wellness Retail Space Brand? Or the Wellness Car Park Brand? Or even the Wellness Car Brand?
It's a big opportunity!
wellness #opportunity #bigideas2020
Every company says they value their customers.
But not every company puts meaningful systems and processes in place to make sure that the customer experience is at the centre of all that they do.
That's why, according to Jeannie Walters, a Customer Experience Mission is an important thing to have.
Think of like a Company Mission Statement, but more targeted on the things that really matter to your customers - like how they feel when they experience your brand, what your brand values mean to them, etc.
Check out this great article from Jeannie to learn more (& join in the FREE 21 Day CX Challenge!)...https://bit.ly/2Hia4nn
customerexperience #missionstatement #customerfocus
So many around the world have now experienced some form of restriction of movement as a result of this COVID-19.
Many of them are screaming for a return of their Freedom of Movement.
But the reality is, what they're really missing, is the Freedom of Choice.
freedomofchoice #restrictions #freedom
Self Awareness is perhaps the most powerful and empowering thing you can possess.
It's the key to not only success, but also happiness.
Now, if you're not sure exactly where to find Self Awareness..
you'll find it where your Ego gets smacked in the face with Reality.
Embrace it!
selfawareness #Empowered #ego #realitycheck
Vegemite is an iconic Aussie spread that we've been putting on our toast for generations.
First you spread on some butter, then the Vegemite.
But that usually means you'll end up with a bit of butter mixed in with your Vegemite in the jar.
Apparently, this is problem. 89% of Vegemite customers said they found it annoying.
So the genius folks in the marketing department at Vegemite created...The Vegemite Knife.
A double ended knife with a blade at each end. One for the butter. One for the Vegemite.
Check it out here... https://bit.ly/3dD7qF1
Hats off to Vegemite for a very clever marketing campaign.
marketingcampaign #viralmarketing #marketingideas
Do we choose things because we like them or do we like them because we choose them?
Cognitive Bias means we have a tendency to convince ourselves of our own version of reality.
After we've made the choice, we convince ourselves that it was the right choice. Our recently chose thing is the best of all of them.
A recently published study has found that we do this as babies too. That suggest that this cognitive bias isn't just something we learn to do as adults, it's part of the human condition.
Here's some more information about that research... https://bit.ly/3k6eNac
So what does that mean for you in business?
It means that the after-purchase engagement is critical.
Your customers want to convince themselves that they made the right choice. So help them do that. Stay engaged with them after their purchase.
How?
Well, it could be as simple as getting them to connect with you on your social media channels. Just a few simple posts from your social streams might be all it takes to help them reinforce their cognitive bias.
cognitivebias #customerengagement #consumerpsychology
Most would agree that you need Focus if you are to achieve success in business.
But you also need to simultaneously be able to Diversify you resources and your time.
This is especially true in new businesses as they may not be 100% clear on exactly what the direction of their business will be.
Even for those more mature businesses, they never know when the market might change what it wants.
The best business leaders are comfortable with the Contradiction of Focus and Diversification.
focus #success #contradiction #concentration
A certain level of Ignorance is usually tolerated because it means you simply didn't know any better.
However, if you kinda did know better but decided you couldn't be bothered making the extra effort, then it can quickly become arrogance.
It can be a very fine line between the two.
So next time you find yourself blaming your failure on ignorance, just take a minute to be sure it really wasn't arrogance.
ignorance #arrogance #selfawareness
The authors of a new book - Humanocracy - suggest that actually there's no such thing as a 'Low Skilled' job.
What these jobs really are is 'Low Opportunity' jobs.
The organisational structure has effectively dumbed down these jobs and as a result they often become the monotonous, mind-numbing roles that we refer to as Low Skilled.
But if we instead give the workers in these roles more freedom and autonomy to make decisions and solve problems, we will probably find out that these people are not Low Capability employees.
Here's the link to the book - https://bit.ly/3nM1jmh
NB: Thanks to Bill Allison for the inspiration.
futureofwork #employeeengagement #employeeempowerment
There is a level in comfort in knowing the truth.
It gives us a sense of certainty. It allows us to confidently set our compass.
However, with so many facts available to us these days, it seems harder and harder to agree on precisely which of those facts we should embrace as the truth.
You and I could in fact hold completely different versions of the truth depending which set of facts we call on.
In days gone by we simply had less information available to us, so it was far easier to agree on what is truth.
But in this modern age, with data/information/facts seemingly in unlimited supply, it harder than ever to agree on what the real truth is.
I honestly don't know if that is a good thing or a bad thing.
But I do know that uncertainty when it comes to the truth can be a precarious state to be in.
And we're in it right now, up to our eyeballs!
truth #facts #knowledge
Many of us, including me, have a tendency to overthink things.
According to Ross Lyon, former AFL Football player and coach, when you boil it all down, life can be pretty simple.
It's about Dynamics and Mechanics.
The Dynamics are the human factors - people, relationships, culture, etc.
The Mechanics are structural - systems, processes, procedures, etc.
So if you find yourself in a bit of a rut and are trying to find a way forward, try looking at things through the lens of Dynamics and Mechanics.
You might just find an obvious answer in there somewhere.
lifelessons #simplicity #successformula
Many industries have their own unique language, shorthands and abbreviations.
It's important that your Resume and Job Application speak the language specific to the industry for which you are applying.
For example, if you're a hotel person, you probably have great Customer Service skills...but you don't call it it that. In the hotel industry, we talk about Guest Service.
So if you're applying for a job outside of the hotel industry, you should adjust the language in your Resume.
It's basically the same thing. But using the right language is important.
Similarly, your hotel Resume might talk about F&B experience and managing HODs.
But to someone outside of the industry, they may not know that you're talking about Food & Beverage and Heads of Departments.
Language matters.
Be sure to tweak your Resume and Job Application accordingly.
jobapplication #resumewriting #resumetips
Your Resume/CV need to answer questions. The questions the employer wants answered...ie: do you have the required skills, abilities and attributes to fill the role?
A great way to answer those questions is to share links to content where you have previously proved your knowledge.
Maybe it's an article you contributed to. Maybe one of your own previous blog post. Or a podcast you were a guest on.
And when you share that link, make sure it's trackable.
That way, you will know for sure if your link has been viewed.
At least then you will know that your application has been seen.
resumetips #jobapplication #resumewritingtips
A Resume or a CV should be a collection of facts.
Now, if yours has a few bits of fiction in there, you probably should change that now.
But your job is to craft those facts to present them in such a way as they tell the right story.
For example, it may be a fact that you have an in-depth knowledge of the latest Spa & Wellness trends. But that fact isn't very relevant if you're applying for a job in Food & Beverage.
A much better fact in this case would be your experience in supervising and managing teams.
You need to adjust your Resume or CV to present the right story to the specific job that you're applying for right now.
resumetips #jobtips #jobapplication #resumewriting
2020 will be remembered as a year that many hospitality businesses were forced into a bit of a purge or clean out.
Many of these businesses have been forced to close for an extended period of time and as such, they've needed to lay off most, if not all, of their workforce.
That's the bad news.
But the good news is, when these businesses start to re-open, they will need to re-hire. And THAT is the opportunity for you.
I'm already starting to see it happening now. I'm starting to see a number of hotel businesses advertising for new staff, especially in Asia, Middle East and Africa.
With a bit of luck, the tail end of 2020 and the start of 2021 will represent a period of job opportunity for many people in the hospitality space.
So cross your fingers and get ready!
hospitalityjobs #hotelindustry #jobopportunities
There's no shortage of Business Plan templates available online, many of them free.
They range from very basic to extremely complex.
But the most concise and arguably most impactful might just be this...
WHO - WHAT - WHEN
WHO is going to do WHAT and by WHEN?
The Three W's of Business.
NB: Credit to Naomi Simson of Shark Tank Australia for that little gem.
businessplan #template #actionplan
Just because what they want and what you want seems to be very far apart, doesn't mean that you still can't meet in the middle.
Sometimes we are so focussed on what we want out the deal that when the other side wants terms significantly different to ours, we feel the only option is to walk away. No deal.
But if you're going to walk away anyway, why not put your counter-offer on the table?
You never know, the other side may just be testing you.
You can always walk away from the deal if they won't budge. But first, be sure to try the counter-offer strategy.
counteroffer #negotiationtips #dealmaking
It seems like everyone is a content creator these days.
That's great...but it also means there's so much content out there that it can be really hard for you to break through with yours.
But you don't have to break through all that noise.
Instead, focus on making content that is relevant and of interest to your existing customers/clients/markets.
contentstrategy #contentmarketing #contentcreator
One of my least favourite sayings is...
It's all about the Journey, not the Destination.
I'm a Destination guy. Just get me there.
But that doesn't necessarily mean I'll take a straight line to get there.
Sometimes, it's the less direct route that can actually end up being faster.
On the less direct route you can sometimes pick up different information, tools and resources that can help you travel quicker.
A straight line isn't always the fastest route.
destination #journey #lifelessons
When most of us think of a Lifestyle Brand, we think about Apple or Nike or maybe at the higher end, Luis Vuitton or even Chanel.
But ultimately every brand is a Lifestyle Brand on some level, according to branding/marketing/content guru Steve Babcock.
And I think that makes a lot of sense.
Every brand that you have in life represents some element of your lifestyle on some level.
Where this gets super exciting is that we often chose different brands depending on which specific phase of our lifestyle we're in at the time.
In our 'Home Lifestyle' we might use a Bic Ballpoint Pen, whilst in our 'Work Lifestyle' we might prefer the Mont Blanc brand.
So when it comes to your marketing message, make sure it connects at the Lifestyle level.
lifestylebrand #marketing #branding
You can put all the time, effort and money you like into Customer Acquisition, but you still can't control it.
Ultimately, the choice to buy is mine - the customer.
When it comes to Customer Retention, however, that you can control.
You can control how good your product or service is. You can control the experience I have with your brand. You can control how you communicate with me once I become a customer.
All of those elements, plus many more, are things you, as the business can control.
So focus on what you can control.
How much?
I'd say about 80 / 20.
customerretention #customeracquisition #customersatisfaction
Generating new ideas of your own is difficult for many people.
So here's a simple way to leverage other people's ideas, add your perspective to them, and ultimately come up with your own unique ideas on the subject in the process.
The Contribution
Take an idea that you agree with, then add a 'Yes, and...'
eg: Yes, and...here's how it could apply to my industry.
The Contradiction
Take an idea that you disagree with, then add a 'Yes, but...'
eg: Yes, but...this is why that wouldn't work in my industry.
Apply this simple process and before you know it you'll be seen as a true Though Leader in your industry.
There's lots more interesting insights like this in the book - The Thought Leaders Practice
Here's a link to the website where can download a FREE copy of the book - https://bit.ly/30pr7e1
thoughtleader #thoughtleadership #ideageneration
Hope for Best - Plan or the Worst.
Always have a Back-up Plan.
You need to have a Plan B.
I believe in all of that. It's very much the way I approach life.
However, there is a risk that if you know you always have a Plan B, that you may not put quite as much effort into ensuring that Plan A succeeds.
If you don't have a Plan B, you have no choice but to make sure Plan A succeeds.
Some people simply function better knowing that there is not Back Up Plan.
So just be careful that you don't let your Plan B be the excuse for Plan A not succeeding.
planb #backupplan #contingencyplan
Many of us today are thinking Local-First.
With many international and even some interstate borders closed, we can't travel to seek out experiences like we once could.
That presents an opportunity for you to leverage this new customer sentiment towards local products, businesses and experience.
Dinner can be an experience. So too can a Spa treatment. Or maybe a hike around a local park area.
One way to benefit from this prevailing sentiment is to form a local network of businesses who offer experiences.
Cross-promote each others businesses to your customers.
Even if this doesn't directly get your business more customers, it will help position you in the minds of your customers (and others) as a Local-Friendly business.
And at a time like now, such a position would be GOLD!
localfirst #localcommunity #marketopportunities
The concept of Red Team vs Blue Team originated in the military when they decided the best way to prepare to fight the enemy was to fight against them.
So they assigned the Red Team to play the role of the enemy.
Their job, simply put, was to destroy the enemy...the Blue Team. The good guys.
The same approach could be used in your business.
Create the Red Team whose job it is to play the role of the competitor that could crush your business.
If done with vigour, it will make your business stronger and better prepared to tackle your competitors.
It might even be a good recruitment strategy.
As part of the interview process, challenge the candidates to create a strategy that would destroy your business.
businessstrategy #competitiveedge #redteamthinking
If you have a business where customer service is important - and let's face it, that's every business - and you have repeat or return customers, Voice Notes could be a great tool for you.
Recalling specific customer preferences and various other bits of customer information requires you to make notes. That takes time.
Voice Notes are quick and easy and effective.
Do you use Voice Notes?
If not, maybe you should give them a try.
voice #customercare #customerengagement
We all like positive reinforcement.
Don't forget though, some people are just easily impressed.
That doesn't mean you ignore their feedback. You take all you can get. But just be sure you recognise it for what it is.
But when smart people acknowledge you, then you know you're on to something. Then you keep going.
A Word Of Caution - Smart people get it wrong too.
The only opinion that truly matters when it comes to determining your success is the market. Your customers.
smartpeople #validation #marketfeedback
Many in the Wellness space have found themselves unemployed, or at least under-employed right now.
A number of them are looking to start their own ventures, their own business.
Some will need access to not only money (capital) but also advice on a whole range of matters - Legal, Finance, Marketing, HR, just to name a few.
That's exactly what good VC firms provide.
So, the world is in need of Wellness, many Wellness people are currently available & many are already starting their own businesses.
It kinda begs the question, is the time right for a Wellness Focussed Venture Capital Firm?
And while we're at it, why not make it Crowdfunded rather than use the typical VC Limited Partner model?
venturecapital #wellness #crowdfunding
Have you ever applied for a job and received a stock standard rejection letter with no feedback on why you did not get the job?
Or worse still, didn't even get a reply at all?
If you don't know why you've failed, how can you possibly improve on it for your next job application?
Many companies say that they can only respond to successful applicants due to the high volume of applications.
I don't buy that.
Oftentimes it's because they are worried about potential claims of discrimination if they reveal why you didn't get the job.
So what if the applicant could sign a waiver to say they will not make any claims against the company for any reason IF they just give them some feedback on their application?
The applicant would win by getting some useful feedback.
And the company would also win by establishing themselves as a true 'People First' organisation - which of course many say they are, but their actions tend to suggest otherwise.
jobapplicants #recruitmentprocess #emloymentadvice
It's very easy to convince yourself that just because you're doing it now, just because it's Urgent, that it is also Important.
But often that is not the case.
Indeed, as Seth Godin says, "important things require nuance, patience and understanding"
And all that consideration takes time.
That doesn't mean that the Urgent stuff doesn't need to be done. It does.
Just be aware that so long as you're focussed on the Urgent, you may well be missing what it is truly important.
PS: Here's a link to Ep. 965 - Applying the Eisenhower Matrix To Get Shit Done - https://bit.ly/32RZqw0
urgent #important #priorities
This COVID-19 Crisis that we're all living through is exposing many of us.
Maybe it's exposed that your business wasn't doing so well after all.
Maybe it's exposed that you're not quite as smart or as good a manager as you though you were.
Or perhaps it's exposed that the career that you'd chosen wasn't really making you happy and you should be doing something else.
Whatever it is, it's important that we don't just dismiss it and place it in the 'Just because of the crisis' basket.
Instead, Face It, Embrace It, Learn From It & Move On!
challengeyourself #embracechange #selfawareness
We all learn differently.
Some prefer the written word, so books is a great way to learn.
Others learn better by watching a video.
For some it's audio, which makes a format like podcasts ideal for them.
Still others can only really learn by doing.
If your preferred learning method is audio, there's not much point buying a book.
Understanding how you learn best is one of the most valuable things you can learn.
PS: The same applies to your team too. They all learn differently.
learningstyles #selfawareness #learning
One of the biggest barriers to long-term change are short-term goals.
Employees are concerned with hitting their KPIs, earning their bonus, etc. To do that, those short-term goals must be met.
So it follows that if you can create a space where short-term results can be put on hold in favour of long-term goals, you're much likely to secure long-term success.
So says Aaron Dignan in his great book on Organisational Change.
Here's the book Brave New Work - https://amzn.to/39tctEk
organizationalchange #safespace #change
I'm a big fan of Learning by Doing.
That generally means there's going to be a bit of Trial & Error.
And that's ok...MOST of the time.
But you need to carefully consider the consequences of failing
If, in failing, you significantly inconvenience your customers and they lose confidence in your service, then maybe the benefits of Learning by Doing aren't worth the risk.
As experienced personally by me today with a visit to the hospital.
customerconfidence #learnbydoing #consequence
Due the sudden downturn in sales, many businesses today are holding excess inventory.
One of the best ways to encourage customers to buy your inventory at a time like this is to offer them a payment plan.
Remember, just as your business faces considerable uncertainty, so too do your customers.
Enabling them to at least partially defer their payment for a few months might be just the comfort level they need to make a purchase.
If you offer a Payment Plan for your product or service, give yourself a shout out in the comments below!
paymentplans #paymentplatform #customerfirst
Many have lost their jobs, and potentially their careers, due to this current COVID-19 crisis.
In that, there are some valuable learnings for those plotting out a career path.
Critically, I believe it may be time to redefine what a Career Path actually means.
Once up on a time, a Career was usually within the same company, for life.
More recently, a Career has meant maybe a few different companies over the duration, but generally within the same field or industry.
In the future, I believe the most stable Career choice will be multiple jobs, in multiple companies, in multiple industries, over time.
Flexibility and Adaptability will be critical.
careerjourney #careerchanges #careerchoices
How would our grandparents have dealt with a crisis like this? Especially when it comes to business.
Back then, nobody started a business with the intention to sell it in 3-5 years.
Today, we seem to be much more impatient for success.
And that impatience can lead us to make decisions which leave us vulnerable when market conditions change. Like right now.
Has impatience left your business vulnerable?
patience #longtermsuccess #businessdecisions
Over the past few months I've received more Customer Love than usual from brands and businesses whose products and services I have used at some time in the past.
Brands that have never previously been great at customer engagement or showing they care...all of a sudden do care.
Or do they?
Are they really trying to help ME out by sending me some discount vouchers to buy their thing? Or are they really just trying to drive their own revenues?
If you haven't as much as sent me an email before to wish me a Happy Birthday and now, all of a sudden, you're offering me discount vouchers to celebrate my birthday month, that kinda reeks of self-serving motives.
If this sounds like your company, it's not great.
BUT, as long as you keep doing it from here on in, you're forgiven.
Customer Love must be enduring, not fickle.
CustomerLove #customerengagement #customercare
Many brands have trouble clearly expressing exactly what it is they want to be.
How can you really define something like Culture?
But most people do know what they don't like. What they don't want to be.
So, identify your Cultural Enemy and you might just find some clarity on exactly what you want the culture of your brand to be.
At the very least, you should be able to avoid the behaviours that would risk turning you into your Cultural Enemy.
So, who is your Cultural Enemy?
culture #culturalawareness #companyculture
Singapore Airlines Flights to Nowhere are exactly that.
You depart from Changi Airport, fly around in the sky for a few hours, then land right back where you started.
Seems like a pretty silly thing to do.
But if they can at least break even in terms of costs, maybe it's worthwhile.
At least then they can...
-
Keep some staff employed
-
Keep the planes in motion
-
Allow passengers to continue their relationship with the brand.
airlines #marketing #branding
If you ask people if they want to have control, most will probably say Yes!
But the reality is not everyone does want control. At least not all the time.
We each have a different perspective on control at various stages.
Control is often about Choice and Choice is often connected with Trust.
How does customer control manifest in your business?
Maybe it's in menu option?
Maybe in choice of service provider?
Also, consider how your messaging could differ depending on whether you're talking to customers with a high control mindset vs a low control mindset.
control #mindset #customer
We're generally pretty good at telling ourselves the story that we need to hear.
Some are better than others at communicating that story to other people.
But the real power lies in being able to tell yourself the Reverse Story.
The opposite version of your story. The other side.
In doing that you should be able to...
-
better empathise with those who hold opposing views
-
be able to counter objections to your own position
-
maybe even decide that your original position is not the right one for you
Go ahead. Try it.
empathy #alternatives #pointofview
You should value your customer's time as much as they do their own.
How much time and effort to your customer put in to come to your business to buy your product or service?
Too often, we think only of the monetary investment our customers make in our business.
Maybe I had to take some time off work? Maybe I need to arrange a babysitter? Or I may have had to schedule a number of other little jobs for the day around a visit to your business.
View your customer service through that lens and you might just find the level and quality of your service improves dramatically.
customerservice #time #customerfocus
It's comforting to assume there are others in the metaphorical boat with you.
But whilst we all may be sailing on the same stormy Coronavirus Ocean right now, we are not all in the same boat.
We each have different capacities to weather this Coronavirus Storm - financially, physically and emotionally.
Also remember that as with any weather system, the intensity and ferociousness of this Coronavirus Storm can vary considerably from one location to another.
copingwithcovid #perspective #understanding
Nobody likes airline food. Right?
Wrong!
Apparently the folks in Bangkok are loving it right now.
Thai Airways have opened a Pop-Up restaurant, complete with actual airline seats for the furniture and cabin crew for service staff.
It's brilliant on so many levels. With this Pop-Up Thai Airways can...
-
sell their existing food inventory
-
generate some revenue
-
get some great PR
-
market test new food concepts and recipes
-
enhance their image as a fun, innovative airline
Here's a link to the story...
https://thethaiger.com/hot-news/events/chicken-or-the-beef-thai-airways-opens-up-pop-up-restaurants-serving-their-airline-food
airlinecatering #popups #covidinnovation
We have a tendency to turn only to the experts for advice.
Those who have been there, done that, and achieved high levels of success.
However, we can learn just as much from those who are still on the journey.
The same realisation is important for those giving the advice, as much as for those receiving the advice.
Just because you haven't yet reached your destination or achieved the level of success you think you should, you can still be a source of great inspiration and counsel for others.
advice #mentorship #wisdom
Sometimes we find ourselves in a position we don't want to be in, but there's not much we can do about.
For any number of reasons, we might just have to accept that this is simply where we need to be right now.
That can be a frustrating space.
But, as my new buddy Juan Berrocal said the other day, when that happens, you just need to understand your moment.
Suck it up. Pay your dues. Do the work. And when this moment has passed, you'll be good to go.
perspective #moment #yourtime
One Man's Logic Is Another Man's Insanity.
Sometimes, no matter how good a job you do at trying to convince someone, they just don't get it.
Sometimes they never will.
So don't beat yourself up over your failure to convince the 'unconvincable'.
convincingpeople #differences #perspective
Industry Conferences have screeched to a halt due to travel restrictions and limits on how many people can gather in one place.
In their place, virtual online events are all the rage.
But there's another option.
Do this...
-
Identify the topics you want to cover and the experts you want to learn from.
-
Find their content - books, videos, blogs, eBooks, etc.
-
Gather in a small group in your local area to discuss & debate.
Much of the knowledge you're looking for will likely be available for free or at a relatively small cost - ie: the price of a book on Amazon.
industryevent #conferences #virtualconference
The COVID-19 Crisis is having an undeniably huge negative impact on businesses around the world.
Many will simply not survive.
But don't make the mistake of blaming all your business woes on COVID-19.
If your business is going to survive it's important that you make an honest assessment of what was working and what was not working before COVID-19.
The same applies to any crisis.
If not, your business will always be vulnerable.
selfawareness #businesshealthcheck #postcovid19
Oftentimes we can fall into the trap of treating our B2B clients just a little differently from our end-customers.
But we shouldn't.
If we put the same amount of care, attention and effort in keeping our B2B clients, imagine what impact that could have on your overall business.
If you care for your end-customer, you must take care of your B2B clients.
B2B #B2C #customercare
We all talk about the need to understand our customers.
One of the best ways to do that is with Focus Groups.
Now is a great time to do more Focus Groups. But not the kind that just ask for a feedback on your product or service.
A pure Focus Group is one that seeks to understand all of your customer’s needs, whether they relate directly to your product or not.
Show then you care. Help them anyway you can. You’ll know then better. They’ll know you better.
After all, isn’t that what a good relationship is all about?
focusgroups #knowyourcustomer #marketing
According to Brian Roemmele, Tool Blindness is a human bias that convinces us that the new tool must be better than the existing tool.
I think we've probably all been guilty of a bit of Tool Blindness over the years.
Arguably, this bias is even more prevalent now, especially because product life cycles are so much shorter.
The problem, of course, is that the new tool is not always better for the job you need to perform.
So, the next time you're ready to jump ahead to the next shiny new tool, ask yourself...
'Am I fully exploiting the capabilities of the current tools?'
and
'Is this new tool really going to be better for me than what I have now?'
bias #newtools #humannature
Google made the idea of the 20% Time famous.
The idea is that employees can spend 20% of their time working on a side project of their choice. Anything they want to.
Right now would be a good time to consider implementing 20% Time in your company.
Maybe not in the purest sense.
Offer staff a 4 day week instead of 5. Reduce their salary by 20%.
The company saves some money and the employee has an extra day off each week to work on their side project.
Chances are, a number of employees might already be working on their side project now anyway. Either because they're not busy at work or maybe because they're worried about the future and want to try to find a back up plan.
sideproject #sidehustle #4dayweek
Iso-Tourism is the idea of traveling for tourism but effectively staying in a secure 'bubble' for the duration of your trip.
It is ideally suited to islands or any form of remote destination.
And it could be here to stay.
COVID-19 is likely to be with us for a while.
As a result of which, many countries have closed their borders, with no sure signs of when they will re-open.
Having to quarantine for up to 14 days when you enter another country, or return home to yours, may be something that becomes part of the travel reality for some time to come.
covid19travel #tourism #businesspivot
I have a brilliant strategy for your hotel to build brand loyalty even whilst your guests can't travel to stay with you...
Send them a bar of soap!
Seriously!
As someone who, until COVID-19 clipped my wings, travelled 6 mths a year, I would always take the nice hotel soaps home with me.
Now that I can't travel anymore, I've run out of soap at home.
And I really miss my nice little hotel soaps.
So, if you're in the hotel business, why not send a bar or two of your soap to your regular, loyal guests, with a nice little note from the Housekeeper.
customerloyalty #hotels #soaps
Sabbaticals are extended periods of paid leave, often granted to University Professors, Clergymen, etc.
And whilst most of us probably won't have the luxury of getting paid for this extended leave, the broad concept of 'taking a sabbatical' might be a smart thing to do right now.
The world is on pause right now. So your colleagues and peers will won't be able to leapfrog you in the career queue. And it'll be really easy to explain that gap in your CV a few years from now.
So...IF you can sustain yourself financially for a year or so, why not take your sabbatical now?
sabbatical #leave #timeout
Welcome to the 1000th Episode of Trent365!
Thank you for all those who have tuned in along the way.
Today’s episode is mainly a bit of a reflection on the journey of publishing 1 episode per day for 1,000 consecutive days. So it’s a bit long. Sorry.
But…I also have two special announcements.
- You can now find ALL archives of all Trent365 episodes, in Video and Audio format on my website – trentmunday.com
- I am offering 10 FREE 1-on-1 confidential sessions with ME to discuss your business, your ideas, your challenges…pretty much anything you want. Just click the link here to secure your slot…
https://bit.ly/2EiuknV
PS: apologies for the lack of subtitles today. I broke the system with this one. ;-)
anniversary #milestone #giveaway
Here's the Top 5 Quotes from Trent365 (so far) ...
1. In The Empty Lies The Opportunity.
-
Value Is In The Eye Of The Perceiver.
-
Price Is Relative. Cost Is Personal.
-
First Impressions Count. Last Impressions Multiply.
-
Change Is Rarely Easy, But Often Necessary.
Which one is your favourite?
Don't forget to tune for tomorrow's milestone 1,000th
(And Special Announcement on how you can score a confidential 1-on-1 session with me.)
quoteoftheday #quotestoinspire #bestquotes
In the final instalment in our little 'Best of...' series I'm going to share some key episodes on Passion and Storytelling.
In Ep. 331 I shared some tips on finding your Passion from my great mate Mark Wuttke
https://bit.ly/34yM5K2
In Ep. 587 I share my own 3 Keys to Finding Your Passion
https://bit.ly/3lb56bu
When it comes to Storytelling, there are 12 separate episode of the show where I've discussed various elements and aspects of Storytelling. It's a critical requirement for all any business.
Here's a link to all 12 episodes...plus more...
https://bit.ly/3j22AlY
storytelling #passion #bestofthebest
Today in Part II of The Best of Trent365 I'm sharing 6 episodes that you may have missed that could help you navigate these difficult times.
Here's a list of the episodes discussed today and links to the original post...
Ep. #489 – Minimum Viable Audience – 3 Apr 2019
https://bit.ly/3go3QhJ
Ep. #334 – Global Spa Association – 31 Oct 2018
https://bit.ly/32lJGje
Ep. #461 – Global Spa Community – 6 Mar 2019
https://bit.ly/3gpQ91A
Ep. #487 – Bad Decisions vs Wrong Decisions – 1 Apr 2019
https://bit.ly/3j5J0oV
Ep. #361 – Losses Don’t Linger – 26 Nov 2018
https://bit.ly/2Es49uu
Ep. #496 – You Are The Sum – 10 Apr 2019
https://bit.ly/3l8WWQU
bestofthebest #flashback #bestadvice
We're closing in on a special milestone - 1000 episodes!
So over the next few days I'm going to highlight a few of the past episodes that you may have missed that I think are especially relevant to the crazy times we're all going through right now.
Below you will find a link to both the audio and the video of each of the episodes mentioned in todays show.
Ep. 142 - Retail First
https://bit.ly/3aTIlnJ (audio) https://bit.ly/3aOxED6 (video)
Ep. 80 - Pop Up Uni-Hotel
https://bit.ly/31hrjg4 (audio) https://bit.ly/2Qillp3 (video)
Ep. 82 - Pop Up Hospital Hotel
https://bit.ly/2Qi1q9A (audio) https://bit.ly/3j0JJYD (video)
Ep. 168 - Netflix Hotel Pop Ups
https://bit.ly/3l8HrbS (audio) https://bit.ly/3ghTdwD (video)
Ep. 228 - WhyHotel Pop Ups
https://bit.ly/3ghVng0 (audio) https://bit.ly/2CPSMvX (video)
Ep. 256 - The Permanent Pop Up
https://bit.ly/3liAG7o (audio) https://bit.ly/3l8xcnJ (video)
Ep. 270 - Ipsy Pop Up Opportunity
https://bit.ly/31lHTeZ (audio) https://bit.ly/32hH06e (video)
Ep. 281 - People Waiting? Pop Up!
https://bit.ly/2FDvGJZ (audio) https://bit.ly/3aLdWIh (video)
Ep. 586 - Is The Pop Up Trend Fading?
https://bit.ly/3aOwlEc (audio) https://bit.ly/32eh23I (video)
Ep. 273 - A Little Validation Can Kill
https://bit.ly/2Esq4BG (audio) https://bit.ly/31ggqv4 (video)
Ep. 284 - Is there a Market in your Gap?
https://bit.ly/3lcrSjs (audio) https://bit.ly/31k04le (video)
bestofthebest #bestof2020 #thebest
PS: This is not Ep. 997 (as I mentioned at the start of the video, but actually Ep. 996. Sorry. :-(
In times of uncertainty, fear is often foremost in our minds.
Fear of losing your job and not knowing when your next pay day will come will of course inform your purchasing decisions.
At a time like this, such fear will lead many to defer non-essential purchases of products and services.
But what if you offered a Lose Your Job Warranty?
Buy from us now but if you subsequently lose your job, we will offer you a full refund. No questions asked.
Directly addressing the fears of your customers is the only way to help overcome them.
warranty #customerconfidence #salesstrategy
Perhaps the most important element of success is understanding why that particular form of success is important to you.
If you don't understand the Why, you can spend your whole life striving for success and then ultimately achieving it...and still not be happy.
So, once you'e sorted out What success looks like for you, ask yourself...
'Why is that success important to me?'
success #why #achieve
If success to you is winning Olympic Gold or being the richest woman in the world, then yes, success IS a Zero-Sum Game.
But most of us don't live in that world.
For most of us, our success is not predicated on someone else's failure.
Once you realise this, you open the door to partnerships and collaborations.
With that, you have the opportunity to achieve even bigger and better results.
success #failure #collaboration
Think Tanks are usually seen as a place for the best and brightest minds.
Thought Leaders and Industry Experts coming together to offer solutions.
Great idea. Great Concept.
But they don't have to be such a high level endeavour.
You can get together with a few people from your industry or local area or business network and form your own Mini-Think Tank to solve the problems that deeply and immediately impact you.
Your Mini-Think Tank doesn't have to be restricted to your industry either.
Bring in those from complementary industries, or even across totally disparate industries.
You might be pleasantly surprised what you can achieve.
thinktank #thoughtleaders #thinklocal
Recently I have not been giving the kind of open and honest customer feedback that I would usually give, especially if it is negative.
I worry that a negative review from me might end up costing someone their job.
I guess that risk has always been there, but these days the consequences to the individual seem much more dire.
The good news is, this awareness is making me much more tolerant of customer service failures.
The bad news is, for the business, they are missing out on valuable feedback that would help them maintain or improve their customer experiences.
customerservice #customerfeedback #feedbackmatters
Many in the Wellness world believe that the COVID-19 pandemic will create a window of opportunity.
Maybe now people will understand the importance of Wellness in their lives.
Maybe.
But it is by no means guaranteed.
In a world threatened by illness, immediate treatment and prevention are desired.
The benefits of Wellness often take longer to materialise.
In desperate times, miracle cures usually are too good to be true. Science and Data is what's needed.
The Wellness industry has history of welcoming the unproven.
If we can stick to the facts and show the immediate values and benefits of Wellness, then yes, we can Flourish in the Face of COVID-19.
If not, we may Flounder.
wellness #flourish #COVID19
Yesterday I spoke about how your definition of success might be the real reason you see yourself as failing.
Another contributing factor might be the timeframe you set for success.
Oftentimes we want things sooner rather than later.
It's no different when it comes to achieving success.
Far better to extend your target by a few years than to throw it all away and consider it a failure.
Chances are that 'overnight success' you look to for inspiration has been at it for a very long time.
success #failure #perspective
Fear of failure can be crippling.
Actually failing can be totally debilitating.
But sometimes the real problem lies in your definition of success.
That doesn't necessarily mean lowering your expectations.
But it might mean reassessing what really matters when it comes to achieving your success.
It's not just about setting realistic goals.
It's about achieving outcomes that matter.
failure #success #goals
The 4 Stages of a Business or Industry Lifecycle are Emergence - Growth - Maturity - Decline.
Somewhere between Maturity and Decline, it must find a way to reinvent, reinvigorate itself to find a new way forward and start a new curve. If it fails, then the end is inevitable.
The Spa Industry has Emerged and Grown. It is now at the Maturity stage.
However, it is missing one of the key characteristics of a Mature industry. Namely, Consolidation.
By and large, we are still a fragmented industry.
That should represent an opportunity for consolidation, which it does.
However, if the Industry is on the tail end of it's Maturity phase, as I would suggest it is, who is going to want to consolidate in a declining Industry?
So what's the answer?
Innovate, Tweak, Pivot, Reinvent.
The COVID 19 crisis has not caused the Spa Industry's issues. But it has revealed them.
Don't kid yourself that all will be ok if you can just survive this current COVID 19 downturn.
Now, more than ever, the Spa Industry needs to find a new Industry Curve.
spaindustry #innovation #lifecycles
Many people around the world have or will find themselves out of work and out of a career as a result of this current global crisis.
They despair that this means they need to start again, from scratch.
But they are not starting from scratch.
They are starting with the benefit of all the experience they have accumulated over the course of their life.
The Work Experience and the Life Experience.
And THAT represents huge value to a future employer.
So if this is you, reconsider your perspective.
You may need to repackage yourself a bit, but do so and you just might find this next chapter of your life becomes the best one yet.
careerpivot #experiencematters #lifeexperience
Don't focus on finding customers for your product...focus on finding products for your customers.
So says the great marketing genius that is Seth Godin.
It's a subtle, but important distinction.
And after all, isn't that really what marketing is all about anyway?
Creating products and services to meet the demands of a given customer.
But what we often do instead, is create our products and services and then go looking for customers.
Seth's way seems to make more sense.
marketing #customeraquisition #productdevlopment
You've probably noticed that when there's a special occasion like Valentine's Day or St. Patrick's Day or Earth Day, Google mixes up their logo on the home page.
These logo remixes are a great way to help keep your logo fresh and relevant.
So why not go ahead and create a Logo Remix Calendar, with a new event every month, then when that day comes around...remix your logo.
Best to make sure the days or events that you're acknowledging are relevant to your brand and your business.
If you want a few ideas, check out the UN International Days list here - https://bit.ly/2F5RBt3
logodesign #branding #marketing
Real Estate is undoubtedly going to be impacted by this current crisis.
But it may not all be negative.
The CEO of Zillow recently suggested that we will go through a 'right-sizing' in real estate.
Some will want bigger homes so they can have the family all together.
Others will want smaller homes to reduce their mortgage.
Still others will want to move out of the cities.
So with all that movement, I think will still be lots of opportunities in the world of real estate for a while yet.
realestate101 #rightsizing #opportunities
TikTok is getting some heat at the moment.
President Trump wants to ban it because it's owned by a Chinese company.
Microsoft has offered to buy it...at least in a few countries.
That's making many of those who've managed to gather a large audience on TikTok nervous.
They're worried that all of that attention that they've managed to gain will just disappear.
But attention doesn't disappear. It is transient, but it doesn't disappear.
You just need to find a way to communicate such that you are able to get their attention, wherever they may go.
The platforms will change, but the attention will still be there...somewhere.
attention #socialmediaplatforms #attentioneconomy
Are Spas Essential or Non-Essential?
Are Spas a Luxury or a Budget purchase?
I think if you asked most non-Spa people they would say Spas are a Non-Essential Luxury item.
Is that how we actually want to be perceived as an industry?
Many felt Spas got the short end of the stick when it came to re-opening after the COVID-19 lockdowns.
But if we really are a Non-Essential Luxury Industry, what choice did the governments have?
If the Spa Industry wants to change the way it is perceived, to change its identity, we need to look at what we do and say.
What is the image portrayed in the Spa Media? What Spas are winning all the Spa Industry Awards?
The answer - Non-Essential Luxury .
Agree or Disagree?
spaindustry #spas #brandimage
School - Work - Retirement.
That's basically the linear progression of our lives. And we hope that we manage to save enough over the course of life to be able to enjoy our retirement when we get the end of that line.
But life is not linear. So neither should your Personal Financial Planning be either.
Right now many are worried that they won't have enough money to retire when they had planned.
But what if we had actually planned for a dip in our earning and saving capacity?
What if we had factored in the invariable dips we experience in our careers and our lives?
What if we had mechanisms in place to defer car loans, home loans, etc for a few years in the middle of the term?
If we had planned for these dips, this crisis wouldn't seem quite so...well...critical.
So, if you still have time, re-think your Personal Financial Plan and plan for the dips!
personalfinancialplanning #sabbatical #careerplanning
Customer Journeys have changed with the 'New Normal'.
That means new opportunities to insert your brand into those various touch points.
Here's 6 Tips for you to consider...
-
Keep your website and social media pages up to date with the latest information about exactly what your customers can and can not do when they come to your store/business.
-
Become your customer's trusted source on all things COVID-19.
-
Sell high quality face masks with your brand on them. Like these ones https://bit.ly/2XKGLiT
-
Offer your customers a 20% discount if they come into your store/business wearing one of your branded face masks.
-
Sell branded hand sanitiser &/or a 'COVID-19 Cleaning Kit'.
-
Create customised, branded QR codes if your customers need to scan these as part of the contact tracing protocols in your area.
Do you have any more ideas? Let me know!
brandingtip #newnormal #facemasks
When it comes to creating amazing customer experiences, it's essential to understand your customer's journey.
The same is true when building a strong brand.
You need to be aware of each and every touch point between your brand and your customer. Every point between when your customer first learns about your brand, until well after they're gone. All of that is the Customer Journey.
And you need to be aware that in this crazy, COVID-19, New Normal world we're living in, that Customer Journey is very different today.
New SOPs, temperature scans, sanitsers, etc.
Have you considered all these new elements of the Customer Journey and how you can make them positive brand experiences?
brandexperiences #touchpoints #customerjourney
It does seem like there is always a hot social or political issue dominating the mainstream media and the social media streams.
The question is, as a brand, what are you going to do about it?
Are you going to publicly state your position or will you just keep quiet?
The risk in making a public statement is that you may alienate a segment of your market.
But according a Neilsen survey, 73% of millennials want to work for a company that is socially responsible.
And 81% of millennials expect their brand to publicly state and commit to those social causes.
So, if you have a millennial customer base, maybe it's time for you take a stance?
movements #corporatesocialresponsibility #millennials
Many airlines are offering 'Buy Now, Fly Later' deals in a bid to get some cash in their bank now.
Hotels are similarly offering 'Pay Now, Stay Later' promotions.
But the Thailand Tourism Authority have taken it a step further by getting their hotels to offer Hotel Bonds.
The purchaser buys a $100 Hotel Coupon (or Bond). They must hold it for a minimum of 60 days. Then, once it has matured, it is valued at $150.
It's a clever extension of the concept.
Maybe you could offer something similar with your business?
marketingideas #buynowpaylater #hotels
Dr. Anthony Fauci says we probably won't have to wait 12-18 months or even more for a vaccine against the COVID-19 virus.
The reason for that is we are already applying an At Risk strategy to the vaccine development.
What that means is we've already identified a number of possible vaccines and actually started manufacturing them...even though the testing is not yet complete.
Once the testing is complete and the best vaccine is identified, we will already have a stockpile ready to go.
As for all the other vaccines being manufactured that prove not to be suitable, they will of no use anymore. The money invested in them will effectively be wasted. That's the risk.
But in this case, the financial risk of manufacturing vaccines that have not yet been proven to work, is less than the risk of not getting a head start on vaccine production.
covid19vaccine #atrisk #strategy
Hydrafacial is a leading manufacturer of advanced aesthetic technologies and solutions.
As a result of the current crisis they have been forced to lay off some of their people.
But rather than just let them go, Hydrafacial has launched The Talent Directory in an effort to help them find future employment opportunities.
Great Initiative! Well done!
So, if you're looking to hire new staff, why not take a look here first - https://bit.ly/33cq4jJ
Thanks to Leah Argento for letting me know about this!
seekingnewopportunities #jobopportunities #hiringthebest
Content Marketing is a hot topic.
Lots of brands think they're doing Content Marketing, when in fact they're just doing Content.
The true Sweet Spot of Content Marketing is the gap between what the Brand wants to say...and what the Customer wants to hear.
Anything else, is just noise.
Here's the link to Michael Brenner's great article on Content Marketing - https://bit.ly/3giX51y
contentmarketing #contentstrategy #contentmarketing101
Many businesses are feeling the urge to discount their product or service in a bid to try to get customers coming back.
But as we all know, discounting can be a slippery slope.
Adopting an Anchor Pricing Strategy might be a good way to avoid the discounting dilemma.
By adding a more expensive item to your offering, you give your customers a reference point. And compared to that new, expensive reference point, the other items you're selling will become cheaper - relatively speaking.
Here's a link to the THANK YOU FOR NOT DISCOUNTING book by James Tuckerman - https://bit.ly/2El5WkX
pricingstrategies #discounting #anchoring
A Reaction is an immediate, instinctive action.
A Response is more considered and thoughtful.
In times of uncertainty, like we're all living through right now, you might feel compelled to React quickly.
But maybe the better course of action would be to take a breath, take a moment to consider the circumstances and potential outcomes, then Respond.
You might end up making the same decision either way, but this way you should have more chance of making the right decision.
response #reaction #decisionmaking
Billboards near the empty are empty.
It's a sign of the times. But it might also represent some opportunities for your business.
Where are those advertisers now spending their ad dollars? Maybe it could be with you?
If you've got a database of customers, then you can help these advertisers get their message out there.
advertising #businessopportunity #businessstrategy
Life seems to have us programmed to make decisions.
In or Out. Up or Down. Right or Wrong. Good or Bad.
Just make a decision.
But in times of uncertainty, like right now, the parameters are constantly changing. We don't always know what the rules are.
How can you possibly make a good decision in that landscape?
At times like this, sometimes no decision is the best decision.
decisionmaking #parameters #changingworld
Bartering is the idea of swapping one good or service for another.
Before money was invented, that was simply the way business was done.
So right now, with so many businesses running low on cash, it's time to Bring Back Barter!
It just makes sense.
Maybe you'll need to consider a three way (or more) chain of swaps to ensure everybody wins.
What we need is a safe and secure Barter Platform.
Does anybody know of one?
barter #businessstrategy #businessmodels
Most would agree that Global Warming is real...and it's a real problem.
But so far we haven't found the global, collective will to seriously tackle it.
This current Coronavirus Crisis might just provide both the cover and the incentive for governments all around the world to finally address it.
We're subsidising many industries right now. So why not double down on subsidising those eco-friendly and a sustainable industries that will actually help us in the longer term?
Our communities are more aware of the fragility of the world we live in.
And above all, at least from the political perspective, we're probably willing to give a government a Pass on missing other key economic metrics right now, due to this global crisis.
Added together, it seems to me like the landscape may just be right for change.
globalwarming #environmentalstewardship #savetheplanet
I just made $1,000.
How? I created a profile on FINDAWAY Voices, uploaded a few audio samples & got an offer from and author to narrate his book and turn it into an audiobook.
You could do it too.
Yes, you need to learn a few technical audio skills...but that's what Google and YouTube is for.
Seriously, that's how I learned.
So, if you could do with a little supplemental income right now, go checkout FINDAWAY Voices, watch a few YouTube videos to learn the technical stuff and get cracking.
What do you have to lose?
Here's a link to FINDAWAY Voices - https://bit.ly/32YAFij
narrator #voicetalent #sidehustle
Dwight D Eisenhower was President of the United States.
He was also a US Army General who was the Allied Forces Supreme Commander during WWII.
And...he came up with what we now refer to as the Eisenhower Matrix.
In short, it provides a framework for prioritising decsions based on a matrix of Urgent and Important.
It's simple. And it's useful.
Here's some more information - https://bit.ly/3eSi9u5
decisionmaking #prioritizing #eisenhower
How often have you heard someone say, 'I can't do that. I'm just not creative.'
But it's not true. We're all creative.
"Creativity is the act of using alternative thought to accomplish a desired outcome.
Art is simply one possible manifestation of creativity."
So says well respected Chief Creative Officer, Steve Babcock.
Any time you re-arrange your sock drawer you're exercising creativity.
You may not have what it takes to design a logo or a website or paint he Sistine Chapel. That requires Art.
But you definitely posses creativity.
And right now, in these trying times, we need creativity more than ever before.
So...no excuses. Get creative!
creativity #creativityskills #problemsolving
Most people, when offering you advice, do so from their own perspective, experience and bias.
That means their advice may well be right for them, but there's no guarantee it's right for you.
The best advice comes from those people who ask questions about your context before they offer up their advice.
Here's a great article on this topic written by Bill Murphy Jr. over on Inc.com - https://bit.ly/32BJE8U
careeradvice #lifeadvice #advice
Whether you're posting your own blogs, articles and videos or simply sharing someone else's, you're still effectively publishing content.
And no matter how big or small, you have an audience that is consuming that content.
But what responsibilities and obligations do you have to your audience in terms of the accuracy and integrity of that content?
It's a seemingly simple question to answer. You either do or you don't.
But I think it's not always that black and white.
Shouldn't you be free to state your opinion?
I say, Yes!
As long as you're not stating that opinion as a fact (unless it is), I think that's ok.
Will some of your audience assume that if you said it, it must be a fact?
Maybe?
But I'm not sure that's all on you.
The audience has a responsibility to seek their own truth.
contentcreator #fakenews #truth
85% of consumer behaviour is irrational.
That's what world renowned branding expert and consumer insight specialist Martin Lindstrom once told me.
So in that context, how much should your messaging and marketing be focussed on creating a COVID Safe space around your brand / product / service?
Presumably, not too much.
If you are able to tell the right story and create a compelling enough reason for your customers to buy, they will come. No matter how irrational that may seem.
consumerbehaviour #consumerinsights #storytelling
Hotels tend to lag consumer trends.
Be it in the area of Gyms, Spas, Food & Beverage, Sustainability, whatever. Hotels, despite what they'd like us to believe, are simply not innovators.
Maybe they can't be. After all, they need to appeal to a wide audience to achieve reasonable occupancy levels.
But I sense an opportunity.
Why not offer a room category called The Innovation Room?
In that room, a guest will find any number of innovative products and solutions.
I believe many guests would be happy to pay a premium to stay in such a room. I know I would.
And the guest feedback would be valuable consumer research too.
hotels #innovation #consumertrends
Social Media is often seen as a negative thing.
However, I genuinely believe that post all my content on Social Media has made me a better person.
I'm a person who has always had pretty strong opinions and has a tendency to shoot from the hip in voicing those opinions.
But when I'm posting that opinion on Social Media, I always stop, just for a brief moment, to consider how that opinion will be received, perceived & interpreted.
In doing that, I am forcing myself to be more aware of the opposing points of view.
I am being more empathetic to those with differing opinions.
OK, sure, there are some who would say I'm not exactly doing a great job at that. And that I need to be more thoughtful and considered...but I'm trying.
socialmedia #opinions #empathy
An oxymoron is 'a combination of contradictory or incongruous words'.
Like... Deafening Silence or Act Naturally
In a way, I think sometimes Brand Standard can be an oxymoron too.
The whole purpose of a brand is to stand out from the rest.
However, in the very process of creating a Brand Standard, sometimes what we really end up doing is simple Standardising our Brand.
branding #brandstrategy #standardisation
The Human Library is a not for profit learning program.
And it's brilliant.
It's kinda like a library but instead of books...they have people to tell their own stories.
And those stories are of facing prejudice, bias, stigma, etc.
You can go to a Human Library and borrow a Book (ie: a Human) for a 30 minute chat to learn all about them.
Some of the Human Books available include - Homeless Person, Drug Addict , HIV+ Person, Transgender Person, etc.
See. I told you. What a brilliant idea.
There are Human Libraries in over 80 countries.
Here's their website - https://bit.ly/2WgSvZH
prejudices #stigma #movements
Right now, in the midst of this global crisis, is one of the best possible times to double down on paid online advertising.
Why?
Because the ads are just so much cheaper now.
These ad platforms operate as an auction for keywords and phrases. The more demand there is by advertisers for a specific keyword, the higher the price for that keyword. And vice versa.
As so many advertisers have reduced their ad spend during this crisis, the price of these keywords has gone down.
According to online marketing guru Neil Patel, his clients are currently seeing an increase of 71% in the ROI of their online ad spend.
And even if you can't sell your thing right now, consider running paid ads to direct people to your free content, just to get them into your system. It's like customer acquisition for the future.
PS: Checkout Neil Patel's site for lots of great, free information - https://bit.ly/308pyzY
onlinemarketing #onlineadvertising #paidadvertising
https://bit.ly/308pyzY
Two brothers grow up with an alcoholic father.
One becomes an alcoholic. One never touches a drop.
What you chose to do with your circumstances, is on you.
If anyone else has been able to face similar challenges and made their way through it, then it can be done.
Is there really any valid reason why you can't do it too?
perspective #challengeaccepted #personalgrowth
We can’t help ourselves.
We’re constantly judging and making assessments of others...then we compare ourselves to them.
That guy isn’t as good as me.
That girl is more successful than me.
But we never really know. Things are almost never exactly as the seem.
Nobody is all that they seem - both good and bad.
So just do you.
selfawareness #perception #judgement
I built my career on a very simply theory...Just Turn Up!
From my first real hotel job as a Casual Bellman, if the hotel called me to come in...I Turned Up.
And I kept Turning Up.
Every time I was given another opportunity, I jumped at. I Turned Up.
Whether you're at the start of your career or the end of your career or somewhere in between, this theory will hold you in good stead.
I'm always amazed at the number of people I meet, at all stages of their career, who find a reason to not turn up.
That job's not for me. I don't want to be in area. That job's too hard. That job is too easy.
Sure, it matters that you do a good job when you get there.
But most importantly - Just Turn Up!
careeradvice #workethic #turnup
Host hotel guests simply do not use the Gym.
And that's before COVID-19.
A 2017 survey by the Cornell Centre for Hospitality Research revealed no more than around 30% of guests actually use the Gym ( https://bit.ly/2ZOoukU )
Presumably, that usage rate will only decline further in the wake of COVID-19.
So what is to become of the Hotel Gym? Is it redundant? Is it doomed?
Maybe this will prove to be the tipping point for in-room fitness options?
PS: Here's the article by Jennifer Ploszaj - https://bit.ly/31Yq85T
hotels #hotelroom #fitness
Most businesses look to the internet as a way to help them scale. A way to reach the masses.
And it can be. But that's not quite as easy as many imagine it should be.
But one thing the internet is really good for is helping you reach your niche audience.
Your thin slice of the market that really cares about your thing - your product, your service or your content.
The people who you should really care about. The people for whom your product/service/content really matters.
It's not about reaching the biggest possible audience.
It's about reaching the right audience. Your audience.
NB: shout out to Seth Godin for the inspiration for today's episode.
scalingyourbusiness #marketing #tribes
Many businesses right now are trying to find a way forward. A new strategy that will allow them to survive and thrive in the Brave New Post-COVID-19 World.
But sometimes, the best strategy of all may simply be - Don't Mess Up.
That doesn't mean doing nothing. It just means doing what you say you do. Delivering on your promise.
As simple as that.
In lieu of a better strategy and in a world where your competitors may be Messing Up, all it will take for you to stand out will be...
Don't Mess Up!
businessstrategy #postcovid19 #brandpromise
During the great gold rushes many lucky people made lots of money by finding gold.
But lots of smart people also made lots of money selling them the Picks and Shovels to them.
Very few of us are destined to create the next big thing. The next iPhone. The next Uber. The next AirBnB.
But building a business on the periphery that supports &/or complements these high profile success stories is a very real possibility.
Food Delivery platforms got a huge boost during the lockdowns.
But so too did the guy who made those insulated delivery bags that sit on the back of the motorbike.
This is the Picks & Shovels Strategy.
Good Luck!
businessopportunity #businessideas #supportservices
Co-Working companies have had lots of bad press in recent month, largely on the back of the WeWork debacle.
However, I do believe that Co-Working Spaces and the companies that provide them have a real future.
But I've also been thinking a lot about the future of hotels and now they could possibly re-invent themselves in the Brave New World of Tomorrow.
So here's a thought...
What about if the hotel model of tomorrow was part Hotel and part Co-Working space?
I genuinely believe that could be a winning formula.
hotelindustry #hotels #businessmodel
In a bid to try to pressure governments to re-open their industries, the representative bodies of those industries effected rally to petition the powers that be to give them the green light.
This usually involves a strong letter from the representative body, outlining the significant contribution of that industry to the overall economy, employment, etc.
This letter is usually followed by a petition from the individual business owners within that industry.
Both these steps are important and necessary.
But I think where industries often miss the mark in these situations is a concerted effort to get their customers to petition the government.
Every business owner and every industry body of course believes that their industry is important. The government would expect you to say nothing less.
But if the government receives a flood of letters, calls and petitions from members of the general public who are calling for these businesses and services to re-open, my guess is that will make a much bigger impact.
So, if your industry still hasn't re-opened, time to rally the public!
spas #reopening #postcovid19
Managing a Hotel or a Resort is, in a way, managing a small community.
A number of the skills, talents and expertise required to manage a hotel are also applicable to managing a wider, more permanent community - like a town.
If I was looking to recruit a CEO for my Town, Council or Shire, I'd definitely be considering applicants with strong hospitality experience.
At a time when many experienced hoteliers around the world are out of a job, there could be some really interesting candidates available.
Oh, and what about the hotel management companies?
Maybe Marriott or Hilton or Accor could make a move into the Township Management space?
@david reynolds @ryan webster @mark phillips @steve nolis @axel koster
recruitment #localcouncil #hotelmanagement
I've been using the same App for editing the videos for this show for most of the 2.5 years I've been doing it.
PocketVideo. I loved it! It did everything I needed...and probably a lot more that I never discovered.
Recently, I had to delete it and reinstall it. When I did, I found that all of the features I loved...we're gone.
:-(
I was exposed. I was vulnerable.
It was my own fault really, because I'd become complacent. I hadn't been dabbling, trying, testing, tasting all the other video editing Apps in the marketplace.
Don't YOU be vulnerable. Start dabbling. And keep dabbling.
Now more than ever, in an uncertain world, dabbling just makes sense.
trysomethingnew #experimentation #staycurrent
As people around the world start coming back to work, we need to realise that each of us will have our own tolerance levels when it comes to social distancing.
I'm not talking about the space between workstations or in the staff canteen. But more about how close we want to get as we move around the office.
When you pass someone in the hallway. When you stop at the coffee room or water cooler for a chat. When you come to a colleague's desk to discuss something.
One brilliant way I saw recently was the idea of Red, Yellow & Green coloured wristbands.
Green means I'm ok for hugs & high fives.
Yellow means I'm ok to talk, but don't get too close.
Red mean, I'm social distancing.
So, at a glance, anyone in the office can know what your tolerance level is for contact.
Great idea!
PS: Thanks to @Laura Weisman for sharing the post.
socialdistancing #backtoworksafely #postcovid19
Ad-Based Revenue Models are great...when they work.
But Facebook is finding out at the moment that such models are never guaranteed, especially at a time of crisis like right now.
As companies of all shapes and sizes are looking to save money, social media advertising is one expense many feel they can do without.
Coca-Cola recently announced a 30 day suspension of its social media advertising. They're saying it's to reassess their presence on social.
At least partly, it's seen as sending a message to Facebook that they need to work harder at controlling the negative and discriminatory content featuring on the platform.
This, combined with a number of other companies doing the same, led to Facebook's share price dropping by 8%, resulting in a $50+ billion drop in market cap.
As many people and business around the world are now looking for new ways to make money, an ad-based content model can seem appealing.
But the current situation with Facebook should be seen as a warning that, in difficult times, there are no easy ways to make money.
businessmodels #revenuemodels #adrevenue
The Three Product Levels Model was developed by marketing guru Philip Kotler.
According to this model, there is the CORE product, the ACTUAL product and the AUGMENTED product.
The CORE product is the actual benefit the customer is buying.
Using the motor car as an example, the CORE product is transportation.
Continuing with this example, the ACTUAL product is the physical car itself.
The AUGMENTED product is all the stuff on the periphery. The Value Adds, if you like. Things like customer service, warranty, after sales service, etc.
Whilst there is definitely value to you the seller to understand the subtle differences between each level, you should also understand that the consumer ultimately sees just one product that is inclusive of all these elements.
Here's a link to the book I mentioned - Scaling New Heights - https://amzn.to/31oYj6v
marketing #branding #products
Not every trend, a market makes.
So said Rodger Berman.
I think it's an important perspective to keep in mind, especially in these crazy times we are living in today.
Lots of us are looking to reinvent ourselves. Trying to find a way to evolve our businesses.
In that search, we can sometimes read too much into trends and convince ourselves of a market opportunity that really isn't there. Or at best, it could be a short lived opportunity.
The current trend towards bespoke face masks comes to mind.
No doubt there is a market for such face masks today. But I think we're all hoping it will be short lived and that some day soon we won't have to wear them.
So just tread careful. Not every tend, a market makes.
BTW - If you do want to get hold of those cool face masks I mentioned from Raad Ghantous - here's the link - https://bit.ly/2BfPQrC
facemasks #marketopportunity #trends
We all have our own, unique lines in the sand.
In fact, whether we're aware of it or not, we've all drawn these lines for just about every aspect of our lives.
Of course, there are certain community rules and social norms that set the parameters, but the exact location of each line is for each of us, alone, to draw.
But it's worth remembering, that just as sand tends to move, it's ok if your line moves a little sometimes too.
The world in which we live is constantly changing, so it makes sense to recalibrate and reassess our lines in the sand from time to time.
lineinthesand #limits #life
There will always be those who seek to advantage of a crisis situation.
I've heard several stories of business owners of accommodation, villa rentals, AirBnB, etc who have been had customers and clients request obscenely large discounts. Just because they can.
They believe that they have all the leverage and can make demands that are in essence opportunistic, mercenary and even predatory in nature.
It's not fair. It's not right. But it is, I fear, part of our New Normal.
So as businesses, we need to get our head around how we want to deal with it.
What are your limits? How will you respond to these crazy requests? How will you educate your staff to cope with them?
Eventually, I believe the market will make the correction and even things out. But for now, it may well be part of your New Normal.
So get ready.
negotiations #tactics #pricing #newnormal
The way we respond to pandemics and crises in the future will be informed by what we're doing now.
What can we learn about how better to prepare our business.
If, When and How your business is permitted to open in the wake of this global pandemic will no doubt be determined by your local, state and federal governments and regulatory bodies.
As we're seeing, the type of licence you have for your business is one of the key considerations.
In Malaysia, Spas can not open yet, but Beauty Salons can.
Some Spas have only a Spa License. Some have a Spa License and a Beauty License.
Those Spas with a Beauty License are permitted to open to provide beauty services only.
For many businesses, being open to open a few weeks earlier may be the difference between survival and bankruptcy.
So, whatever your business, consider what different types of business licences you could have for your business.
When the next wave or the next crisis hits, it may just give you some more options for survival.
businesslicense #covidlearning #crisisplanning
If you're in the business of selling your time and expertise then you generally look at revenue opportunities through the lens of your Hourly/Daily Rate.
That makes perfect sense...if you're busy.
But if you're not...it's pretty irrelevant.
Trust me. I know.
I'm currently narrating an audiobook, for which I'm getting paid $100 per Finished Hour Of Audio.
Sounds like good money, right? $100 per hour.
What if I told you it takes me 4 hrs to create 1 hour of Finished Audio?
Now, my effective hourly rate is just $25 per hour.
I was getting more than that working as a casual bellman in a hotel 30 years ago.
So if I was busy doing other stuff, this hourly rate isn't a good time/money trade off.
However, if I was just going to be sitting on the couch anyway, this hourly rate is a great deal.
timeismoney #hourlyrate #valueyourself
My wife bought some Aesop hand wash on the weekend. I love it!
Her experience in-store started me thinking that this is a unique moment in time for Aesop...and any other brands selling high quality soaps.
We're all now obsessed with washing our hands, often with pretty average soap products, or even worse, those horrible hand sanitisers.
So, how about the Aesop Hand Wash Membership Card?
You pay $50 for your membership and that entitles you to come into any Aesop store, any time you like, to wash your hands.
If for no other reason, it lets wash off the smell of those hand sanitisers!
Who wants one?
PS: Hats off to Aesop too. Awesome product. Cool stores!
soap #skincare #brandingtip
The Democratisation of Wellness is all about making Wellness accessible to all.
Wellness should not be something exclusively for Elite and the Wealthy.
Thus far, it's something we've largely failed to deliver.
What if we created a not for profit Global Wellness Certification?
Any business in the World of Wellness, from Spas to Hotels to Product & Supply Companies pay a fee to receive this new Global Wellness Certification.
The profits generated from the certification revenues are then dedicated to providing Wellness products, services and solutions for those who could not otherwise afford them.
What do you think?
Would this work?
wellness #democratization #certification
There's a lot of business advices that suggests when building a new product, you should first ask your customers what they want.
But Jason Fried says it's better to build the first version for yourself. Then you can seek customer feedback to hone, tweak and improve your product.
Personally, I think I prefer Jason's approach.
Asking customers what they want can get messy. Also, they don't know what they don't know.
By seeking out customer opinion as your first source of direction, you might be missing a massive upside that you see, but they do not.
productdesign #marketing #customerfeedback
The more people you have involved, the less likely you are to get any one of them to take action.
It seems counterintuitive.
That is the phenomenon of the Diffusion of Responsibility.
If there are other people involved, why do I need to take action? Why didn't they?
When it comes to decision making in your organisation, the concept of the Diffusion of Responsibility is one which you really need to understand, if you want to get stuff done.
responsibility #accountability #decisionnmaking
Yesterday Twitter launched Voice Tweets - and I have access.
It works just like you'd imagine...compose a tweet, click the Voice icon, record your message.
Voice Tweets are limited to 2 minutes 20 seconds, but if you run over that time, it just splits your Voice Tweets into a Thread.
Voice Guru, Brian Roemmele, has suggested this may be the start of a new micro-podcasting platform.
Maybe. Who knows?
Regardless, it certainly opens up some interesting opportunities for storytelling on Twitter.
You can read more about Voice Tweets here - https://blog.twitter.com/en_us/topics/product/2020/your-tweet-your-voice.html
voicetweets #voicefirst #voicetech
Just a few short weeks ago, I had all the time in the world.
I was on LOCKDOWN.
The one thing I was allowed to do, go to the supermarket, had become annoyingly cumbersome time consuming due to the new COVID-Safe SOPs.
But it didn't matter. I had time.
Today, the supermarket and any shopping experience for that matter is still annoyingly time consuming.
But now it does matter. I don't have all the time in the world anymore.
As your business starts to reopen, remember that your customers will soon resume to their normal programming - ie: time starved (or so they think).
You will need to implement new SOPs that will take more time.
So start thinking about what else in your product or service offering or process can help your customers save time.
Pre-COVID-19, Time was a big deal.
Post-COVID-19, it will be again.
time #postcovid19 #reopening
As many countries around the world look to restart their economies and reopen businesses, we all want to know when our specific industry and business will get the green light.
In recent weeks, many in the Spa Industry around the world have been asking me, 'When will Spas be able to reopen?'
Sadly, I think Spas will be one of the last industries to reopen in many countries.
We simple are not seen as an essential enough industry AND we are high contact...which means we are high risk in terms of this specific virus.
As Adam Chatterley, Chair of the UK Spa Association said recently, 'Hope for the best, but plan for the worst'.
spas #reopening #postcovid19
If your primary business is selling services or experiences, you really should make sure you also sell a physical product too.
Use your existing expertise, experience and networks to source products that your existing customers would buy.
If business is good, it's an additional revenue stream.
If your services or experience business is bad - like it probably has been lately during this global pandemic - the revenue from your product sales may just be the difference between survival...or not.
products #revenuestreams #businessstrategies
A Self-Fulfilling Prophecy is an 'individual's expectations about another person or entity eventually result in the other person or entity acting in ways that confirm the expectations.'
That's what's happening with Wellness in Hotel Spas.
I don't believe that the push towards Wellness in Hotel Spas is necessarily demand-led.
But I do believe that hotels are, once again, looking for Spas to bring them the shiny new thing.
That shiny new thing at this time is Wellness.
I do not believe that this will be the right, long-term strategy for all Spas - or indeed most Spas.
At the high end? Sure. But for the vast majority, I don't think so.
I've spoken and written about this extensively before.
In fact, I have a few FREE eBooks on my site that you can take a look at if you want to dive in a bit deeper.
Here's the link to the eBooks - http://bit.ly/2n6HOHo
wellness #hotels #spas
When the Russian chemist Dimitry Mendeleev created the Periodic Table back in 1869, he knew it wasn't complete.
He knew there were some elements missing, but he just didn't know exactly what they were yet.
So rather than hold off on publishing what he had until it was complete, he put it out as it was and left some blank spaces in his table for others to fill in over time.
In business, especially at a time like right now, you should do the same.
Don't wait until you have all the pieces.
Put out what you have now and then work hard on filling in the rest of the pieces as you go along.
PS: Thanks to Seth Godin for the inspiration for today's episode.
lessonslearned #business #dontwait
Time is an Equal Opportunity employer.
So said American author & motivational speaker Denis Waitley.
It's something we sometimes tend to forget.
So often, the excuse we use for why we aren't able to get something done, do achieve something special is that we just don't have enough time.
But if you have the same minutes in a day as the next guy - and you do - then it's just a matter of choice about what you spend your time on.
The next time you find yourself about use lack of time as an excuse, just remember that we all get the same amount of minutes in a day.
PS: Thanks Lucky for the inspiration!
time #noexcuses #motivationalquotes
In the wake of the death of George Floyd and the subsequent global protests we've been hearing this word a lot.
Minority.
George Floyd was black. He was a minority.
I understand that technically that he way well have been from a socio-demographic group that has less total numbers than some other such groups. So yes, in that sense, he was in the minority.
But I feel that the term 'Minority' instantly suggest that this group is less than the other group.
The term, to me, carries with it negative connotations.
I don't think that is helping the cause.
minorities #discrimination #racialequality
A lot of people right now are feeling like life just isn't fair.
Understandable too.
Many have lost their jobs and some are literally forced to beg, borrow and steal just to survive.
However, life has never really been fair.
It's just that so many of us have simply been so lucky, so privileged for so long that this current situation is unfair - to us.
But for many others, this has been their reality for a long time.
Also, by writing off your situation as life just not being fair, it also absolves you of any responsibility for taking action to remedy the situation.
fairness #equitable #luck
From Crisis Comes Opportunity.
And this current COVID-19 Crisis may well lead to a boom time for Spa Management Companies.
Many hotels have been forced to lay off most, if not all, of their staff, including the Spa Team.
As they start to re-open, hotels will be looking to cut costs and reduce their risks wherever they can.
One area of exposure for hotels in the payroll of the Spa Team.
So, why not outsource the management to the spa to a Spa Management Company in return for a revenue share or profit share?
It reduces the risk/exposure on the payroll yet ensures the hotel can still offer the Spa to their guests.
If you're a Spa Consultant or a Spa Manager who's been laid off, there could be an opportunity there for you, if you're willing to grab it.
hotels #spas #opportunityawaits
'Just-In-Time' is an inventory management technique which, as the name suggests, is based on carrying a minimum amount of inventory or stock.
Rather than carrying lots of stock, you schedule the stock to arrive Just In Time to meet the market demand.
It makes perfect sense from a cash flow perspective.
But during the COVID-19 crisis, with global supply chains shit down, those relying on Just In Time were suddenly exposed.
Or were they?
Maybe Just In Time actually saved them at this time, as they weren't carry lots of stock which they couldn't sell.
So, what does the future hold for an inventory strategy like this?
Have a listen...
justintime #inventorymanagement #cashflowmanagement
A few day ago, in Ep. 913 of this show, I spoke about how hard work and talent alone won't necessarily guarantee success.
You'll also need a bit of good luck and good timing.
Well, something else that might come in handy on the road to success is Patience.
We're all in a hurry, especially for success.
But the longer you can deploy just a little patience, the better chance you have of achieving meaningful, long term success.
Here's a link to Ep. 913 - Never Underestimate The Role Of Luck And Timing - https://bit.ly/2AMoh8Q
patience #success #successprinciples
Zig Ziglar is credited with saying...
'You don't build a business. You build people. Then they build the business.'
It might be a cliche, but there's lots of truth in it.
In the past, many companies have tended to pay lip service to the idea.
But now, in these difficult times for so many businesses, focussing on your people may well be one of the ew things you can control.
So, focus on building them up now, so that when the customers start coming back, they will take care of your business for you.
businessbuilding #employeefirst #companyculture
For most people Privacy and Freedom go hand in hand.
But after just a few months of being denied many of our freedoms during the global lockdowns, we're now being told if we want our Freedom back, we will need to give up some of our Privacy.
Contact Tracing means we need to let the 'authorities' know who we are, where we go and even, to some extent, what we do.
Based on our actions today, it would seem that most of us are in fact willing to forgo Privacy for Freedom.
It remains to be seen if our attitude towards Privacy and Freedom will ever be the same again.
privacy #freedom #contacttracing
A few years ago Accor, the global hotel powerhouse, launched Accor Local.
The concept was 'conceived as a way to make Accor a key player in the daily lives of the communities in which they operate.'
It was intended to be a way to embed Accor into the local community by helping local businesses expand the scope and scale of their offering.
For example, the local Dry Cleaner, who usually closes his store at 6pm, could now use the local Accor hotel, which is open 24 hrs a day, as a drop off and collection point.
Accor Local would also, of course, be a great way for Accor to explore new revenue opportunities in these specific verticals.
Given what's happened with global supply chains during this pandemic, smart hotel companies will probably try similar approaches.
And not just hotels. Any global player in any industry could now be trying to win the hearts & minds of your local community.
So if you have a local business, now is the time to double down on your local community.
Make sure you can win their hearts & minds before the Big Boys come in and steal them away.
You have a head start, but they will come hard and fast. So you'd better get serious.
Here's a link to the piece I wrote on Accor Local - https://bit.ly/3cBrwNJ
localbusiness #localcommunities #postcovid19
Price is a construct of the Seller.
The Buyer doesn't care what the Price is.
He only cares about the Cost to him.
Same thing? Kinda. But it's a different perspective and one that puts the customer first, not the seller.
It may not specifically change your pricing strategy, but it might change the way you communicate your price.
As an example...
Offering me a 50% discount from the Recommended Retail Price is sending me two messages I don't really care about.
-
I don't care about the RRP
-
And I don't care about the amount of the discount
What I really care about is the final cost to me.
Here's a link to the article I wrote on pricing that inspired this discussion - https://bit.ly/3cxZ2Ez
pricingstrategy #consumerinsights #buyer
When times are good, we tend to let our egos run away from us a little bit.
But when times are bad, when we're in CRISIS, we need help.
We need new ideas. We need partnerships and collaborations.
That stuff just doesn't work very well if we let our egos get in the way.
So, if you've found certain business relationships in the past didn't work out due to a clash of egos, now might be a good time to circle back on them.
Because right now, in this time of crisis, if you can both check your egos at the door, you might just find a solution that benefits both parties.
ego #personality #businessrelationships
Over the years, I've spoken a lot about how Voice could very likely become the User Interface of the Future.
You only had to look at the boom in smart speakers and voice-connected everything to understand that.
So when I first realised that close contact and touch was going to be the enemy in the post COVID-19 world, I figured this would be the real watershed moment for Voice.
But so far, it hasn't happened. Why?
According to world-renowned Voice expert Brian Roemmele, there are two reasons..
-
We've reached the edge of the Voice technology.
-
Innovation in Voice (as with many things) has stalled due to the global lockdowns.
Interestingly, Brian thinks this crisis may actually prove to be a setback for Voice, rather than a springboard.
I hope not.
Check out Brian Roemmele on Twitter - https://twitter.com/BrianRoemmele
voicetechnology #voiceinterface #voice
I can honestly say I don't even bother looking at the latest data on the COVID-19 pandemic anymore.
I've just had enough.
It's not even that I'm sick of hearing all the sad news. I'm just numb to all the numbers. To the data.
Data Fatigue is real.
So as you prepare to open your business and implement the new SOPs for a COVID-Safe world, just be careful you don't bombard your customers or guests or clients with too much data. They've probably had enough of it too!
data #fatigue #communicationstrategy
Hard Work. Hustle. Grind.
All are crucial to achieving success. Right?
Maybe.
But Luck and Timing can also play a major role.
We don't acknowledge that enough.
You may have incredible talent. You may well have worked really hard. Well done.
But don't kid yourself. Luck and Timing were also on your side.
luck #timing #success
There's no shortage of expert advice out there on how to sell.
But here's my non-expert take on it...
You can't SELL me anything, you can only HELP me buy.
Ultimately, the decision to purchase is up to me.
You help me by educating and informing me of the benefits and features of what you're selling, empathising with my situation, etc.
Taking this approach with your sales team will ease the pressure on them and allow them to focus on the bits that really drive sales...the help.
Try it.
sellingtips #salesskills #salestraining
Are you having trouble monitoring and managing the performance of you people in the new era of Work From Home?
Many have.
Look a bit deeper.
There's a real good chance that this is nothing to do with being remote.
The real issue may well be that you just don't have great mechanisms in place for monitoring and managing performance at all. Regardless of where the people are.
Many companies have found out they simply have more people than they really need, even before you factor in any slow down in business.
Many have found they have compensation and reward systems that grant individual incentives based on team KPI's, for example.
The way we work is outdated. It was true before COVID-19. It's more true now.
You need to check out Brave New Work - https://www.bravenewwork.com/
Talk to Aaron Dignan or Sam Spurlin over at The Ready - https://www.theready.com/
It'll help.
performancemanagement #remoteworking #organisationalchange
A random observation...
There are two types of game - Those That End & Those That Do Not.
Endless games like CandyCrush & BubbleShoot seem much harder to put down. They seem inherently more addictive.
Puzzle-type games, like Sudoku or Angry Birds, have an end. In fact, they usually have multiple ends or stages.
That makes them much easier to put down, walk away from and come back to later.
Wellness and Wellbeing is an endless game. It has no end.
So, if you're searching for a way to add gamification elements to your Wellness product or service, you should probably focus on the types of games that don't end.
They'll probably end up being more addictive too. And if you're pushing Wellness, that can't be a bad thing, right?
gamification #wellness #personalitytypes
If you're selling a solution to a problem - which, let's face of it, most of us are in some way - you're selling the wrong thing.
People don't buy Solutions.
The buy the Fix.
Within reason, they often don't even don't even care how you arrived at the Fix. They just care that it fixes their problem.
It might seem like a subtle distinction, and maybe it is.
But when it comes to packaging and marketing your thing, it matters.
There's more to IKEA than meets the eye.
They've found a way to create a product that appeals simultaneously to different markets.
And I'm not talking about the geographical markets. That bit is relatively easy.
The one product is equally appealing to Do-It-Yourself market AND the Do-It-For-Me market.
And I swear they've made the build of their products just a little bit more complicated than it has to be. Again, to make it just that little bit more appealing to these very distinct user markets.
Genius I reckon!
ikea #marketing #productdesign
Face Masks have become part of our daily dress code.
The folks at Reebok's European Innovation Lab, the Creation Centre, seem to think this might be the way it is for some time yet.
They've started to play around with some design concepts for Fitness Face Masks.
Most exciting is The Symbiosis Mask which would filter out dangerous particulate and purify the air being breathed in.
This is exciting news for the many millions of people around the world that live with terrible air quality.
Here's the article...
https://www.fastcompany.com/90507362/reeboks-fitness-masks-are-proof-were-living-in-a-dystopian-hellscape
Thanks to Julie Bach for the story!
airpollution #airpurification #innovation
Consider this, rather than seeking change, what will really should be doing is finding a way to navigate that change.
Why?
Well, because by the time we seek change, it's already happening.
By continuing to seek change, we are able to give ourselves an excuse for not acting...because we're still waiting for the change to happen.
However, if we accept that the change is actually already in play, then there are no more excuses.
It's kinda empowering in a way.
change #changeyourmindset #noexcuses
With all these new rules around social distancing, retail stores are limiting the number of shoppers inside the shop at any one time.
But of course retail footprints have been designed for a time when many people can move freely around the space.
That brings a massive disconnect between the current spaces and their current usage.
How can we re-imagine the retail experience for the New Normal?
What if we adapted the Sushi Train concept and applied it to retail stores?
Maybe the products could be the 'sushi' or maybe even the shoppers could be the 'sushi' in this scenario.
Sound crazy? Maybe it is.
Then again, we are living in crazy times.
retailexperience #retaildesign #retailinnovation
Ray Dalio is the billionaire founder of Bridgewater Capital.
Perhaps more importantly though, he is the author of Principles for Success.
There are many great insights in the book.
This particular one, around problem solving, really resonated with me.
Seeking a solution to a problem is really just a short term fix.
To really make the changes you need to make, you need to identify the root cause of the problems you encounter.
Here's the video presentation of Ray's book. Highly recommend that you take the 28 minutes and 46 seconds and watch this...
https://youtu.be/B9XGUpQZY38
principles #achieveyourgoals #achievesuccess
As many businesses around the world are starting to re-open, or at least plan for that, COVID-19 guidelines are the first priority.
But it would be wise to re-think your entire work flow now too.
There may well be parts of your guest flow, your service flow, that aren't necessary to the overall experience or result.
If that's the case, maybe you should be removing it from the flow?
Much of our business processes will be more burdensome in a this New Normal.
So if you have unnecessary steps in place, chances are they too will become more burdensome to your customers or your staff.
rethink #workflow #businessprocesses
I've said it before. I'll say it again.
People buy your story!
That's what they resonate with. That's what hooks them. That's what keeps them loyal.
Now, more than ever, it matters.
As I see businesses opening up again, they're still missing it.
Unless you are selling a totally unique product or service, which most of us are not, your story is the only thing that truly differentiates you.
Just be careful not to include too much Doom & Gloom.
A little is fine, if that's your reality, but not too much. We've had enough of that.
storytelling #brandstory #authenticity
Hedging is something usually associated with a commodity. Like fuel.
By hedging on fuel prices, an airline commits to buy X amount of fuel over a set period of time at a fixed price. The reason they do this is to protect them against fluctuations in the price over time.
The key attribute here in the volatility of the price over time.
With all that's changing in the way we do business in the New Normal, the same volatility we usually associate with things like oil and currencies, may start to come in to play with other supplies for your business.
Face Masks, for example, maybe be part of every business for the foreseeable future.
If there is a sudden spike in COVID-19 cases again, the price of face masks might spike too.
Perhaps you could hedge face masks?
For a Spa, if we believe there will be volatility in the price of our skin care products, due to issues with the global supply chain, maybe you could do the same. Hedge against your skin care products?
Anywhere there is significant volatility in price over time, hedging is worth considering.
hedging #hedge #rethink
In a recent interview on The Raad Life, Nicolas Ronco discussed the topic of Escapism vs Essentialism with host, Raad Ghantous.
The suggestion is that many spas are servicing Escapism wants vs Essentialism needs.
To me, Escapism is about the Short Term, whilst Essentialism is about the Long Term.
Both have their place. Indeed, many businesses offer elements of both.
And I do think this could be a very interesting lens through which to view your business.
Are you selling Escapism or Essentialism?
Because the answer to that question will inform your messaging, your pricing, your offering and even the timing of each of these.
Here's the link to the interview...
https://youtu.be/_mbGkHkjJp4
escape #essential #shortterm #longterm
We are moving into a world where, at least for a while, physical contact is bad.
That's good news for Vending Machines.
Some are saying hotels will remove minibars in guest rooms due to the need to santise each and every item before a new guest checks in.
Mini Vending Machines in guest rooms could be an alternative.
Or even full size vending machines on each guest floor.
Think of the large, open fridges in supermarkets where customers are encouraged to help themselves to their preferred item. How many other customers have touched that milk carton before you selected it?
Vending Machines again seem like an ideal alternative.
Methinks we could be in for a bit of a boom in the Vending Machine business.
vendingmachine #contactless #postcovid19
The 'New Normal' is on the mind of every business owner and manager right now.
For many, that means Face Masks, Social Distancing, Sanitising.
But what about the secondary financial impacts?
Not just the costs of these new safety measures, but of increasing inventory costs.
Supply Chains around the world have broken.
The best way to ensure your business against disruptions in the supply chain is to maintain higher stocks of inventory.
That comes at a cost, of course.
But you may not have much choice.
inventorymanagement #supplychainrisk #businesssurvival
In times of crisis like we're all experiencing right now, it's easy to feel like you have no control.
We are all being severely influenced by factors beyond our control.
But it's important to remember you can always control your Effort and your Intent.
It's up to you how much Effort you put in.
Chances are, the more you put in, the more you'll get out of it.
Even though that might be less than you would have previously gotten for the same effort, it's better than the alternative.
And no matter what decisions you make, there will be doubters, disagreers & haters.
Guess what? They might be right too.
But as long as your Intent was good & pure, that'll have to do.
Your best Effort and your best Intent is sometimes all you can control.
intent #effort #control
Over the past few weeks I've had people from all over the world reaching out to discuss various issues.
They're seeking for clarity in a world of confusion.
The problem is they keep receiving Mixed Messages. Conflicting information.
And that is the New Normal - Mixed Messages.
You need to deal with it in your business.
More importantly, you need to understand that your customers and clients are suffering from Mixed Messages too.
Clarity of Communication at this time is critical - but that doesn't necessarily mean MORE communication.
Over-Communicating at a time like this might only increase the confusion and anxiety.
crisiscommunication #messaging #clarity
Trust has always been an important factor in any client relationship.
On the other side of this COVID-19 Crisis, it will be critical.
Trust has taken a beating during this current crisis.
We're not sure who or what we can trust anymore.
In every action, in every communication you have in your business, make sure Trust is the driving influence.
consumerconfidence #trustbuilding #trust
There's been a bit of talk during these COVID-19 lockdowns about how long it takes to change a habit.
Most of what I've read suggests that after about 2 months, you'll find your new habits forming.
But how long would it take to change the culture?
Take the handshake or the kiss on the cheek. Neither are welcome in a post COVID-19 world.
In Thailand, the Wai gesture is used for greetings instead. No contact required.
Could that become part of the culture of greetings the West after 6 months? Or maybe a year?
Or would this level of cultural change be a generational thing?
What about the Pub culture?
If Pubs stay closed for a few more months OR the New Normal of social distancing changes the experience so much that it's just not appealing anymore, would the Pub culture that is so much a part of many countries, disappear?
culturalchange #postcovid19 #habitchange
This current COVID-19 Crisis is a unique Moment in Time.
There will be much pain and suffering for many.
But there will also be a lot of opportunity. There always is from these big Moments in Time.
For those that are able to see them and are prepared to take a chance on them, the opportunities will be there.
Chances are though, you will miss these opportunities.
Don't believe me, just think about all the other unique Moments in Time that you have already missed...
The Internet, Social Networks, Bitcoin...the list goes on.
This is a Moment in Time. What are you going to do with it?
carpediem #moments #opportunityknocks
Most arguments in favour of online shopping have traditionally centred around convenience.
There's been nothing really wrong with shopping the old fashioned way. It's just that online is a bit more convenient.
That was Pre COVID-19.
In a Post COVID-19 world, shopping offline SUCKS!
Long queues & waits to get in the store. Masks. Hand Sanitisers. Gloves.
It's just not fun.
Shopping offline has now become a painful experience.
So it's now just a question of how long and how much of that pain we can endure before the default of every shopper is to look online.
onlineretail #retailexperience #postcovid19
It seems like all the world can talk about right now, in the midst of this COVID-19 pandemic, is the need for the world to slow down.
This is the wake up call we needed to give the planet and ourselves a time out.
However, as my dear friend Annie Devine pointed out, that's easy enough for us oldies to get our heads around, but what about our kids?
Our kids have never known a slow world. They have not known a world without the internet. They only know how to live in a connected world.
So whilst I still like the idea of slowing down, it may not be up to me.
If it's left to our kid's generation, are they really likely to take a slow and steady approach to the future?
Somehow, I don't think so.
bravenewworld #postcovid19 #newnormal
The Democratisation of Wellness is all about making Wellness available to all.
It's a noble tenet.
Wellness has always been a privilege for wealthy.
It's a concept I raised back in Ep. #566 of this show - https://bit.ly/2zidjqU
I've heard many suggest that the current COVOID-19 crisis will be the great leveller that will finally open up Wellness to the masses.
Unfortunately, I don't think that will happen.
Why?
The benefits of your Wellness behaviours will generally yield results in the long term.
Right now, and in the chaos after this crisis, most will be focussed on the short term.
Many will also not be able to afford investments in their Wellness.
I might be wrong. I hope I am.
But I think for now at least, the Democratisation of Wellness is on hold.
wellness #postcovid19 #postcrisis
The current COVID-19 Crisis is the wake up call the world needed.
This will make the world see the need for living a better life, taking more care of the planet and of our fellow man.
Maybe.
But I don't think it will last very long.
I believe that a more powerful motivator will come in to play over the coming weeks and months.
Namely...SURVIVAL.
Many will be focussed on just surviving.
And good behaviours rarely come when we're in survival mode.
survival #wakeupcall #postcovid19
One thing that has become very apparent to me during the past few months of this COVID-19 Crisis has been just how different our individual thresholds are.
Threshold for pain. Our threshold for alcohol. Even our threshold for isolation.
Many are about to find out about their threshold for financial security and debt.
It's worth noting that the same will apply to your business.
Each of you customers will have different financial thresholds, time thresholds, safety/risk thresholds.
Those businesses that are able to respect those thresholds and give each and every customer only what they can want or need or are willing to take, will the businesses that survive and thrive in the Brave New World that awaits us.
postcovid19 #businessstrategies #bespoke
Spas have long been standard feature for many hotels.
But what happens when the Spa becomes a liability for the Hotel?
That's the call we go yesterday from one of our hotel partners.
Whilst this specific case may not happen to you, I do believe Spas will need to work much harder to prove their value in the Brave New World we face on the other side of the COVID-19 crisis.
Here's the eBook I mentioned... https://bit.ly/3eQCcKK
spas #hotels #hotelindustry
What does life look like after 47 Days of Lockdown?
After 47 days of what has been one of the world's stricter lockdowns, we were finally able to go back to work in Malaysia today.
Well, most of us.
A number of businesses, including Spas & Salons unfortunately, are still not permitted to open yet.
Here's a few observations of what you might experience after your COVID-19 Lockdowns are lifted.
Spoiler Alert - It's kinda weird.
postcovid19 #postcoronavirus #newnormal
Ever since it started, AirBnB has drawn the ire of the hotel industry.
The home sharing juggernaut competes with hotels for the accommodation-seeking consumer, yet doesn't have to adhere to many of the regulations and restrictions that the hotels do.
Fair enough, I guess.
But what if hotel brands adopted the AirBnB model?
Would you be more likely to stay in a Hilton-branded home stay?
Especially in a post COVID-19 world where cleanliness & hygiene standards become a big focus for the guest.
airbnb #homestay #hotelindustry
We've heard a lot about Smart Homes over the years.
But as James Ehrlich says, there's no point having Smart Homes in Dumb Communities.
Ehrlich is the founder of ReGen Villages which is a company he started to design and create those Smart Communities.
It's like going back to the basics of village life, in the most high-tech way imagineable.
Very interesting stuff.
Here's a link to ReGen Villages - http://www.regenvillages.com/#
sustainableliving #smarthomes #futurethinking
What will the future of work look like in the wake of this COVID-19 crisis?
Allison Baum wrote a great piece on exactly that.
Here it is... https://medium.com/swlh/the-future-of-work-becomes-work-3c5286d7a702
A focus on Productivity over Presence will be one likely outcome, Baum say.
I agree.
But that will mean many companies are about to find out how ill prepared they are to measure and manage real productivity in their business.
And if the companies are in for a shock, just imagine the employees?!?
futureofwork #productivity #performancemanagement
During this time of crisis, many of those in management positions are being forced to make tough decisions, especially those related to furloughing or laying off staff.
It's worthing noting that any time there is even just ONE degree of separation between that decision and the employee, the manager is insulated from the full impact of that decision.
Unless you are also the one delivering the bad news, that separation gives you a buffer.
That can be both good and bad.
Good that the manager is allowed some 'free air' to make the best decision for the business.
Bad that the manager sometimes misses the human toll of such decisions.
decisions #impact #humantoll
Mental Health and Mental Wellness has long had a stigma attached to it.
One potentially positive outcome from this COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent lockdowns and isolation will be an increased awareness of these issues.
Of course, the sad downside is that there will also be a rise in the issues related to Mental Wellness.
In the short term, that will mean a lot of pain for many people.
But in the longer term, hopefully we will all come to have a great appreciation and understanding of the very real issues around Mental Wellness.
mentalwellness #mentalhealthawareness #mentalillness
There will be some positive outcomes from the global lockdowns and isolation that we are all experiencing as a result of this COVID-19 pandemic.
One of them is an awareness of just how we're connected to everything else.
I'm not just talking about spiritual stuff.
How we are connected to the outcomes of our companies.
How we are connected to the supply chain.
How we are connected to the planet.
Some of these realisations will come as a bit of a shock. We'll want to change them. But that's ok too.
connectedworld #globalcommunity #selfawareness
Customer Service will be a big winner in the aftermath of this COVID-19 crisis.
Social Distancing will mean limited customers in your store at the same time.
Many will prefer to stick with online shopping where possible.
So you need to make every customer count! You want to increase the average basket size of each customer.
More than ever, Customer Service, in the Post-COVID-19 world, will be the ultimate USP.
customerservice #customersatisfaction #customerfocus
New ideas are great. At a time of crisis you could argue they are actually essential.
The only thing better than one idea, is many ideas.
The only thing better than many ideas is what happens when you have IDEAS SEX!
It's not as rude as it sounds.
Quite simply, it's just about taking two different ideas, mating them, and seeing what gets created.
It's really how great innovation happens.
So says James Altucher...and I tend to agree with him!
ideas #innovation #innovativethinking
As countries around the world are closing their borders amidst the global COVID-19 pandemic, many are declaring the end of Globalisation.
The time has come for countries to ensure their domestic house is in order so they can be self-sufficient.
Maybe we need to look a step beyond that...towards De-Urbanisation?
We are seeing the power of local communities supporting each other through this crisis.
If we are going to need to rebuild our world in the aftermath of this pandemic, surely that can be better achieved at the local level?
communityspirit #rebuilding #localsupport
Whatever you're sharing another person's post, commenting on a post, creating your own videos or writing a blog, your Content Strategy at a time of Crisis, like right now, should fall into one of two buckets.
Deepen Relationships OR Open Gateways.
If you're content isn't doing one of those two things, then you're probably doing it wrong.
NB: Thanks to Julie Bach for the idea!
contentstrategy #relationshipbuilding #gateway
Virtual Wellness is everywhere right now.
Virtual Meditation. Virtual Yoga. Virtual Healing. Virtual Massage Techniques.
Spa & Wellness businesses forced to close their doors during the global lockdown are offering all sorts of virtual alternatives - for free.
It makes sense. It's a great way to maintain contact with their customers.
Some say after these lockdowns end they will start charging for these virtual experiences.
Good luck! Too late now, we're used to the Free version.
BUT...why not attached an Ad-Supported Revenue Model to your free virtual offerings?
virtualwellness #virtualcoaching #revenuemodels
Industries are built in this order...
Market - Supply - Ecosystem
The Market demands certain need/want/desire to be met.
Supplies create various products & services to meet that demand.
And Ecosystem forms above & around all of that to support the industry.
That Ecosystem includes Industry Associations, Conferences & various support businesses.
But as an industry matures, the Ecosystem often starts dictating to the Market.
That's dangerous.
Any industry that is not be led & defined by the Market is at risk...especially now.
And and times of crisis, like right now, Suppliers must take their lead from the Market, not the Ecosystem.
industry #ecosystem #customerfocus
If you can control the access to your business premises, you have the opportunity to create a Safe Haven for your customers.
Coming out of this COVID-19 global pandemic, Safe Havens are what people will look for in everything they do and everywhere they go.
Start thinking about what type of access controls you need to have in place when your business opens up again to give people the feeling of a Safe Haven.
Temperature Checks for all customers entering your premises.
Hand sanitisers placed around the store.
Social Distancing between customers within your shop.
Service Staff wearing face masks in your restaurant.
Limited numbers in the store.
All of these measure are examples of the sorts of access controls you could put in place to create a Safe Haven.
safehaven #accesscontrol #postcovid19
Cruise Ships have taken a lot of heat during this COVID-19 pandemic
There's no doubt that they have contributed to the spread of the virus.
But here's a twist, in the event of a global virus outbreak like this one, is there any better place to be in the world..than on an uninfected cruise ship in the middle of the ocean?
If that ship is virus-free and they implement the right processes to keep it that way, where else would you rather be?
cruiseships #cruiselines #tourism
Many countries around the world have privatised many of their Essential Services.
At a time of crisis like right now, if these companies fail, the government has an obligation to bail them out.
So if the government will always been on the hook for these services and utilities, are they better to just manage them itself?
Maybe a hybrid management model makes sense?
Something similar to the hotel management model whereby the government owns the asset and hires a management company to run it?
essentialservices #businessmodels #privatisation
One thing that this global lockdown is teaching us is the difference between Utility and Experience.
When it comes to retail items, many of them can just be delivered to us. There is no need for us to go to the stores and shopping malls.
But what many of us are missing right now is the Experience of going shopping.
And not just the in-store experiences, but everything around it. Getting in the car, driving to the mall, searching for a park, finding a nearby spot for lunch, etc.
Will we go back to those experiences when our lockdowns are lifted?
Or will we go for the Utility where we can, and then look elsewhere for our Experiences?
How and what experiences will you be able to provide in the Brave New World of tomorrow for your customers?
experiences #utility #experiencedesign
Just as some new and interesting businesses will emerge from this current crisis, so too may entire industries.
That's what happened with the Hotel Spa Industry after the Asian Financial Crisis of the mid 1990's.
So start thinking about what industries you think might emerge from this crisis and see if you can find a way to either be part of those industries of the future or even their supporting industries.
If you can, you should be able to find some exciting opportunities.
newbusinessopportunities #planning #innovativethinking
Mandara Spa was born out of the Asian Financial Crisis of the mid-1990's.
The founder's pivoted from a Spa Village concept when the economic crisis enveloped Indonesia, Asia and many other parts of the world.
But in that ruin, they found a tiny glimmer of an opportunity to remove furniture from empty hotel rooms, put in some massage tables and sell massage treatments.
Thus, the Mandara Spa Hotel Spa Model was born.
pivoting #innovativethinking #adapting
What exactly will your business look like on the other side of this crisis?
For many, it's impossible to be certain. But we can make some assumptions based on what we've seen so far during this COVID-19 pandemic.
Based on those assumptions, businesses need to review their Standard Operating Procedures now and amend as needed to meet the demands and expectations of tomorrow.
Will you temperature check all guests on arrival?
Are your Spa Therapists wearing face masks at all times...not just during facial treatments?
Do your guests wash their hands on arrival?
Do you have procedures in place to allow for social distancing of guests when they are in public spaces?
All these questions and more should be being asked right now and SOPs amended or created to reflect the new procedures.
procedures #standards #operations
The Tyranny of Distance has been something societies have been working to overcome for generations. And I think we're largely succeeded.
Right now, in the midst of this COVID-19 crisis, many in the world are experiencing the Tyranny of Proximity.
What about tomorrow?
Will we find new ways to distribute work?
Will we choose distance over proximity?
distributedsystems #futureofwork #tomorrowstartstoday
Right now the world is in Crisis. We're all about survival. Just getting through this.
Nobody knows what the word will look like on the other side of this.
The one thing you can be sure of though, is it will be Chaos!
And that is when you need to be able to execute.
So, plan now, while the world is in Crisis so that you are better able to execute tomorrow, in Chaos!
The companies that do will be the winners in the Brave New World.
chaos #crisisplanning #opportunities
Anyone who's ever posted content for anything more than the personal satisfaction of the process, has probably obsessed over the algorithm.
That mystical thing that determine which bits of content get seen by which audience and when.
But right now, with the world on lockdown, the behaviour patterns on which those algorithms have been based have been thrown into chaos.
So, if you're using this downtime to up your content creation and distribution game, don't worry too much about the best advice out there on how to optimise based on the algorithms.
contentcreation #contentstrategy #algorithms
At times of economic crisis, like right now, many CEOs and Executive Teams take pay cuts.
Why?
For a small business, sure, executive pay cuts might mean the difference between the company's survival or not.
But for the big companies, especially the big public companies, that's not the case.
So then it must be just to show solidarity with the rest of the workforce who are being laid off, furloughed or terminated.
But does the rest of the workforce really care?
A CEO on a 50% pay cut will always be better off than an hourly worker who's been furloughed.
crisisleadership #furlough #CEOs
The businesses that will be best equipped to survive and thrive in the Post COVID-19 World will be those that manage to build a Sense of Community around what they do.
It's a concept that lots of companies pay lip service to, but not so many really do it.
If you have a customer database of any sort, make sure you're helping your community right now.
Reach out to them and just say Hi!
Send them an email, a text, a phone call.
Better still, record a short personal video message and send them that.
This NOT about promoting your business. It's about being a good community member.
communityengagement #customerengagement #businessbuilding
If you have stock on your shelves that has a Use By date on it, every day it sits there is one day closer to its expiration.
Start thinking about how you can move that inventory.
Ideally, try to sell it. If necessary, offer value added incentives for customers to purchase now.
eg: for a Spa, offer a FREE Treatment Voucher with every $100 of product sales.
But if you can afford it, give it away.
Turn this current crisis into a brand building opportunity.
Send a surprise gift to your best customers.
Better still...send a Skincare Gift Pack to the doctors, nurses on the front lines.
Even the grocery store staff who are keeping us fed.
Whatever you do, just don't let your stock expire because of these lockdowns and shutdowns.
inventorymanagement #retailing #brandingstrategy
During a turndown in business, like many of us are experiencing right now, it's the Fixed Costs that can ultimately kill the business.
But what if they could convert some of those Fixed Costs into Variable Costs?
Rent, is a great example.
What if you could convince your landlord to accept a Variable Rent structure?
Pre-COVID-19, this might have a been a dream.
But as we come out of this crisis, all bets are off. Anything might be possible.
In preparation for the Brave New World that awaits you, take a look at your P&L and start thinking about how you might be able to change some of your Fixed Costs into Variable Costs.
businesscontinuityplan #fixedcosts #variablecosts
A key deterrent to most people in creating and publishing content is the fear that it won't be good enough. That the production quality won't be high and therefore they will come across as unprofessional.
Pre-COVID-19, that may have been true.
But take a look at what's happening on your TV screens every day at the moment.
Program Hosts are coming to you LIVE...from their lounge room.
Guests and interviewees are coming in LIVE...from their kid's play room.
Now, all of a sudden, the content you can create content that looks just as good as what you're seeing on TV every night.
So go on. No excuses. Give it a go.
contentcreation #contentcreator #qualitycontent
Are we in need of a Cultural Reset?
Many are saying that this forced Lockdown and slow down is giving our planet a much needed chance to rest, recover and reset.
Many more are taking this as an opportunity to reset their own lives and reassess priorities.
I believe that for these resets to be sustained, we need the collective media to get on board. They need to start telling the stories of the Back To Basic life. The Simple Life.
If they don't and instead continue to promote a lifestyle of opulence, I fear that we will simply revert to our old ways.
In a modern world, all forms of media have a role to play in determining the direction of the culture.
cultureshift #mediacoverage #rolemodels
There's no shortage of people ready to take a swipe at the media.
No doubt, it's often justified. But sometimes I feel like we're by laying blame on the media we can somehow absolve ourself of any blame or responsibility or accountability.
Right now, many are blaming the media for creating a state of panic around this COVID-19 Pandemic.
And it's true. This has happened.
But sadly, I think we needed it.
Without it, do we really believe that the collective community would have so quickly adopted the type of social distancing behaviours that the experts say we need to flatten the curve on the rate of infections?
Without 'Panic Media', would we have stopped going to football games, concerts, bars & restaurants?
I don't think so.
When urgent action is needed, maybe 'Panic Media' isn't such a bad thing.
mediacoverage #crisisresponse #crisiscommunication
Many businesses have been forced into drastic changes in their operational hours during this COVID-19 Crisis.
Some have been completely shut down. Others are operating on limited hours.
Most are hoping that when this is over, things will go back to 'normal' - whatever that means.
But even if your business does get back to normal levels, will your old hours of operation make sense?
I believe that many businesses now have an opportunity to re-set and reframe their businesses based purely on the demands of the end users. And with that, I think we will see some changes.
For example, with Hotel Spas...most are open for 10 to 12 hours per day. Is this necessary? Not really. Many could probably satisfy all their demands if they just operated for 4 hours per day.
What about your business?
Will your Hours of Operation change on the other side of this?
hours #operations #rethink
At a time of crisis, like right now, we need all the leadership we can get.
According to Mark Cuban, that means all of us can have a role to play in the leadership of our organisation, social group and even our family.
Leadership should not be limited to the person out the front.
Smart leaders realise that they can't do it all on their own. And even if they could, they shouldn't.
SPONSOR:
Today's sponsor is Oscar Smith - Master Trainer, Author & Owner of O-D Studio in Tribeca, NYC.
Check out Oscar's YouTube Show - Sweat The Show - where he takes you on a journey to uncover the various out of the box workouts in NYC.
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCkOCmjlB-ghUhJf-y8N781g
leadershiplessons #leadershipmatters #crisismanagement
Branding or Sales. Which is more important?
It's a debate as old as business itself.
Truth is, of course, that a sustainable business needs both. Just how much of each at any given time really depends on each company's unique circumstances.
But right now, for many businesses, they are closed. Sales is not an option.
So why not double-down on your branding?
Even if your business does have the opportunity to make sales, ask yourself, could a Brand First strategy be a better play?
Just look at what Rohan McKenna of PrimaFit is doing.
branding #sales #brandingstrategy
Many people around the world right now are experiencing some form of lockdown or quarantine or restricted movement.
Much of the advice given is to stick to your old habits and routines as much as you can to try to maintain a sense of normality during this COVID-19 pandemic.
But there's another option.
Use this time to try out new habits.
If you like them and they work for you, hold on to them.
If not, just discard them and move on.
Because as Sam Spurlin suggests, not every new habit has to be forever.
PS: You can check out my free eBooks here... https://www.trentmunday.com/ebooks/
habits #habitchange #routines
At at time of crisis I think we all seek comfort. It's only natural.
But coming out of this crisis it will be important for people to understand are they inherently a Comfort-Seeker or an Opportunity-Seeker.
There will undoubtedly be some big opportunities after this crisis passes and the world finds its way. But like many opportunities, they will come with risks. But if you're DNA is that of a Comfort-Seeker, you need to steer clear of them.
There will be new jobs and new career paths for both. The key is understanding which one you are. It's the only way you'll really find your groove in the Brave New World.
comfortzone #opportunityzone #selfawareness
Jeremy McCarthy - Group Director of Spa & Wellness for Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group recently said...
'People who are inspired by wellness are people who are future-focused'
This is part of the reason, according to Jeremy, that Wellness is often seen as something for the affluent. Because those that aren't affluent are so focussed on short-term priorities, like food, shelter, etc.
Indeed, as Jeremy pointed out in a 2019 article on Medium, Wellness is Optional. It's a choice. You don't have to life a life of Wellness to live a happy and even long life.
Here's a link to that article - https://medium.com/@jeremymcc/wellness-is-optional-8fefd8421ec1
And if you want to get hold of my eBook on Hotel Spas and the Wellness Journey, you can find it here... hhttps://www.trentmunday.com/ebooks/
wellness #wellnessjourney #futurefocussed
Most of us, at some point in our lives, have hidden behind the Status Quo..whether we realised it at the time or not.
If you've ever said, 'I'd love to that, but...' , then that's exactly what you were doing.
Because those 'buts' are the Status Quo. Or current situation.
'... but what if I get fired?'
'...but what if it doesn't work and I lose my money?'
'...but if what if my current clients don't like it and leave?'
Well, by the time we come out the other side of this current crisis, the 'buts' might not matter anymore.
The Status Quo may longer be able to shield you from making decisions and being truly accountable for your own situation.
Are you ready?
SPONSOR:
European Spa Magazine has just published a FREE Spa Crisis Management Plan
Get your copy here... https://mailchi.mp/spapublishing/spacrisismanagementplan
And while you're at it, go check out European Spa Magazine here - https://www.europeanspamagazine.com/
accountability #statusquo #responsibility
There's lots of positive messages flying around at this time of global crisis, which is great.
One the popular ones is the phrase...'This Too Shall Pass'.
And it probably will.
BUT...the world will not be the same after this.
And I genuinely believe that most people are underestimating just how much things will change.
It's time now for all of us to re-think our businesses and our lives.
Will your current business model still work in the New World?
What about in your personal life? How will your priorities change?
SPONSOR:
Special shout out to Julie Bach and the Wellness for Cancer organisation. With Spa & Wellness professionals all around the world sitting around waiting for the world to re-boot, maybe now would be a great time to become just a little more cancer-aware.
Check our the link below to find about more about the Cancer Aware Foundations course they're running.
rethink #reboot #newworldorder
Many things will be very different on the other side of this Global COVID-19 Pandemic.
Potentially, the entire Organisational Structure of many companies will need to change to adapt to the Brave New World.
Is your company's Organisational Structure ready?
In his brilliant book, BRAVE NEW WORK, Aaron Dignan suggests that the Operating System of most companies today is simply not optimised for the realities of the world in which they operate.
If that was true in February 2019 when he first published his book, how much more true will it be in our post-crisis world?
You need to read this book. Seriously!
Here's a link...
https://amzn.to/39tctEk
organizationaltransformation #organizationalagility #restructure
It's time to Flirt With Stupid!
You know all those crazy ideas you had that nobody wanted to listen to?
Well, guess what? When we finally come through this current crisis, you just might find the powers that be much more willing to listen.
The world will be different after this thing.
Many of our businesses will need to change the way they operate. They'll need to come up with new business models. Hell, they might need to completely change what they do to survive.
That's when these businesses will be grateful for all those stupid ideas of yours.
Start Flirting Now!
Thanks to Ben Hollandsworth for this great little phrase!
ideas #ideageneration #thinkoutsidethebox
Hindsight is 20/20 they say.
And they're right.
Because once you have all the facts and have also been able to observe the results of any decisions made earlier, it's usually pretty clear what actions should or should not have been taken.
But right now, many people, including me, are making big decisions without the luxury of having all the information we need.
When this is all in the past, we absolutely must review all decisions made during this crisis. That's the only way to can hope to learn from our past.
But we must equally resist the temptation to throw stones at those who had to make decision in the heat of battle, without the luxury of hindsight.
decisionmaking #decisionmakers #hindsight
'I always assumed Wellness would be a Recession-Proof industry.'
That was a comment I heard from someone in the Wellness space that was recently laid off.
So it turns out, Wellness is NOT recession-proof.
Of course, there are those who would argue that this COVID-19 Crisis is different. It's not like a normal recession.
Maybe.
But I think what this current crisis has show us is that, for most people, Spa & Wellness is a WANT not a NEED.
And as long as that is the case, we will always be vulnerable in times of economic hardship.
recessionproof #wellness #spa
Are you ready for the New World Order?
I think it's coming.
We should all be thinking about how we can best equip ourselves to be of value in the New World Economy.
One way to do that is to be Multi-Skilled.
I genuinely believe that the most valuable employees of tomorrow will be those gifted at Multi-Tasking.
A Spa Therapist who can also be Waiter in the Restaurant and a Receptionist at the Front Desk.
Life in the New World Order that emerges from the rubble of this COVID-19 Crisis, will be different.
Be Ready!
skillsforthefuture #multitasking #futureproofing #jobready
I've been telling you for years that creating content should be a key part of the overall marketing strategy for any business.
Now, with the world on LOCKDOWN, that is more true than ever before.
Just look at what we're all doing, all day long, for days on end...consuming content.
We're either looking to content to Educate us about the impacts of COVID-19 or we're looking for Entertainment to take our minds off it for a few hours.
So, if you're on lockdown, now's the time to start creating some content.
Still not sure what to create?
When in doubt, defer to Gary Vaynerchuk's theory - Document, don't Create.
contentcreation #contentstrategy #contentmarketing
Many things have been exposed as a result of this COVID-19 coronavirus crisis.
Perhaps the one that will result in the biggest change in our lives with Globalisation.
Over the past several years we have been running full speed towards Globalisation.
Globalisation is Good. Or at least, it was.
Today, with much of the world in lockdown, we're needing to look within rather than rely on our global neighbours.
Nationalistic sentiments have been rising in many countries for a few years now.
Could this be the event that turns us around and headlong into De-Globalisation?
globalisation #globalization #nationalism
Lots of social media right now is full of messages of positivity and hope.
Stay Strong!
We Will Get Through This Together!
This Too Shall Pass.
And that's GREAT. Lots of people at a tough time like now are really in need of those kind of messages.
But some people just need to YELL & SCREAM & CRY and tell the world how ANGRY they are.
And I reckon that's ok too.
Don't get nasty. Don't target individuals. But, if you need to let it all out...let it out.
The best you can do is just be true to yourself...even more so at a time this.
rant #negativethoughts #positivity
For any business trying to make decisions at a time like this is really difficult.
The toughest of those decisions often revolve around your people. Your employees. Your teams. Your colleagues. Your friends.
If your business operates multiple units and maybe even in multiple countries, those decisions get even more complicated.
As someone overseeing multiple units across multiple countries, the past few days especially, have been crazy. But I think I've got some advice that might help...
Just take it one decision at a time.
Base each decision on what you know to be true - to the extent you can know anything for sure at a time like this.
Treat each business unit as it's own unique business. To try to make universal decisions across multiple units at a time like this is almost impossible.
And finally, be prepared to potentially have to change or even reverse your decision tomorrow as new information comes to light or as circumstances change.
Good luck!
decisionmakers #decisionmaking #crisismanagement
I'm in LOCKDOWN.
So we're changing things up a bit. I've decided to try a bit of a Daily Journal kinda format for the Trent365! Show - at least while I'm in this limited lockdown here in Malaysia.
Multiple, random thoughts as they occur to me throughout the day, all presented here in the final video/audio file.
Topics Covered today include...
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How much expats - and anyone living in a foreign country - rely on Social Media for updates at a time of crisis. And how that makes us susceptible to Fake News.
-
Government interventions when it comes to restriction of movement IS necessary in many countries, like Malaysia.
-
Media of all forms - TV, radio, Netflix, Social Networks - are massively comforting in times of crisis. Even though often they are flooded with all the negative news relating to the crisis.
-
For countries to get through this crisis, all stakeholders of that society - governments, industry, employees, people - need to share the burden.
-
We have become so dependant on others to survive. Not just at a national level, but even at an individual level.
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Do we really need all this stuff that we think we need? The answer to that question might change if this crisis continues for an extended period of time.
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GOOD NEWS - The Australian Football League competition kicks off tomorrow as planned. Though it will be played without crowds, at least you can watch it online. So, if you're missing your sport...come and watch some AFL Footy, starting tomorrow...
https://www.watchafl.com.au/
dailylife #journaling #perspective
Force Majeure is defined as - unforeseeable circumstances that prevent someone from fulfilling a contract.
Many contracts have such a clause.
It would typically come into play in the event of a tsunami or earthquake or similar.
But this current COVID-19 Crisis, according to most interpretations, would qualify as a force majeure event.
That means, if you have a contract with another person or company, they may be able to avoid their obligations to you at this time.
If that obligation includes them paying you money for goods &/or services rendered, you could be in trouble.
Further, oftentimes these force majeure clauses will allow either party to cancel the agreement completely if the event last more than a certain period of time - 3 mths, 6 mths or more.
So, best you check your agreements and make yourself aware of the short term and long term impacts on your business if a force majeure is declared.
forcemajeure #contractual #covid19
This is a sentiment from a conversation I overheard a few months ago.
I don't recall exactly where or when. But at the time I heard it, it just felt like a meaningful thought. So I wrote it down.
Today, right now, in the post-COVID-19 world in which we are living, it seems more relevant than ever.
Many are being forced to be flexible. Forced to work from home. Forced to lockdown. Forced to be unemployed even.
In a world like this, flexibility is the key.
And for many, my Worst Case Scenario theory, as mentioned in Ep. #246, might be a good place to start. Here's that episode if you want to take a listen...
https://www.audio.trentmunday.com/worst-case-scenario/
flexibility #resilience #adaptability #covid-19
As a society we just don't tend to encourage people to NOT chase that thing...especially when we're succeeding.
And maybe it's time we did.
That's the message I picked up in this recent interview with the actor Robert Downey Jr on the Joe Rogan Show...
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d5XTDmm0KUQ
At a time when lots of people are being forced to take a timeout due to this COVID-19 crisis, it's not a bad thing to keep in mind.
Maybe, just maybe, this will give you an opportunity for. reset.
Chin Up!
timeout #reset #contemplation
Events all around the world are being cancelled.
What about all the sponsors of these events? They were hoping for some brand exposure. Now they won't get it.
And therein lies an opportunity for your business.
Reach out to those sponsors who've been impacted by these cancellations and invite them to sponsor your Newsletter, or your store or...maybe even this show.
I don't even think it matters if you charge them money for the exposure. If they're willing to pay for it, great.
But if not, the offer from you to help them get some added exposure at this difficult time will surely give you a friend for life. And quite possibly a valuable long term business relationship.
sponsors #cancellation #businessrelationships
All around the world events of all types are being cancelled.
No doubt this causes lots of inconvenience for those planning to attend, not to mention the financial implications.
But as someone who has just had to make the decision to cancel an annual event, for the first time in our company's history, I can assure you, these decisions are never easy.
Not matter how obvious or how crucial that cancellation is, the people making these decisions invariably go through a whole lot of anguish before they finally make those big announcements.
Here's a little insight into some of the emotions that these folks are going through.
decisionmakers #dotherightthing #cancellations #covid19
At this time of heightened concerns about the coronavirus COVID-19, many Spa Business are suffering.
We're being told to avoid close contact with other people. And let's face it, Spas mean close contact.
There's also so much noise around what to do and what not to do that people are just getting more and more confused and concerned. In this situation, the default is to do nothing. To stay away.
BUT...here's the GOOD NEWS!
The one thing that everyone seems to agree on is that the best way to protect yourself against COVID-19 is to be healthy and have a good immune system.
Can Spas help with that? Absolutely. How?
Firstly, sleep is one of the best ways to maintain a healthy immune system. Spas can help with that.
There are also fruits & vegetables such as ginger, garlic, almonds, spinach, etc. So replace your existing beverage and snack offerings with some of these.
Then you can promote how you can help enhance people's immune systems.
At a time like this, that should be enough to get people's attention.
covid19 #immunesystem #immunebooster
At a time of crisis like we're experiencing now with this COVID-19 outbreak, most people prefer not to travel.
However, if like me, you still need travel, at the very least you need to be well aware of what's covered by your Travel Insurance Policy.
For example, most insurance companies declared COVID-19 a 'known event' as on 31 January, 2020. So unless you had your insurance in place before that date, chances are you won't be covered.
There's a great article by Amanda Horswill of Canstar that discusses your options, including the possibility of Cancel For Any Reason cover. Here it is...
https://www.canstar.com.au/travel-insurance/cancel-for-any-reason/
covid19 #travelinsurance #businesstravel
Many businesses in the travel and tourism industry are suffering from mass cancellations due to the COVID-19 coronavirus crisis.
How should these businesses be handling the requests for cancellations?
Should they waive their existing cancellation policy?
Should they be tough and advise customers it's their responsibility to take travel insurance to avoid any losses?
Or should they maybe find the middle ground?
Personally, I'm a big fan of offering a Credit Voucher at times like this.
crisismanagement #coronavirus #cancellations
Fear is a funny thing.
Often the fears that we hold on to are the result of us overestimating the risk. They're not entirely rational.
But that doesn't really matter.
My fears are very real - to me. No matter how irrational they may be.
Right now, many people around the world are genuinely afraid of the coronavirus, COVID-19.
For the most part, the behaviour we're seeing in response to those fears are no really rational.
Again, it doesn't matter. To those people, they are very real.
So, if your business is being impacted by COVID-19, as so many are, spare a thought for those irrational customers and their irrational fears...they are very real.
fears #covid19 #coronavirus
Making a big impact does not necessarily require you to make big changes or even big efforts.
It is often the smallest of things that make a difference to our customers and therefore end up making the biggest impact.
That was certainly the case on my recent trip to Thailand.
One of the three hotels I stayed in this week made a significant impact on me, and it was not because of any big time thing they did. It was the subtle things.
Come and listen to a few examples of just how subtle those difference can be and yet how impactful...
impactful #simplethings #differences
When people buy a ticket, they’re committed to the purchase. They’ve already made it.
But when people make a reservation or a booking, the commitment just isn’t as strong.
Even if you’re insisting on a credit card to secure the booking, the purchase still has not been made. So they still feel like there’s a way out.
Just think about the difference between making a dinner reservation and buying a movie ticket.
So, if you’re selling a service, like a Spa Treatment, see if you call sell Tickets rather than taking bookings.
ticketsales #reservations #sellingtips
Seth Godin has said that data without a narrative is really just noise.
We, as humans, simply aren't programmed to process data. Instead, we relate and react to stories.
We need not look any further the current COVID-19 outbreak for a prime example of that.
The data suggests that the face masks that we're all wearing will not prevent you catching the virus.
Yet still, we insist on wearing them.
Why?
Because the narrative is stronger and more compelling than the data.
BTW - Seth is running a Storytelling Workshop. Here's the details...
https://thestoryskillsworkshop.com/
storytelling #data #narrative
Many will tell you that, as a new brand, you need to have a narrow focus. It helps you as the brand to not spread your resources too thin and it also helps the market better understand who you are and what you do.
Part of that is your brand name.
The more literal it is, the easier it is to communicate what you do and what you stand for.
But what happens when you decide to change direction or to expand into other areas outside your initial focus.
At times like this, a literal brand name may just be a liability.
Just look at what's happening over at Dunkin' Donuts - now called simply Dunkin'
brandname #branding #brandstrategy
Using public transport in any city always provides fascinating insights into human behaviour.
Riding the rails at this moment in time is an interesting study in how the COVID-19 is impacting people in their daily lives.
Yesterday in Bangkok, just about everyone on my train was wearing a face mask...and busy on their mobile phones.
So I start wondering, what would happen if it was announced that the COVID-19 virus stick to mobile phone screens and anyone using a mobile phone has a 90% chance of catching the virus.
Would that be enough to break our habit of using our smart phones at every single chance we get?
I wonder...
habits #behaviourchange #humanbehaviour
Remember back in October last year - in Ep. 699 to be exact - I told you that Asia Spa Magazine was closing it's doors at the end of October?
Well, they did.
But now they're open again!
Yes. That's right. AsiaSpa Magazine is back!
The first edition of the new print magazine is coming out in May 2020.
To find out more, go check out the AsiaSpa website...
https://www.asiaspa.com/
Big Congratulations for all the folks at AsiaSpa. And best of luck!
spa #magazine #printmedia
A couple of years ago I wrote a blog post about how all brands and businesses should focus on telling their unique stories.
Here's that post...
https://www.trentmunday.com/spa-marketing-5-simple-storylines-for-every-spa-business/
Perhaps the easiest and most impactful stories of all are the ones about our people.
The folks at the Mandara Spa Bali Office have done a great job and telling our story through our people.
Here's now they do it...
storytelling #brandstory #storiesmatter
Brandless launched in 2017. Raised almost $300 million in funding (including $240 million from SoftBank's Vision Fund). Now, they have shut down.
The vision of Brandless was to sell plain label products at a significant discount. The discount coming from the fact that there are no expensive branding costs built into the pricing, as you would have with the major FMCG brands.
No doubt the failure is due to multiple factors.
Regardless of the reason, it is a lesson for all future brands, that just being an 'anti-brand' is not enough.
All brands need to have a purpose. If not, their future is tenuous.
A great example of plain label brand that does have a purpose is Thank You.
Here's a link to their story. Please do check them out.
https://thankyou.co/
brandpurpose #brandless #brand
There are no accidents.
Everything that happens to you is a direct or indirect result of your actions or inactions.
You didn't accidentally fall down - you we're watching where you were walking.
You didn't have a car accident - there was a collision as a direct result of yours (or the other driver's) actions or inactions.
The problem with labelling things as an 'accident' is that it's a way of absolving us of any responsibility.
accidents #accountability #consequences
Smart companies and brands and businesses are creating lots of content as part of their overall marketing and branding strategies.
And if they're really smart, they're using their own employees in that content. It's what helps make the messaging seem more genuine and authentic.
But whether it's photos, videos, audio or even written content, if your staff are part of it, you really should be getting their consent to use their images, likeness, content, etc.
It's no different to when you hire a model for a photo shoot. They sign an Image Release or Content Release or Artist Release.
Even it's for a 15 second video on TikTok, if a staff member is in it, you should get them to sign a release form.
If not, one day they might insist you take it down. Worse still, they can even sue you for damages.
contentstrategy #content #permission
TEMPO is being called 'the Peleton of dumbells'.
It's another of what I call the Mirror-Led Home Fitness Solutions.
There's a 42 inch high mirror built into a free standing cabinet that contains the rest of the tech - and a set of dumbells of course.
The AI and 3D body mapping technology enables your TEMPO to provide instant feedback on your weightlifting form.
And you'll also be able to join in virtual classes and individual tuition.
The company has just received $17 million in funding from some very well known VCs, so they have a good shot at success.
The TEMPO unit sells for just under $2,000 and then you pay $39 per month to access all the content and classes.
Here's a link to the story..
https://www.cnet.com/news/tempo-fitness-system-judges-your-workout-form-to-help-you-get-better/
And to the TEMPO website...
https://tempo.fit/
fittech #fitness #AI
Memes on Social Media are silly, right?
And don't even get me started about these Challenges, like you see on TikTok!
No serious business or brand would waste their time...would they?
Well...what do you think your customers, guests, clients are spending time watching on social media? Chances are, whatever it is, it includes Memes & Challenges.
So, if that's where their attention is, doesn't it make sense for your business or brand to be there?
Take a listen to how we're planning to use TikTok as part of our Spa Therapist Recruitment Strategy.
memes #challenges #socialmediacontent
Nepal has just announced that they will be making Yoga compulsory in schools.
The reasoning is to encourage and promote healthy lifestyles amongst the young generation.
If we dig a little deeper into why a government would want to do this, I believe it simply makes good economic sense.
The costs of supporting an ageing and sickening population are considerable.
If a government can reduce the burden on the medical and aged care systems tomorrow by promoting healthier lifestyles today, the long-term benefits for the country could be significant.
This may just prove to be a litmus test for many other governments in the near future.
And if that happens, it will lead to massive opportunities for those in and around the Wellness sphere.
Here's a link to the story...
https://www.spotlightnepal.com/2020/01/14/nepal-makes-yoga-education-compulsory-schools/
yoga #wellness #healthylifestyles
The Coronavirus - or COVID19 as it's now officially called - is a crisis.
Not quite a global crisis, at least not yet. But a serious crisis in China for sure.
And as with all crises, there will be opportunities that arise.
Being able to identify those opportunities can help your business be better prepared to weather the crisis and possibly even find new directions for the future.
There are 3 Levels of Opportunity (ie: Potential New Markets) ...
-
Those immediately impacted by the crisis.
-
Those hoping to avoid being impacted by the crisis.
-
Those whose behaviour, lifestyle, etc has changed as a result of the crisis.
Take a listen to today's episode to learn more...
PS: Apologies if the subtitles aren't 100% right today. Bali internet has not been my friend. :-(
crisis #opportunity #covid19 #coronavirus
Serendipity is a great part of life. The unexpected happenstance that just, well, happens.
But in a world where so much of our lives are dictated by The Algorithm, can we really still have Serendipity?
Think of the content you consume.
Netflix, Hulu, Spotify, YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, TikTok...etc.
Everything you see on these platforms and in search results on Google are a direct result of what The Algorithm says you are most likely to want more of.
In our modern world, where can we ever hope to find Serendipity?
serendipity #discovery #algorithms
Have you ever been asked to provide your feedback or advice or opinion and then, as soon as you give it, the person you give it to is instantly dismissive and even defensive?
I have.
Now, it could be that you're just not delivering the feedback very well. Maybe.
But more likely, that person isn't really looking for genuine Feedback. Instead, what they're looking for is Validation.
Both are important.
But just be clear what you are being asked for.
feedback #validation #constructivecriticism
I've just stumbled upon what I reckon might just be a brilliant pricing strategy, all thanks to Netflix.
Netflix have just increase their subscription prices in Malaysia, where I live.
The top tier level will now cost me an extra MYR 10 per month (approx. USD $2.38).
The added benefits, versus the lower tier is the ability to watch on 4 screen simultaneously and access to higher quality/resolution content.
4 screens, I don't need. The Super Duper HD/4K/'whatever the current gold standard is' content, a little interested.
But the simple truth is that I chose the higher tier simply because the difference in price between it and the lower tier was Insignificant to me.
Chances are you could probably apply a similar strategy in your business.
If you offer your customers just a little bit more for an Insignificant Increase in price increase, you might just be surprised at how many people will pay the higher price.
pricingstrategy #priceoptimization #pricing
"This is a matter of trust – spa and wellness operators must be scrupulous when making claims about the benefits of all treatments and wellness experiences." - Liz Terry, CEO Leisure Media.
This comment was in reference to an article in Spa Business about leading UK Spa Operator, Champneys, facing 19 charges essentially relating to false Wellness claims.
It's a timely warning as so many Hotels and Spas seek to jump on board the Wellness Wagon.
Exaggerated (or even false) claims may not have been such a big deal when we were selling pampering and relaxation. However, if Hotel Spas want to go down the Wellness Road, we'd better make damn sure we curb our enthusiasm a little when it comes to such claims.
Here's the full article from Spa Business...
https://www.spabusiness.com/index.cfm?pagetype=news&codeID=344693
wellness #hotelspa #spabusiness
Striving for Excellence or Perfection or Best is great...but it obviously comes at a price.
You will no doubt need to sacrifice a lot to reach those lofty heights of achievement.
But here's the thing...Excellent, Perfect, Best are essentially subjective constructs.
So, even after all the striving, hard work and sacrifice, there's always a chance that even when YOU think you've got there, others will not.
You need to ask yourself, is all the sacrifice worth it?
Will it all be worthwhile if you do get there?
And will you really ever get there if indeed that magical level you want to reach is, in fact, subjective?
perfection #excellence #sacrifice
Some men see things as they are, and ask why. I dream of things that never were, and ask why not.
Robert Kennedy said that.
So too did George Bernard Shaw, essentially.
But unless you're a Kennedy or a Noble Laureate, it might not be the most practical approach to take.
If you can't give a better answer to the question of Why...then maybe you shouldn't be doing what you're doing.
Otherwise, it's all about 'Spray & Pray'.
why #whynot #justification #reasons
Engelbert Humperdinck taught me the Power of Context!
When I was 9 or 10 years old, our teacher played the Quando Quando Quando song in class and asked us what 'quando' meant.
I had no idea. None of us did.
But when I thought about that word in the CONTEXT of all the other words in the song, it seemed obvious.
'Quando' means 'When'.
And right there is a great example of exactly why context is so powerful. From a very early age we are actively using context to help us understand things that otherwise seem complicated.
Context matters. It always has. And probably always will.
context #perspective #learning
Almost 8% of the downloads of this show in recent weeks has occurred on the watchOS.
In 2019 Apple shipped 31 million units of the Apple Watch. The entire Swiss watch industry only shipped around 21 million units.
The Apple Watch is becoming a serious platform.
Whilst you may not need to change the format of your content for the watchOS, I do think it's worth being aware of how much of your content is being consumed on the Apple Watch.
If nothing else, it might help inform the behaviour of your audience while they're listening.
applewatch #smartwatch #watchOS
Global Warming is bad. Climate Change is bad. I get it.
BUT...
Eliminating all Fossil Fuels and Nuclear Fuels immediately just isn't realistic.
That's the essence of the message delivered by Forbes Asia Editor-At-Large, Rich Karlgaard, in an article titled The War On Prosperity in the February 2020 issue of the magazine.
90% of our current electricity needs are supplied by these conventional fuels and even to reduce that to 50% will take 20 years, according to the article.
So, by all means, let's strive for a more environmentally friendly source of fuels. But let's temper the debate around how quickly they can realistically replace Fossil Fuels & Nuclear Fuels.
They are, in many ways, the devil we need...at least for a while.
fossilfuels #climatechange #globalwarming #alternativeenergy
Our perspective of most things can vary considerably depending on whether we are taking a Long Term or a Short Term view.
When it comes to Hotel Spas specifically, we have guests who are usually only in the hotel for a few days. Their perspective is very much Short Haul. They're not interested in long term benefits. Instead, they want short term results.
If you're providing treatments and services that offer long term benefits at the expense of short term results, you might just be missing the mark.
shortterm #longterm #perspective.
Organising a simple Meet Up at your local Starbucks or Cafe is a great way to establish your authority within your industry OR within the circle you want to be a part of.
It's another simple example of you Hosting the Party and controlling the narrative, as we've spoken about in the previous two episodes of this show.
It can be just a few people. The size of the group isn't so important. What matters is that each of them are people you want in your circle. By you being the Host, you become a person of influence and authority in that group even if you're not the most knowledgeable.
Think of the last industry conference you attended. The organiser of that conference personally knew all the speakers who were leaders in the industry. It's the same concept, just on a smaller scale.
meetup #conference #influence
In a follow up to Ep. #803, today we look at another great way to raise your profile...
Start a Blog or even a Vlog.
It's just another way that you can control the narrative.
Invite the people whose attention you're trying to grab to write a Feature Article for your Blog.
Send them a list of 10 Questions that they can answer and this will become your interview with them.
And if you're not comfortable writing...do a Video Blog.
It's the same basic concept.
Actually, these days many of you might even be more comfortable creating little Video Blogs because it's what Social Media has taught us to do.
blog #videblog #blogging #influence
If you want to control the narrative...Host the Party.
It's a concept first introduced to me by Gary Vaynerchuck and it makes perfect sense.
Be the person who controls the space where your target market wants to hang out and you will get their attention.
One great way to do that is to host a podcast and invite the people whose attention you want to be a guest on your show.
Before too long, you will find yourself not only moving in the right circle but actually having real influence in that circle.
influence #attention #podcast
It's time to review your systems and processes.
They may well work great for you, your people and your organisation...but what about your guests / customers?
Way to often we miss the boat when it comes to instilling a Customer-First culture in our organisations.
I can assure you, if you always default to Customer-First, you can't go wrong.
customerfirst #customerfocus #commpanyculture
Freedom is something many of us take for granted and most would assume it's just something that all law-abiding human beings should be entitled to.
Privacy is kinda the same.
But the reality is, in a modern world, to be free to move around usually means you will need to take some form of your digital identity with you. Your credit card or digital wallet. Your mobile phone. Your social media accounts.
And that means, you're actually giving up some degree of Privacy for the Freedom to move around and do the things you want to do.
So don't be fooled by all those passionately declaring Privacy is the most important issue of our time.
Don't believe me, just take away their Freedom for a few days.
freedom #privacy #digitalidentity
To celebrate Ep. #800 of the Trent365 Show...a little perspective.
Sometimes the grass actually IS greener on the other side.
BUT...beware...
It could just be Fake Grass!
In a world where our lives play out on social media, it's now easier that ever to get trapped into Keeping Up With The Joneses.
keepingitreal #perspective #selfworth #values
Speaking at an industry event can be a great opportunity to raise your profile and also to gain valuable exposure for your brand.
But should you be willing to do it for free?
That's the question Simon Shepherdson asked a couple of days ago on the back of my post about J. Lo & Shakira playing at the Super Bowl for free - just for the exposure.
In most cases, I would say Yes, even if you don't get paid for it, taking the stage at an industry event is generally a good thing to do. Not always, but usually.
conferencespeaker #publicspeaker #industryexpert #publicspeaking
Do you know how to use those Colour Wheels properly to help you with choosing your colour schemes?
I didn't. But now I do. Thanks to the folks over at The Futur.
Here's a link to their awesome Instagram post which explained it all in terms so simple even I could understand.
https://www.instagram.com/p/B7Q0QAKJoBP/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link
colorschemes #colours #design
The Super Bowl is one of the most watched events in the world. 100+ million people see it every year.
So how much do you think Jennifer Lopez & Shakira got paid to play at the Half Time Show this year?
The answer will AMAZE you...
ZERO!
Yep. They are just so happy to have theta much exposure, they're happy to do it for free.
The Lesson - if you have the audience, you can make your own rules.
superbowl #jenniferlopez #shakira #jlo
Bloomberg is arguably the most well known brand in business media.
A few years ago they launched a social-first, Twitter-first new brand which they called Tic Toc.
Everything was going fine, until a crazy little social network all about dancing and lip synching to music started to become mainstream.
What's the connection? Well that singing and dancing app was called TikTok.
Different spelling, but the same pronunciation.
And the TikTok product resonated so much with its market that it just grew and grew.
Ultimately, Bloomberg gave up, and renamed its news service to Quick Take.
The battle was ultimately won by a product that was so successful in its segment, that it was able to create strong awareness in markets that were polar opposites - like a business news service.
In this case, I believe, Product was able to beat Brand.
product #brand #tiktok #tictoc #bloomberg
Many of us these days are very good at blaming everyone and everything else for the problem.
It much easier to do that that to own up and accept that maybe it was me who did something wrong.
I heard a great analogy on The Tim Ferriss Show podcast recently when he interview Co-Founder of SoulCycle.
They used marriage statistics to prove the point.
50% of all 1st marriages end in divorce.
70% of all 2nd marriages end in divorce.
90% of all 3rd marriages end in divorce.
So therefore, it must be YOU that is the problem...not them.
responsibility #accountability #ownership #blame
Byte is a reincarnation of Vine, that 6 second looping video app that was acquired by Twitter and then slowly died.
Why should you care?
Well, Vine very quickly developed a strong following. There's a good chance Byte will too. And as it only just launched last week, it's still very VERY early.
So, if you get on Byte NOW and have a play around, who knows, you just might end up grabbing some early attention.
Give it a try and let me know what you think.
byte #videoapp #videocontent #attention
Your USP (Unique Selling Proposition) does not have to be static.
It CAN and probably SHOULD change and adapt, based on what's happening in your market at any given time.
A few years ago, I wrote about how promoting the fact that your Spa is clean and hygienic is probably a wasted effort Why? Because basic hygiene is pretty much table stakes in the Spa business. Customer will just expect and assume that you are.
Hygiene in Spas will not be a USP...UNLESS THERE'S SO BIG INFECTIOUS DISEASE OUTBREAK!
And what is happening now? A big outbreak.
So, if you're in Spas, Hotels, Airlines, etc start thinking about making hygiene your USP...at least for while.
Here's that article I wrote... https://www.trentmunday.com/branding-the-soul-of-your-spa-business/
hotels #spas #USP #branding #coronavirus
Lots of businesses reply on Instagram to give them some 'social cred'.
Hospitality related businesses, especially, often have #nameofhotel #nameofattraction #nameofspa type of sign posted in a specific location around their property to encourage you to take a selfie there AND to tag them of course.
The problem is, most of these signs are BORING!
Granted, some of them do have an eye-catching location as a backdrop, but many do not.
So, if you want to get more people to post pics with your tag and also tag you...just make those spots more engaging.
Use some props. Encourage physical interaction with your hashtag sign and the spot.
Make it interesting to THEM, not YOU.
If you do, chances are you'll not only get featured in more people's Instagram feeds, but those posts will also get more engagement from their followers. Thus, giving you even more exposure.
instagram #socialmedia #selfie #socialmediamarketing
Recycling is a hot topic. It has been for a long time.
And so it should be. We need to work hard to minimise the the impact we make on our environment.
But whilst lots of big brands like to talk about their Sustainability Goals and how much of their packaging is recyclable, we don't hear much about them reducing the actual amount of packaging they use.
Surely THIS should be a much bigger focus.
Case in point, this week I purchased a 2 pack of Gillette MACH 3 disposable razor blades. I love the blades. But the amount of packaging wrapped around them was INSANE.
We have to do better than this.
recycledmaterials #reducereuserecycle #packaging #sustainability
In a world obsessed about how our business looks Online, it's important not to forget how we look Offline.
Many companies today have their own Apps. Many of those Apps work great...as long as your customers are Online.
But what happens when they are not? They will still gravitate to your App. So you need to make sure it works well when it is Offline too.
Case in point, Malaysia Airlines App works great...when you are Online.
But when you're on a plane and not connected to the wifi...you can't access the App.
This is surely a massive misstep in terms of Customer Experience.
Don't be like Malaysian Airlines. Get your Offline game sorted.
apps #offline #customerexperience
If you try to be everything to everyone, you'll end up being nothing to no one.
I reckon that statement goes a long way to explaining the inefficiency of the Hotel Spa Menu.
We expect it to be a Sales Tool, a Branding Tool and an Informational Tool.
For example, when the Spa Menu is in the guest room, it should be a Sales Tool.
If it's going to be an effective Sales Tool, it should really have a Call to Action.
But if we did that, then it wouldn't work so well as a Branding Tool.
And there's the rub. We want it to do both.
It's time we re-think the functions we expect from a Spa Menu and find different ways, different mediums and different media to achieve the results we're looking for.
marketing #sales #branding #menus
If you're looking to build a long-term, emotional connection with your customers...you're branding.
If you just want to close the sale today, right now...you're selling.
Neither one is better or more noble than the other. They are just different things.
And as they are different, they require different messaging.
Ask yourself, do you have different content for each?
If not, chances are you're not doing either as well as you could.
selling #branding #messaging
Branding is not about Products & Services. It's not even about Features & Benefits.
Branding is about emotions.
How do people FEEL when they interact with your brand?
Just take a look at what the big, successful brands do.
Coke's brand messaging is people hanging out at the beach, having fun.
Nike's brand messaging is the emotional highs of winning, or the lows of losing, or the satisfaction of Just Doing It!
If you're not eliciting an emotional connection from your messaging...then you're just not branding.
PS: Here's the article by George Ziogas - https://medium.com/better-marketing/the-complete-guide-to-building-a-personal-brand-in-2020-725c9530bc49
brandmessage #brandmessaging #branding #brandimage
Dynamic Pricing is all about adjusting your prices based on the market demand.
Usually that means, if the demand is high, the price goes up. If demand is low, the price goes down.
Airlines are the masters at this.
Many airlines let you pay a bit extra for an upgrade after you actually board the plane. This makes sense for the airline because at that point, an on-board upgrade is the only chance they have to sell an empty seat.
But the process is often limited by the passengers who have already paid for the higher category seats. If an economy passenger can end up in a business class seat on the day by paying significantly less than that business class passenger paid in advance, the airline will have a very unhappy business class passenger.
But what if the airline went ahead and sold those on-board upgrades, at the discounted price, and then gave the full fare paying business class passenger a rebate? Now, both passengers are happy.
dynamicpricing #pricingstrategy #pricingoptimization #pricing
The luxury boutiques like Chanel & Dior are masters at Slow Retailing.
They don't want you to rush. Take your time. Stay a little longer. Spend a little more.
At the other end of the spectrum are supermarkets and convenience stores. They're all about Fast Retailing. Their focus is more on volume. In and out.
The question is, where does your Spa fit on this spectrum?
I believe, in many cases, we focus too much on the quick sale when it comes to retail.
Maybe if we tried a little harder to offer a Slow Retailing experience, we could drive up those retail sales numbers?
retail #hotelspa #slowretail #retailstrategy
Personal Branding is something just about everyone should be thinking about these days.
Whether you're an Influencer, or trying to sell your online courses or just trying to progress in your career, your Personal Brand matters.
PS: Remember when we used to just call it your 'reputation'? ;-)
Like any brand, you need to know Who your market is, What you're going to do for them, and What outcome they will then achieve as a result.
You need to have a Personal Brand Statement.
You need to be able to fill in these blanks...
I help ______ to do ________ so that they can achieve ________
Once you have that, you're on your way!
personalbrand #branding #personalbranding #missionstatement
According to Seth Godin, advertising is essentially interruption.
We're being interrupted from whatever we're doing - be it watch TV, flicking through Facebook or walking down the street - to see or hear a message to compel us to buy or do something that we otherwise probably wouldn't have.
But today we've become blase about advertising. We don't trust it anymore.
Thus, the efficacy or effectiveness of ads is quickly diminishing.
Sponsorship, however if different. Sponsorship is seen as supporting a like-minded activity or event. It's a way of your brand joining the community or the tribe that does that thing.
And that is a more effective way to spend your promotional dollars than to simply continue interrupting people.
advertising #sponsorship #marketing
Retail is Dead. Everyone's saying it. It must be true.
But it's NOT.
Retail Spaces are simply Overpriced for the value they currently give to the sellers or retailers.
Once upon a time, when we all shopped in Bricks n Mortar stores, high retail rents made sense. Because having prime retail space meant high foot falls and represented great value.
Today, lots of people don't shop that way. So the value of retail space is not as high as it once was.
But if the retail rents were lower, they would then represent value for money.
Also, the shopping experiences in-store need to evolve to make them more relevant to today's consumers. Think Apple Store.
retailspace #retailsstores #bricksandmortar
We don’t search online...we Google it.
We don’t book a ride-hailing service...we call an Uber.
Just like Kleenex & Xerox before them, these brands have become generic trademarks (or proprietary eponyms).
They have come to define the category.
So what happened to YouTube?
Surely, the brand that has owned video for more than a decade should also have become the proprietary eponym?
branding #product #category #brandstrategy
Help People Do X At Home.
That's a basic template for a potentially infinite number of new startup businesses, according to Paul Graham, Founder of YCombinator.
YCombinator is one of the most famous startup accelerators of our time, having created such great businesses as AirBnB, Dropbox, Reddit and many more.
The Founder, Paul Graham, was recently lamenting how his kids never seem to leave the house anymore because everything they need comes to them in some way or another.
Whilst Graham doesn't love the fact that his kids don't leave the house, he does realise that this is a great template for any business in the future, for a very long time to come.
startupideas #businessidea #futuretrends
More customers. More sales. More revenue.
More is usually what we strive for.
But it's important to remember that at some point, the Law of Diminishing Returns will probably come in to play.
If you add more items to your menu, your customers might get confused by the choices and give up.
When you drive too many more customers into your store with one day specials, the shopping experience for your regular customers will probably be negatively effected. So they shop there less.
There is always a trade-off with More. You just need to decide is it trade you're prepared to make.
more #balance #tradeoff #diminishingreturns
Can you imagine a world where Hotels did not have Spas?
Many can't. But the fact is, just 25 years ago, most Hotels did not have a Spa.
But if we are to be able to effectively imagine the Hotel Spa of Tomorrow, I would suggest what we need to do is forget everything we know today about the Hotel Spa and start again. Begin with a completely blank canvas.
So, if the Hotel Spa did not exist today...
-
what would we put in its place?
-
where would it be located?
-
what services would it offer?
-
what would be the price point?
Lots of questions. Time to start coming up with some answers.
What are your thoughts...?
hotelspa #tomorrowspa #hotels
One man's inconvenience is another man's value.
After-Sales Service is an inconvenience to the Seller...but potentially invaluable to the Buyer.
Amazon's return policy is a massive inconvenience to the organisation...yet, for many customers, it's a key factor in them making the purchase in the first place.
So next time you're thinking about all those little inconveniences in your business, just remember, they might actually being exactly what is providing your customers so much of the value that they seek.
convenience #inconvenience #perspective #value #customerservice
Not so long ago we often found ourselves asking 'When's the best time to call?'
But that was a different time. A different world. A world without the mobile phone.
Today, we're in a mobile-first world. We're always on. Always connected.
And with that comes the flexibility for us to take and make calls whenever we want.
So in actual fact, the best time to call me is 'My Time'.
The problem is, you have no way of knowing when exactly 'My Time' is for me.
'My Time' is different for everyone and also varies from day-to-day.
Today, I might want to take a call in my car on the way home from work.
Tomorrow, I might have someone with me in the car, so that's not a good time.
So, if you're the caller, don't worry about. Call whenever you want. But just understand that I too will answer &/or respond whenever I want.
The critical thing is not the time that you call, but making sure that whatever message you have for me is compelling to me. If it is, I can guarantee I'll be calling you back soon.
mytime #phonecall #callme #communication
Author Joseph Pine is credited with coining the phrase The Experience Economy.
What's it's all about is the shift, over time, from a Commodities-based Economy, to a Goods-based Economy, to a Services-based Economy and now, heading into an Experience-based Economy.
In short, our customers, guests & clients are looking for something more. Something experiential.
Today's focus is on Time Well Spent, rather than Time Well Saved.
What can you do in your business to make give your customers and more immersive experience. A more experiential offering?
Here's the book - The Experience Economy - https://www.amazon.com/Experience-Economy-New-Preface-Authors/dp/1633697975
experiential #immersiveexperience #customerexperience #guestexperience
If you're looking for a new customer, a new product innovation, a new market opportunity or even a new job, it's time to STOP LOOKING and START LISTENING!
The problem with Actively Looking is that your bias kicks in. You're looking for a result and so you might just end up seeing one that isn't really there.
When you're Actively Listening, you're responding and reacting to what you're hearing. To what the market is telling you.
With this mindset you are far more likely to find what it is that you are seeking.
listening #looking #bias #perspective #mindset
The Aged Care industry is looking to Hospitality and Wellness for fresh ideas and ways of doing things.
But I believe it won't be too long before it's the Hotel Industry looking to Aged Care to find better ways to integrate Wellness.
And there's a very simple reason for that.
Wellness in Aged Care is a NEED. Wellness in Hotels is, and will largely continue to be, a WANT.
There's a great article here by Nancy Griffin on the Aged Care - Hospitality - Wellness intersection...
https://www.insidersguidetospas.com/features/wellness-hospitality-in-senior-care/
PS: Thanks to Nicole Hagestad for sharing it.
wellness #agedcare #hospitality #hotels #hotelspa
"The only thing you change by moving, is your address."
A great quote for the show The River on Netflix.
The point they're making is that running away won't necessarily solve your problems.
I don't totally agree.
Especially if your problem is being in a bit of a rut.
In that case, moving is possibly the best thing you can do.
problems #newlife #freshstart #newbeginnings
Routines are great thing in business. In many ways, they're critical in achieving operational efficiencies.
But they also can inhibit our ability to see what is right in front of us and to identify new opportunities.
By breaking your routine and doing something a little bit differently from how you would normally do it, you then see things from a different angle, a different perspective.
And that can open your eyes to amazing new opportunities.
FYI - If you want to access the Full Archive of the Trent365 Show, you can do so here - http://bit.ly/trent365
opportunities #freshperspective #routines #change
Let me pitch you a new cuisine concept...
We're going to take a slab of raw fish, stick it on a slab of cold rice. And you're going to eat it!
Doesn't sound very appetising, does it?
And yet, Sushi is one of those global phenomenons in the world of food.
You can get it all over the world. And, you're willing to pay a premium for it too.
But why?
sushi #cuisines #food #why
When it comes to Wellness Trends for 2020, many have said that Veganism is right up there.
And whilst I'm often skeptical about whether or not many of these so-called Trends are little more than fleeting Fads, I'm thinking Veganism may well be having it's moment.
Case in Point - this week's Golden Globe Awards in the Us opted for a Vegan Only menu for the first time ever.
To be clear, they positioned this as a move to combat Climate Change rather than to increase Wellness.
Still, I think it was a big step in the right direction for those touting the benefits of going Vegan - which, like it or not, are pretty hard to deny.
vegan #veganlifestyle #wellness #wellnesstrends
Brain Heater over at TechCrunch reckon CES 2020 might just go down in history as The Year of Sleep Tech.
But he also ponders the irony of why we seek out technology to solve our sleep problems when in fact it's technology that's largely to blame?
Great question.
If technology is indeed contributing so much to our sleeping issues, surely just putting that technology down and switching it off should go a long way to solving the problem, right?
What say you?
Do you rely on technology to try to optimise your sleep?
If so, tell me what works for you.
sleep #sleeptips #technology #CES2020
What Value Do You Bring?
This is really what every potential employer is trying to work out when considering candidates.
But it's amazing how many candidates don't have a good answer to the question.
So I'd like to propose that you start your own Value Journal.
What's that?
Simply a daily, weekly or even monthly journal of exactly what you did to create value today.
It can be Revenue Value, if you made a sale.
It could be a Management Value, if you helped a team member with an issue.
The possibilities are limited only by the value you create.
Now, next time someone asks you about the value you bring, you will have no shortage of examples.
PS: If you want to access the entire Trent365 Back Catalogue, here it is - https://www.audio.trentmunday.com/
bringvalue #interviewtips #value #interviewskills
Do you have a Surprise and Delight Strategy in place for 2020?
If not, you really should.
Malaysia's KLIA Airport had a great one in place. On two incoming flights, just a few days before Christmas, while the passengers were waiting for their luggage, the carousel filled up with individual presents for each and every passenger.
Brilliant.
Stuff like this makes a great impact because it isn't expected.
The amplification factor is also significant as people will talk about it.
You can even do a barter deal for giveaway.
Here's more about the Malaysia Airport story..
https://says.com/my/news/klia-passengers-waiting-to-collect-their-luggage-surprised-with-lavish-gifts-instead
surprise #delight #impact #customercare
Academics want to Collaborate. Business people want to Compete.
I spoke about this a bit back in Ep. #253 of this show...
Competition or Collaboration
But a recent discussion with my buddy Lee Duke made me realise that if you re-frame the discussion slightly, and talk about Joint Ventures or Partnerships, you can probably get the business person on board.
In reality, of course, Collaboration, Joint Venture, Partnership are basically the same thing.
But depending on the context and perspective of the person you're working with, one or the other might be more attractive.
Context is everything.
competition #collaboration #jointventure #partnership
Transparency is a good thing. Right?
Well, brand guru Martin Lindstrom isn't so sure.
He reckons the cost of transparency is that we're always comparing ourselves to others...and often coming up short.
As a result, as transparency increases, our self-esteem takes a beating.
One data point that might suggest this is true is the 75% increase in teenage suicides in the US between 2010-2017.
Hmmm?
Food for thought.
Here's a link to Lindstrom's article...
https://www.martinlindstrom.com/martin-lindstroms-top-5-predictions-for-2020/
selfesteem #selfworth #transparency
It's not the destination, it's the journey.
Famed American essayist, poet, philosopher and leading transcendentalist Ralph Waldo Emerson introduced the world to this concept back in the 1800's.
In more modern times, it has become something of a catch cry for those desperately seeking more meaning from life.
But for many of us, it's the destination that motivates us. The joy of striving towards some end goal is just as rewarding as any joy we get from stopping to smell the roses.
So, if you want to enjoy the journey, great. Go ahead.
However, if you're driven by the destination, that's ok too.
lifejourney #destination #quoteoftheday #motivation
Let's kick of 2020 with the ultimate motivational quote from Gary Vaynerchuk...
You Are Going To Die!
It's a fact. We all know it. But if you're really looking for a reason to take a little risk, to try something new, to strive for a more complete and fulfilled life...that has to be it.
You don't want to live with the regret of not having at least tried.
Of course, there are realities that come in to play too. You still need money to survive and provide for your family.
However, don't let those realities shield you from the truth.
Maybe you can still try that new thing, on the side. As your side hustle. Work a little harder. Sacrifice a little more comfort.
Give it a go. Have a crack.
motivationoftheday #thoughtoftheday #noexcuses
In this, the final episode of Trent365 for 2019, I wanted to leave you with a Gary-ism. Or is it a Vayner-ism? A Word of Wisdom from Gary Vaynerchuck.
To achieve success, Audacity is important. You need to dare to dream and dream big. You must have those big, hairy, audacious goals.
However, without genuine Empathy, chances are, you will never reach the heights of success in life that strive for.
Understand that people don't really care about you and your thing. They care about themselves and their thing. And so they should.
The ability to simultaneously hold onto Empathy and Audaciousness...that's the unlock.
empathy #audaciousness #keytosuccess
He Who Can, Does. He Who Cannot, Teaches.
That quote is attributed to George Bernard Shaw.
Well, I've got a bit to add to it.
Those Who Aren't Sure, Create Content.
I genuinely believe that the more you try to put your thoughts into words - be that in written, video or audio format - the quicker and more completely it is that you will understand them.
Too many people are reluctant to say it out loud until they are 100% clear of the thought, it's intent and the desired outcome.
The vulnerability of saying it as you're thinking it can actually be quite liberating.
clarity #thought #contentstrategy #thoughtprocess
TimeBoxing is a great system of time management.
It's basically a way to power-up your To-Do List.
The idea is that you allocate a fixed period of time within which to complete a task. Once that time is up, you're done. It's great, in fact maybe essential, for those working on projects with fixed deadlines.
The concept was first introduced by James Martin, author of the book Rapid Application Development.
Here's a great explanation of the concept...
https://clockify.me/timeboxing
timemanagementtips #timemanagement #productivity
Are you still questioning the value of making your content available in audio format?
Listen to this...
Danish online magazine, Zetland, started getting the authors of the stories published on the site to read them and make them available in audio format, right alongside the text version.
Within 2 months, 40% of the consumption on their site was from the audio content.
In under 6 month, audio represent 50% of the content consumed on the site.
Today, audio is 70% of their traffic.
Audio listeners stay longer, engage more with the site and generally become more loyal to the brand.
audio #contentstrategy #mediacompany
The Toothbrush Test is credited to Google founder, Larry Page.
It's a simple criteria he applies when they look at acquiring new companies. They only want to buy companies who have a product or service that people need to use at least once or twice every day. Like a toothbrush.
Recently, I was trying to think of a Wellness opportunity that would pass the Toothbrush Test.
Then I realised, the answer was right there within the Test itself.
Wellness Toothpaste!
As far as I know, I don't think there is a brand of toothpaste that has yet positioned itself as THE 'Wellness Toothpaste'.
And I reckon it's actually a pretty big marketing opportunity.
What do you reckon?
newproducts #wellness #marketing #branding
As humans, we seem to be almost programmed to focus on the negative, rather than the positive.
But a recent article in Harvard Business Review suggest that embracing and understanding the positive feedback we get may well be the key to unlocking real, long-term, sustainable personal growth and success.
That does not mean just graciously accepting the praise.
Instead, you need to analyse it and understand what it's really telling you about your core strengths and competencies.
Then, wherever possible, you can set about trying to double-down on those strengths and ultimately achieve success.
Sounds like good advice to me.
personalgrowth #postivefeedback #successfulpeople
While the rest of us are enjoying the Christmas Holiday Season, many more are out there working today.
And for those companies that do have people working today, it's actually a great time to build Brand Equity by telling your Christmas Work Stories.
Whether it's the special Christmas lunch in the staff canteen, or someone giving you a little Christmas pudding coz they see that you're missing out on Christmas, or the little bit of sadness you have at missing your family Christmas.
All of those little experiences, if they are true and genuine to your people, help build your Brand Story.
After all, a brand is really the sum of the people who interact with it.
So, start documenting your Christmas Work Stories today and then next year, maybe a week before Xmas, you can start sharing those stories and giving your customers a little genuine insight into who you are. A glimpse behind the brand curtain.
Happy Happy Ho Ho!
christmasstory #brandstory #brandstorytelling #brandstories
Hospitality consulting firm Hotelivate, has just just released their Hotel Management Contract Survey 2020 – South Asia, entailing a comprehensive review of 85 contracts/LOIs, representing around 16,200 rooms, signed in the region over the last two decades.
For anyone doing business with hotels, the report provides some interesting insights into the commercial terms and structures that apply to these hotel management companies.
Two key takeaways...
-
The average term of a hotel management contract is around 20 years
-
The average base fee earned by these hotel management companies is 2.35% of gross hotel revenue.
For more information or to order your copy of the report, follow this link..
https://hotelivate.com/hotel-development/hotel-management-contract-survey-2020-south-asia/
hotels #hotelmanagment #hotelindustry
If you're in a consumer-facing business, chances are you spend a lot of time thinking about the environment you create for your customers.
What's on the wall? How's the lighting? What music is playing in the background? What ambience are you creating for them?
Why? Because it matters.
But what are you doing in your office space?
What's on YOUR wall?
This matters too. And I'm not just talking about those stock-standard motivational posters. I'm talking about the images & momentos that you see every day. They are having an impact. The question you need to ask is, what is that impact.
Here's what's on my wall...
motvation #officedecor #whatsonyourwall #thoughts
Mark Wuttke, President & COO of Barbor Cosmetics in the USA said this...
Dreams are free but the journey is not. There is a price that must be paid sooner than expected. The price is almost always higher than planned. The price may also require payment more than once and it is possible to pay too much for your dream.
I think it's really timely advice.
This is the time of year when we seem to encouraged to dream big. Go and make those big, hairy, audacious, New Years resolutions, we're told.
Fine. Go ahead.
But remember, those dreams will come at a cost. And it will probably end up being far greater than you anticipated.
Here's Mark Wuttke's full post - https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/put-your-dream-test-mark-wuttke-%E9%A9%AC%E5%85%8B%E4%BC%8D%E7%89%B9%E5%85%8B-/
dreams #realitycheck #newyearsresolution
Thinking Big is important for long term success.
But if you do that at the expense of Executing Small, then your business may not survive long enough to reap the rewards of your big thoughts.
It's easy to get lost in big picture, strategic thinking. And you should definitely be spending some time in that space.
However, make sure you always come back to your current customers. What is happening in your business right now.
You need to be able to simultaneously hold some focus on both.
That's the challenge. That's the dichotomy.
thinkbig #bigpicture #execute #strategicthinking
Personal Branding matters.
Whether you're working within a bigger company or organisational structure or out there on your own as an independent business, it's important that those around you know who you are and what you stand for.
That is your Personal Brand.
Preferably, you want to be able to distill who you really are at your core in just one or two words.
Even better if you can create your own Personal Brand Avatar.
Just like Sandy Abrams has done with The Breath Barista. https://www.linkedin.com/in/sandyabrams1/
And just like Beverley Spencer has done as the Confidence Connoisseur. - https://www.linkedin.com/in/beverley-spencer-39aa8017/
personalbranding #personalbrand #brand #reputation
Intelligent Spas have just released their 2019 Global Spa Benchmark Report.
The Report covers over 1,130 operational and financial statistics and data points.
Some of the types of Spa benchmarks covered in the Report include Treatment Revenue, Retail Revenue, Spa Visits, Hotel & Resort Capture Rates, etc.
Announcing the release of the Reort, Julie Garrow, Founder of Intelligent Spas said, "Our research helps spas tackle the ever-changing conditions of their business environment via updated, high quality industry statistics and we expect the volume of information contained in this report will greatly help spa owners, managers, investors and other industry stakeholders to enhance their performance in a variety of areas."
You can get your copy of the report HERE...
https://intelligentspas.com/products/global-spa-benchmark-report-2019-by-region?mc_cid=7181002fab&mc_eid=7d1edf1843
AND...if you use the code TRENT20%, you can save 20% off the purchase price!
spaindustry #spametrics #industryreport #benchmarks
If you're a supplier of just about ANY goods or services to just about ANY industry, these next 13 days could be HUGE for you!
There's just 13 days to go until the end of the year, which for many businesses, also represents the end of the Financial Year.
So now is a great time to be invoicing for goods & services that will impact these businesses in 2020...because it means they'll effectively be paying for it in 2019 books.
It's almost like getting a head start on 2020.
Maybe they've had a great year and so have a bit extra to spend in 2019.
Or maybe they've had a horrible year and the year is a write off for them anyway and so they might as well take a little bit more of a hit in 2019, for the sake of getting a running start on 2020.
Either way, giving your clients one last opportunity to get an order in that hits the 2019 financial statement, is smart businesses.
NB: Thanks to Michael McMillan for highlighting this tactic!
2020budget #financialyear #supplier#invoicing
Massage Guns certainly seem to be having a moment in the sun right now.
The Spa purists will no doubt tell you that these relatively simple devices can not possibly replace the skilled hands of a trained massage therapist.
And of course, they're right!
BUT...what if Spas embraced these Massage Guns instead of dismissing them.
Spas could be a natural outlet for people to buy these Massage Guns.
What if Spas developed treatments that, and least partially, include the application of these Massage Guns?
They could also becoming an interesting extension into Home Care, which will give Spas an opportunity to stay in contact with their guests, long after they have left the Spa.
There are genuine opportunities here.
Here's an interesting piece from Huffington Post on Massage Guns...
https://www.huffpost.com/entry/massage-guns-expert-review_l_5cc861cfe4b05379114b7307
tomorrowspa #hotelspa #massage #massagegun
There's a great line in the Will Smith movie, Collateral Beauty.
Tomorrow is not promised.
Whilst I'm not usually one for touting motivational quotes or spiritual realisations, this one simple quote is, I think, a great outlook to have on life.
Whether in your business life or your personal life, if you truly appreciate that tomorrow is up for grabs, it lays both the opportunity and the obligation squarely back at your feet.
The end of the year is often a time of reflection. Oftentimes we're either patting ourselves on the back for our great results OR finding a way to justify why our failures weren't really all our fault.
"It was a tough economic climate this year." "The whole market is really down.'
We've all heard it all (and even said it all) before.
But if you accept that Tomorrow Is Not Promised, that means it's also not guaranteed.
It's yours to make of what you will. It's up to you.
Now, go and do.
tomorrow #motivation #ownit
UNESCO has just added Traditional Thai Massage to its Intangible Cultural Heritage list.
The legend goes that Monks brought these massage techniques and methods, which focus on directing blood circulation to the ares of pain, to Thailand over 2,500 years ago.
So, if you offer Traditional Thai Massage on your spa menu, now would be a good time to be educating people on the traditions and benefits of what is now offical recognised as a culturally significant massage modality.
Here's a little more information about the announcement from the UNESCO website...
https://bangkok.unesco.org/index.php/content/traditional-thai-massage-inscribed-intangible-cultural-heritage-humanity
UNESCO #massage #wellness #culturalheritage
OK. So this might seem a bit Meta. But my Top Wellness Tip For The Festive Season...
is to create YOUR Top Wellness Tips For The Festive Season!
Get it?
The point is, other people are coming out with their Top Wellness Tips. So, the conversation is taking place.
Don't you owe it to your customers, clients, guests, fans to be part of that conversation.
They are expecting it of you.
Your voice, your opinion matters to them.
So go on. Join in the conversation.
top10 #wellnesstips #wellnesstrends #jointheconversation
2019 has been a busy year in terms of Mergers & Acquisitions within the Spa & Wellness sector.
In what will almost certainly be the last of 2019, Spa & Wellness Management & Consulting firm WTS International has sold a majority steak in their business to CI Capital Partners.
Here's the Press Release...
https://cicapllc.com/https-cicapllc-com-wp-content-uploads-2019-10-2019-10-wts-platform-company-acquistion-press-release-pdf/
The terms of the deal were not disclosed.
Former Miraval CEO Steve Rudnitsky has been appointed at Vice Chairman of the Board.
It will indeed be interesting to see what happens with WTS moving forward.
wellness #mergersandacquisitions #spaindustry #spa
Capture Rate is one of the most common KPI's to track in a Hotel Spa.
But beware.
Remember that old adage, 'You Manage What You Measure' ?
Well, if you're not careful, you could find your Spa team putting so much focus on the Capture Rate, or any other one metric for that matter, that they lose sight of the bigger picture.
Capture Rate is simply a measure of relevance. Nothing more. Nothing less.
Here's a few more Spa KPI's...
https://www.trentmunday.com/top-15-spa-kpis-the-metrics-that-matter/
hotelspa #spametrics #KPI #businessmetrics
Discounting is always a hot topic, whether you're selling a Product or a Service.
Many experts say you should never discount as it devalues what you do.
Others say it's the only way to survive.
The folks at The Futur reckon the best best approach is a No Discount Rule - with a few exceptions.
Here's a link to the great little deck they put together on it...
https://www.instagram.com/p/B52ssScJ9Qa/?igshid=19od37s2nu04f
discounting #pricingstrategy #pricing #selling
Social Networks seem to have all geared up to post MORE.
Sure, Quality is always going to be a huge variable of success.
BUT...Quality is subjective, it's allusive, it's constantly being redefined.
xSo as a result, we feel compelled to just keep posting MORE.
But what if you could only make ONE-POST-PER-DAY ?
Would that lead to a higher quality of content being posted? Maybe?
Would it mean you follow more and more diverse people, brands & businesses? Probably.
It's an interesting concept.
NB: Thanks to @garyvee
socialnetworks #content #innovation #marketing
Making an impact is something we all want to do, in one form or other.
And this is especially true of those who produce content.
But never forget that it only takes ONE person to be impacted by what you put out for it all to be worthwhile.
Because, in fact, An Impact One, Never Stops at One.
Case in point... Laura Meeson picked up on my idea about telling your own personal little Christmas story as part of your overall content strategy.
We all have a story. Each one is unique. And each person in your company who shares their story will give your customers just one more insight into who you are and what you are as a brand, business and company too.
And Laura's story was extremely moving. Here' it is, if you missed it...
https://www.linkedin.com/posts/lauracattigan_thanks-trent-munday-for-the-inspiration-behind-activity-6609544868031184896-gOmJ
storytelling #contentstrategy #brand
Giving your customers and clients insights into the people behind your business or your brand goes a long way towards building a stronger bond with them.
And the backdrop of Christmas provides a perfect opportunity to do that.
Everyone has their own special little Christmas story - be it happy or sad or funny anywhere in between.
So, if you're looking for some interesting content ideas this holiday season, look no further than just having your people tell their unique Christmas story.
contentstrategy #storytelling #contentideas #contentmarketing
We tend to focus on producing content that is Engaging.
Elemis CEO Sean Harrington says we should be aiming for Entertaining, not Engaging.
I think he’s got a good point.
contentcreation #contentmarketing #engagementmarketing
Pretty much the Golden Rule of anyone who wants to publish content on daily or even weekly basis is to make sure you have a back up plan.
Make sure you have at least 1 or 2 episodes of ready to go at any one time.
Because you never know when you might get sick and not be able to create your regular post.
Or maybe you'll have a technical issue that prevents you from posting today for whatever reason.
And that content should be evergreen content that will not date...because you never know when you might need to post it.
That IS the Golden Rule...but I still don't do it.
Today, I wish I did.
contentcreation #contentdelivery #backupplan #contentcalendar
My new besties over at the Good Spa Guide have just released a Whitepaper on how Spas can help people suffering from Cancer.
It's a great read and shares some simple steps that your Spa can take to embrace the realities of clients with Cancer.
It's completely FREE.
Here's a link...
https://goodspaguide.co.uk/documents/uploads/GSG-whitepaper-cancer_lo-res.pdf
cancer #hotelspa #cancerpatients #wellness
The field of Aural Architecture is a fascinating one and certainly something that Spas should be aware of.
It's all about the relationship between sound and buildings and spaces.
And Cymatics - the way structures vibrate.
And Sonically Interactive Structures.
It might sound a bit like something out of a Sci Fi movie but much of the research and technology is already here.
There's a great article right here for you to learn more about it...
https://www.bbc.com/future/article/20190729-how-the-sound-in-your-office-affects-your-mood
NB: Special thanks to Candy Holladay for the heads up on this super-fascinating topic.
acoustics #architecture #sound #auralarchitecture
Oftentimes we look at Routines and Habits as a negative thing.
If we stick to our same Routines and continue with the same Habits, we get stuck in a rut.
But the great thing about following Routines & Habits is that it allows you to flick into cruise control.
Our internal automatic pilot takes over and we don't need to really think about what we're doing.
And right there, right at that point where we don't need to think about it, we have the chance to focus on other thoughts.
This is a great opportunity for us to learn new things and explore new ideas. To innovate. To create.
So embrace your Routines & Habits - and use your newly found Think Time wisely.
thinking #routines #habits #freetime #innovate
Kodak is an awesome Case Study in branding. What was once one of the most powerful brands in the world, today seems to barely clinging to existence.
Sure, they face some massive changes in technology which went to the core of their legacy business.
But, maybe if they had a clear, over-arching brand definition, they would've been able to better identify new opportunities and navigate the changing landscape.
The best brand definition is broad enough to do that, yet narrow enough to provide focus for the current business.
branding #marketing #technology #adaptability
The concept of the Cloud Wage is that, if workers do not have to physically be in a specific location to do their job, then that job could, in theory be done by any individual, anywhere in the world.
A Cloud Wage suggests the skill and ability to complete the task is all that matters - regardless of where that person lives.
This creates great opportunities for those in poorer countries to get paid higher salaries by working on tasks for companies from richer countries.
It represents an opportunity to raise the standard of living of those in poorer countries by increasing their salary.
Great.
But I believe it's a double-edged sword.
I see the Cloud Wage driving down salaries in the richer countries.
cloudwage #wageequality #globlaeconomy
This is the 2nd Anniversary of the Trent365 Show!
Yup! 730 consecutive daily episodes of my personal Thoughts, Ideas & Insights!
To celebrate, I'm giving away a FREE eBook - Instagram Strategy For Spas
Here's the link...
https://www.trentmunday.com/ebooks/
It's just my way of saying thanks to you for hanging around & tuning in.
anniversary #instagram #influencer #strategy
A great lesson in Integrity from the folks in charge of the Barangaroo Reserve in Sydney, Australia.
They've set aside 50% of this prime development land for Green Spaces.
Of course, this adds a Wellness element to the city.
It also respects the original indigenous owners of the land.
But it also makes real smart commercial sense too.
Tune in to see what they've done.
greenspaces #sydneyharbour #wellness
A Picture Is Worth A Thousand Words.
We've all heard it before.
But it seems like Penguin Books, arguably the best know book publisher of all, might not agree.
A recent visit to a bookstore uncovered what I call 'Penguin Plain Label Classic Books'.
All these books look exactly the same as each other. Only the Title and Author Name is different.
They are all well known books by well known authors, but they are all basically Penguin Books.
The ONLY branding on these books at all is Penguin.
I guess it's an attempt to drive home the Penguin brand. But I'm not sure it's smart...or right.
What do you think?
bookpublishing #branding #generic #authors #books
The smartest people I know on have the same key strategy when it comes to Social Platforms...
Connect on Social...but then, get them off on to your own platform as soon as possible.
Your platform might be nothing more than just an email database. It might be a monthly newsletter or a Free eBook.
Whatever it is, just get them off Social, and on to your place.
socialplatforms #socialnetworks #connections
On Linkedin, one of the very first pieces of information people will see about you is what you write in the Headline section of your profile.
So, a great tip from James Tuckerman (that I totally agree with, by the way!) is to put your email address in that section too. It just makes it so much easier for people to connect with you.
After all, that's really the whole point of Linkedin, right?
Trent's little EXTRA TIP would be, rather than your email address, include the web address for your blog or personal website. If you have any useful, professional sort of content posted online, put that in there. This way, rather than just send you an email, people who are interested can find a way to learn more about who YOU really are.
linkedinprofile #linkedinmarketing #linkedin #connecting
After 50 years on this planet, I figured I'm now qualified to offer up some sage advice.
So, I wanted to share the most important lesson I've learned over the years...
In Life, there are NO Right Answers!
We seem to spend so much of our time worrying about making the wrong decision that we don't make any decision at all.
We're continually seeking THE answer. The RIGHT answer.
The problem is, often times there is no right answer...until after you've made the decision.
Only after you've made the call will truly be able to know if it's the right answer or not.
Don't let the uncertainty cripple you or eat you up.
Just make the best decisions you can, with the best information available and with the best intentions.
Ultimately, that's the best you can do.
happiness #successfullife#happylife #secrettolife #meaningoflife
Have you noticed how so many people these days are carrying their refillable water bottles with them everywhere - including at work.
Even for those who work front of house in retail or banks and numerous other businesses.
I know they are, because I keep seeing their water bottles sitting around in the customer area.
Why? Simple!
Because these spaces have not been designed to reflect this recently changed behaviour of carrying water bottles around.
So, if you're designing spaces, watch what your users are doing today...not what they've done in the past.
interiordesignideas #customerbehaviour #marketresearch
Co-Working Concepts have been extremely popular in recent years.
On the back of the prevailing WeWork controversy, maybe some of that interest will wane.
But here in Melbourne, I think I've uncovered significant untapped potential on the supply side AND something that could even disrupt the likes of WeWork and the other incumbents.
Pubs...the untapped potential and potential disruptor to the Co-Working model.
wework #coworking #disruption
Cloud Kitchens are essentially shared kitchen spaces that support delivery only. They offer no dine-in facilities or services.
And they are becoming really popular.
I believe there is an opportunity here for hotels to make better use of their kitchen facilities, resources & training.
Similar to what I first discussed may back in Ep. 13 of the Trent365 Show, where I spoke about the opportunity for hotels to win the Gig Economy.
Here's that episode if you'd like to revisit it...
https://trentmunday.podbean.com/mf/play/jjmtbs/s_b353d0_podcast_play_80070_https_3A_2F_2Fs3-us-west-2_amazonaws_com_2Fanchor-data_2Fstationexports_2Fpodcasts_2FEp-13-Hotels-Win-Gig-Economy--5a49ef3899296.m4a
cloudkitchen #sharingeconomy #gigeconomy #businessmodels
A great tip from the folks at The Ready on making your business meetings more efficient.
Use 'Rounds'.
The concept of a Round is that everyone around the table gets a few minutes to share their thoughts on the topic at hand. Then, you move on to the next person at the table.
No further discussions or comments. No questions. And no going back.
As The Ready explains...
"Will people want to say more? Of course. Will you have gotten 80% of the most important information quickly? Yep. Is the remaining 20% worth the effort? Almost never."
meetings #organizationalculture #companyculture
Being different works - at least for a while.
In the short term, it allows you to stand out. To be noticed. To get the market's attention.
However, in the longer term, if your product or service is not of high quality, even being different will not save you.
But in a situation where there is little to no social proof or validation, being different provides just that.
So, where did I learn this little life lesson?
At the Melbourne Noodle Market of course!
Yes! Really!
differentiation #standingout #marketing
People don't really care about what you do...they care about what you can do for them.
So the best Linkedin profile you can have is...
I help [target audience] achieve [results] by [what you do].
That is a compelling narrative according to James Tuckerman...and I think he has a pretty go argument.
linkedinprofile #valueproposition #value #personalbrand
Empathy is as important in business as it is in life.
Ultimately, people care about themselves. So the more you are able to put yourself in their shoes and relate to the things that they feel are important, the deeper they will connect to you.
The main thing blocking our ability to Empathise is our own Expectations.
If you are able to walk into a new relationship / discussion with zero expectations of the outcome, you will then be free to genuinely empathise.
It's not easy to do. But if you can, you will win.
expectations #empathy #relate
Gary Vaynerchuck has just released a deck that shows how you can create 64 pieces of content...in one day!
In this noisey social media world in which we all operate, content is the way to people's eyes, ears & minds.
Quality content is great. But quality is a subjective concept.
And regardless of the quality of your content, if you don't put enough of it out there, chances are it will get swallowed by the algorithms and lost in a swarm of stuff.
So, even if you don't plan to create 64 pieces of content, this great guide will show you some tips & tricks that will surely help you create a but more than you are today.
Here it is...
https://www.garyvaynerchuk.com/how-to-create-64-pieces-of-content-in-a-day/
contentcreation #contentstrategy #contentmarketing
Asking WHY drives the conversation up, to a more strategic level.
Asking HOW drives the conversation down, to an implementation level.
So says Alan Weiss, author of The Million Dollar Consultant.
That's a great way to think of it.
Thanks to Noah Kagan for featuring Alan on a recent episode of his podcast.
Here's a link to more of Alan's stuff... https://alanweiss.com/
why #ask #strategicthinking
I just learned a great lesson in marketing from this Tweet from Wimintra Raj of Hotelintel.co ...
@Wimintra
This is what every spa should offer. Do you know how uncomfortable it is for women to have her boobies press against the massage bed She was talking about a simple accessory to be used in massages to take the pressure off the breast. I am our customer. I do have massages. But I am not our ONLY customer. I am not a woman. This specific problem is not one that I have. And so there, in a simple Tweet, is a great lesson in marketing. If you are not your ONLY customer, you need to listen...A Lot! Here's the Mamma Gard website ... http://www.mammagard.com/shop
marketing #customerfeedback #knowyourcustomer
These days, we all seem to be focussed on being seen. Being Visible.
But what does it matter is someone sees you, if you're not Memorable?
James Tuckerman says the smart money is on being Memorable.
And, of course, he's right.
Don't sell products. Tell stories.
Focus on being Memorable.
visible #memorable #standingout #breakingthrough
Influencer Marketing is all the rage.
But finding the right influencer for your business and getting to them to help promote your product or service for a price which you can afford, is a tricky thing.
Maybe instead of appealing to their wallet or showering them with free gifts, you should be focussing on appealing to their Vanity.
We all have Influence. We all have Vanity.
And those who see themselves as 'Influencers' probably have more Vanity than most.
So play to it.
influencer #influencermarketing #vanity #ego #marketing
As adults seems to spend all our life searching for answers.
But we've forgotten the easiest way to find them.
Just look at what a 3 year old does when he wants to know something.
But why mummy? Why mummy? Why?
The answer usually lies down a rabbit hole of Why's.
why #answers #learning #asking
In today's world of Google Translate and the endless array of translation apps on the market, language can no longer be used as an excuse when it comes to communication.
The problem today is just about the effort.
Do you care enough to open that app, and learn just a few basic words in the language of your customer?
Do you care enough to make their service experience just that little bit less stressful?
And even if you don't care enough, don't do it for them. Do it for you.
Just imagine the time that will save if you can communicate with your customers that little bit more effectively.
Make the effort. It's a Win-Win.
communication #language #translation #effort
Airplane toilets are disgusting!
It's nobody's fault really. It's just a poor design.
That's why I'm calling for a radical re-design of the humble airplane toilet.
The key addition...a urinal.
If men simply had a closer target, instead of having to take aim, from a distance, while also trying to balance during a bit of air turbulence, the airplane toilet would be a much nicer place for all.
A bit like in the old days in private cabins on trains the urinal used to fold out and then retract after use.
So, who's with me?
Let's start lobbying the airlines to re-design the airplane toilet!
airplanes #toilets #redesign
This Number 1 reason I see people fail in negotiations!
(Also the #1 reason I’ve failed in negotiations)
Going in with assumptions about what the other side is thinking or expecting.
Being prepared for your meeting is one thing. It’s smart. But going in full of assumptions is not.
negotiations #tactics #negotiationskills #businessmeetings
WhatsApp has just launched Catalogs - a mobile storefront for businesses!
This thing look super simple to use.
It will mean that for many small businesses, they won't even need to worry about having a website to sell their goods and services.
Instead, they can go mobile-first with WhatsApp.
Catalogs is available in the WhatsApp Business app in the following countries - Brazil, Germany, India, Indonesia, Mexico, the U.K. and the U.S. - as of today. No doubt the rest of the world will follow soon.
Here's how to use it...
https://blog.whatsapp.com/10000665/Introducing-Catalogs-for-Small-Businesses
whatsappbusiness #mobilefirst #mobilecommerce #smallbusiness
A great article on Medium from Cole Schafer exploring the reasons why people buy.
A key takeaway for me was the concept that after the purchase, people will need to justify it - either to themselves, or to someone else.
So it's our job as the Seller, to help the Buyer justify the purchase.
Something I don't think Spas have a done a particularly good job of doing.
Spa Menus are usually packed full with colourful, fluffy treatment descriptions.
Maybe if we replaced the fluff with some justification, we might just sell more?
spamenu #wellness #hotelspa #whywebuy
Reflection is great. Regret can be crippling.
I would argue that without looking back, without reflecting on what worked and what didn't, without some analysis of what's come before you, your chances of success today are limited.
But the danger of reflecting too much is that you can be drawn in to focussing on what you've lost.
Your success will be dependant upon, at least to some degree, how well you can manage that fine line between Reflection...and Regret.
reflection #regret #perspective
Imposter Syndrome occurs when you doubt your ability to live up to expectations. To the promises you've made.
But if you're doing something truly innovative, by definition, you are an Imposter, because you're promising that you can do something that has never been done before. That's how true innovation happens.
So being an Imposter is ok. More than that, it's necessary if you're pushing the envelope of what's possible.
Take a listen to what Seth Godin had to say in a recent episode of his Akimbo podcast...
http://bit.ly/2NjEmGM
impostersyndrome #innovation #uncertainty
An interesting article in the Huffington Post recently suggests that Essential Oils are Essentially Useless.
Writer, Julie Ries, states that according to experts, there's just not enough scientific data to prove the benefits of Essential Oils.
After a quick look at some of the data out there at Association for Holistic Aromatherapy and the Global Wellness Institute's Wellness Evidence portal, suggests Ries may just have a point.
...not about them being Essentially Useless, but about there not being a lot of evidence.
Yet despite this, the Spa & Wellness World has jumped into Essential Oils feet first.
Have we jumped too early?
What are the similarities between our adoption of Essential Oils and the wave of CDB that is sweeping the Wonderful World of Wellness?
essentialoils #wellness #CBD
As Seth Godin says, 'Mentors don't Scale.'
There's just not enough Mentors out there for all the potential Mentees.
Michael Bierut says, 'You don't need their permission. Just watch and be curious.'
All this and more in a great little video by Chris Do at The Futur. Here it is.. https://youtu.be/cbwSXFNATOY
So, don't obsess over Mentors. Just go and find yourself more Heroes.
mentors #mentorshipmatters #heroes #inspiration
Google has agreed to buy Fitbit for $2.1 billion.
Fitbit, one of the pioneers in the wearable space, has been around for 12 years and currently boasts 28 million active users.
The acquisition looks especially interesting in the context of Google's recently announced Digital Wellbeing Initiatives, as we covered a few days ago in Ep. #694 - https://www.podbean.com/eu/pb-uqtpf-c4aee8
The transaction is expected to close sometime in 2020, after the customary closing conditions.
Here's the official announcement - https://investor.fitbit.com/press/press-releases/press-release-details/2019/Fitbit-to-Be-Acquired-by-Google/default.aspx
fitbit #wearables #mergersandacquisitions #google
University of Derby, UK has announced that they will be dropping their Spa Management degree courses, due to a steady decline in student numbers.
On the other side of the world, Melbourne's RMIT University no longer offers its Master in Wellness degree.
According the University of Derby, the Spa Industry is shifting to more industry-led qualifications.
Maybe? Not sure?
But the problem is, in many countries, the authorities and regulators do not accept Spa industry qualifications. Instead, they insist on recognised institutional degrees.
The regulators say they require institutional qualifications. The institutions say they can't provide them.
This looks like it's going to become a MASSIVE problem.
spamanagement #education #spaindustry #regulators
Thanks to Amanda Pauley at Professional Beauty & Kathryn Dowthwaite-Blay for their contributions.
Fear of Failure can be crippling. But what about Fear of Success?
Some people effectively self-sabotage their own work, even without realising it, for fear of what might happen if they actually succeed.
This is especially true of those working on a 'Side Hustle' in the hope of finding their next career.
And it's even more severe when the Side Hustle is a success by many measures, but maybe not quite strong enough financially for that person to walk away from their current job and go all in on the new thing.
fearoffailure #fearofsuccess #sidehustle
One of the last remaining consumer magazines for the Spa industry in Asia, AsiaSpa, has announced they have ceased operations, as of October 28th, 2019.
The publisher of AsiaSpa, Blue Inc Media, is itself a subsidiary of Singapore Press Holdings (SPH). SPH had a major management shakeup earlier this year.
It would be easy to write this off as just another example of the changing face of the Media Industry.
But could it also be a sign of the changing face of the Spa Industry too?
spaindustry #mediaindustry #publications
BIG NEWS...for those that have been asking.
I have now got the FULL archive of Trent365, in both Audio and Video format, on my website for your listening and viewing pleasure.
:-)
Just head on over to https://www.trentmunday.com/ and on the menu bar you'll see an option for PODCAST & VIDEO.
There's a Search function on both pages so should have no trouble finding the episodes of interest.
Love it? Hate it? Don't care? Let me know either way.
PS: Here's a link to the Jet Lag app I mentioned... https://www.timeshifter.com/
contentstrategies #personalbranding #contentcreation
We all know that you get dehydrated when you fly.
But even I didn’t realise just how much.
It turns out you can loose up to 2 litres of water on a long haul flight - like the 13 hr flight I just did from London to Kuala Lumpur.
So drink up!
dehydration #flying #traveltips
Google has just made a meaningful update to their search algorithm.
BERT - Bidirectional Encoder Representations from Transformers.
There's lots of technical explanations to exactly what the new update means, but in short, it makes it better and understanding the real intent of the search query.
The new update will process words in relation to all the other words in a sentence, rather than one-by-one in order. BERT models can therefore consider the full context of a word by looking at the words that come before and after it—particularly useful for understanding the intent behind search queries.
Here's a great article to explain it all much better than I ever could...
https://www.blog.google/products/search/search-language-understanding-bert
BERT #googleupdates #algorithms #search
We all know WeWork has been a train wreck.
Legendary Silicon Valley Venture Capitalist Ben Horowitz says if only they had a Great But guy in the organisation, things might have turned out very differently.
Every company needs at least one person who will say, 'That's great...but...what about...?'
Who is your Great But guy...or girl?
wework #companyculture #questioning
Google has launched their Digital Wellbeing Experiments.
6 new Apps, designed for Android of course, created to help you manage your time and exposure to your digital devices.
They’re also inviting developers to download the Hack Pack to get access to the API and create their own Experiments.
Interesting times in the world of Digital Wellness.
https://experiments.withgoogle.com/collection/digitalwellbeing
wellness #digitaldetox #digitalwellbeing
The simplest of gestures can make a significant impact.
Case in point, The Cookie by Doubletree!
Whenever you check in at a Doubletree by Hilton hotel, they give you a really yummy, warm, chocolate chip cookie.
It is the ONLY welcome / arrive gift that I still remember from the many, many hotels I've stayed at over the years.
Simple. Impactful. Memorable.
And a great brand message.
doubletreebyhilton #cookie #hotels #welcome #branding
Have you got a specific age demographic in mind for your product or service and would like to do some market research to find out a little bit more about what makes them tick?
Get on to Tinder!
Yes, the Match Making app.
That's what David Harry Stewart, the founder of AGEIST did when he set out to launch a publication, and ultimately a community, for the over 50's.
Super smart! Love it!
ageing #publications #marketresearch
The Number 1 benefit of attending most conferences is meeting people.
When you're at an event for the first time and/or don't know anyone else, it can be difficult to connect.
So why not have random Speed Dating sessions on the first day of your event?
If it's a multi-day event, you can have these sessions at various times each day.
It's a great way to make newcomers feel welcome AND a great way for those that seem to know everyone, to meet new people they otherwise may not have.
spaconference #networking #events #conferences #GWS2019
In today's world of Influencers, being a Thought Leader is something lots of people strive to be.
To be completely honest, I do too.
But maybe simply being a Thought Contributor is enough for most people.
Join in the conversation. Add your thoughts. But don't obsess about having to be the Thought Leader.
thoughtleader #influencer #contributor
Many think of Baby Boomers as a bit slow when it comes to technology.
But as David McCaughan pointed out in his presentation at the Global Wellness Summit in Singapore last week, they could in fact be considered the true technology natives.
The Boomers have had to cope with...Television...Remote Controls....Walkman...Automatic Teller Machines...Personal Computers...Mobile Phones...etc.
So when marketing to the Baby Boomers, don't assume they don't get technology.
babyboomers #marketing #technology
NEWS FLASH - although the Baby Boomers are today aged between 55 - 75 years old...they think of themselves as 20 years younger than their biological age.
We're living better, longer.
So when it comes to marketing to the Baby Boomers, make sure your messaging skews at least 20 years younger than the actual age demographic you're targeting.
That was another insight from the Global Wellness Summit in Singapore last week.
ageing #babyboomers #gws2019 #targetmarket
The Restaurant Of Mistaken Orders in Japan openly states on its website...
'All of our servers are people living with dementia. They may, or may not, get your order right'
'It's OK if my order was wrong. It tastes so good anyway.'
Brilliant!
Their aim is 'To spread dementia awareness and to make society just that little bit more open minded and relaxed.'
Love it!
If you're ever in Japan, go check it out...
http://www.mistakenorders.com/en/home.html
dementia #dementiaawareness #dementiafriendly
CBD is all the rage in Wellness circles right now.
Indeed, it was a topic discussed this week at the Global Wellness Summit in Singapore.
Here's a few things I didn't know...
-
There's no evidence that too much topical application of CBD oil (ie: when you are a therapist performing multiple massages per day using CBD oil) has any side effects.
-
BUT...the same was said about Essential Oils 20 years ago too. So Best Practice would be to limit the number of treatments any one therapist does using CBD oil.
-
3% of any CBD ingested is converted by your body into THC (ie: the 'bad bit' of the Cannabis plant)
-
As the CBD market continues to grow rapidly, Branded CBD will become important.
cbd #cbdproducts #gws2019 #wellness
Wellness Tourism is a market segment valued at $639 billon according to the most current data published by the Global Wellness Economy Monitor.
Yesterday I heard a discussion on a recent study by the Wellness Tourism Initiative that people are turning to the local spa for the best information on where to go and what to do in terms of Wellness Tourism destinations and activities.
So, I get to thinking, this could be a meaningful revenue opportunity for Hotel Spas.
wellnesstravel #wellness #gws2019 #hotelspa #tomorrowspa
The Global Wellness Economy is now valued at $4.5 trillion.
The Global Economy of Physical Activity report has just been published.
They have expanded the scope of what was Fitness Mind Body, which was a $595 billion industry.
The Physical Activity segment is now valued at $828 billion.
Here's a link to the FREE report...
https://globalwellnessinstitute.org/industry-research/global-economy-physical-activity/
wellness #wellnessindustry #wellnesseconomy
Visiting Practitioners are a great way for a Spa to keep their offering fresh, interesting and exciting.
As with any therapist or practitioner in your Spa, it is important that you as the Manager or Business Owner have the appropriate insurances in place.
In many countries, it is not enough to simply have liability insurance on behalf of the business itself.
Individual spa therapists also need to have personal / professional liability insurance.
But when it comes to a Visiting Practitioner, finding an insurance company willing to take the risk, on a global level, is not so easy.
Toby Maguire has asked the question...
'Are there any insurance companies out there that will insure a Visiting Practitioner to work anywhere in the world?'
Great question! I don't know. Do you? If so, please let me know.
wellness #liabilityinsurance #spa #visitingpractitioner
Storytelling is, quite simply, the way people remember.
The more you can tell interesting stories around your brand, your business, your product or your service, the more chance you have of that resonating with the market.
Many struggle with knowing where to start when it comes to telling their story.
Here's a really simple way to start that anyone can try...tell the story of your people.
Just take a look at what Andras Szemes and the team has started doing for Mandara Spa Asia.
storytelling #branding #brand #marketing #communication
TikTok is far and away the hottest social platform today.
Is it just a flash in the pan? Is it just a fad for the kids?
Or is it maybe going to become the next big social network?
Only time will tell us for certain.
But in the meantime, you'd be naive to not be at least taking a look and having a play with it.
My Top Reasons For Being On TikTok are...
-
It's a HUGE platform. It's not lots of attention. Lots of eyeballs.
-
An older demographic is coming. These platforms usually start young, then age-up.
-
Organic Reach on other social networks is disappearing.
-
TikTok is leading the way in short-form, mobile video content. And that's a big deal.
-
It will awaken your creativity.
tiktok #socialnetworks #videocontent
It has long been said that Content is King.
Not true...according to Jeffrey Katzenberg.
The former Chairman of Disney, Founder of Dreamworks Animation and the soon to launch short-form video platform Quibi knows a thing or two about content and platforms.
He believes Content can be the King Maker, but it will forever be the Platforms that are the real Kings.
content #platforms #media #contentstrategies
I'll be at the Global Wellness Summit in Singapore next week.
If you've been watching and listening to the Trent365 Show at all over the past couple of years, I'd love to meet you.
Just to shake a hand, put a face to the name and to say G'day!
I've scheduled a few times in the week next week where we can meet up to do just that.
Just click on this link below, select a day/time that you think will work for you & that's it!
https://www.needtomeet.com/meeting?id=0852uto5V
We'll meet up at the Concierge Desk in the Lobby at the Grand Hyatt Singapore.
Hope to see you there!
meetup #GWS2019 #spaconference
Audio is booming! (Pun intended)
Of course, it's not a new medium, but it is increasingly becoming a major force in content consumption.
In my opinion, the rise of influence really started with Siri and the generation of Voice Assistants.
Then we put them into speakers...and made them Smart.
Then podcasts as a medium for consuming content started to really take off.
Then we got Apple Pods, which make it so much more convenient to consume audio in public.
And it goes on and on.
But increasingly, Audio content does not mean Radio content.
What does that mean for the future of Radio?
audio #radio #content #podcast
Going Green used to be all the rage.
For any hotel, implementing any kind of Green initiative, was once seen as a great way to stand out from the crowd...until the crowd started doing it too.
These days, guests expect much more when it comes to sustainability initiatives.
And it’s important to keep your ideas & initiatives fresh.
When’s the last time you reviewed your sustainability program?
sustainability #greeninitiatives #environmnetalsustainability
Transparency can be a massive asset when it comes to building a brand.
That’s the lesson I just learned from a foam pump soap bottle in an airport hotel in Japan.
How? Listen to this...
brandbuilding #transparency #branding
“Most people do not listen with the intent to understand; they listen with the intent to reply.” —Stephen R. Covey.
Covey was the author of 7 Habits of Highly Effective People, which was first published in 1989.
But these words are probably even more true in today's world of Social Media and Influencers than perhaps any other time in history.
This is not simply a factor of our shortening attention spans either.
Next time you're listening to someone...just focus on their message, not your potential reply.
attention #listeningskills #understand #payattention
A few weeks ago, in Ep. #654 I spoke about the Future of Status Symbols.
At that time, I wasn't talking about Spas. But in the final segment of my interview with Spa Executive, they asked me about the future of Spas as a status symbol.
If Spas are focussed on Needs, not Wants, I think the concept of Spas as Luxury, will largely go away.
And I share a final thought on the Democratisation of Wellness.
statussymbols #wellness #spa #tomorrowspa #wellnesstrends
"How is marketing changing in this industry and how should it be changing to move into the future?"
In Part 4 of my interview with Spa Executive, that's the question we tackled.
For me, the future of Spa Marketing all about focussing on the creating & delivering elements of marketing, as opposed to the advertising & promotion elements - which is what we have traditionally done.
If you want to read the full interview, you can find it - HERE
marketing #wants #needs #tomorrowspa #spa
In a follow up from Ep. #671 - where I shared my thesis that the Spa of Tomorrow will be only 20% of what we know a Spa to be today, with the other 80% being something completely different - today's question was...
If you’re 20% massages and manicures and 80% business center, are you still a spa?
The answer...Sure! Why not?
We have very different definitions today of what a taxi service should be - thanks to Uber.
We have very different definitions of the best form of management, of inclusion, of sustainability, etc.
Is the Spa Industry really arrogant enough to believe that it shouldn't need to redefine itself?
reinventingorganizations #innovation #tomorrowspa #continuousdevelopment
Here's a link to Ep. #672 where I expanded on my 20/80 Tomorrow Spa Thesis - https://www.linkedin.com/posts/trentmunday_hotelspa-tomorrowspa-spatrends-activity-6585168208528019456-DLqN
In Part 3 of my interview with Spa Executive, they asked me to expand upon my 20/80 Tomorrow Spa Model.
I believe that the Spa of Tomorrow will need to be a multi-function, multi-discipline space.
My thesis is that the Spa of Tomorrow will have only 20% of what it has today. The other 80% will be different from what we have today AND different from each other.
Confused?
Take a listen...
hotelspa #tomorrowspa #spatrends #futuretrends
Spas have a bit of history when it comes to following the next shiny, new thing.
So it has been, in my opinion, when it comes to Wellness.
That's not to say that Spas should not do Wellness.
But it also doesn't mean that Spas must do Wellness.
In the Hotel of Tomorrow, where the whole system is living and breathing Wellness, does the Spa of Tomorrow really need to be the place for Wellness?
I'll be back tomorrow with Part 3 of my interview with Spa Executive.
Or you can go and read the full interview - HERE
spa #wellness #hotelspa #hoteltrends #tomorrowspa
Recently, the folks over at Spa Executive asked me...
"The global older population is growing dramatically. Can you please share your thoughts on how the world’s aging population will affect the spa industry in a few years?"
My answer...I reckon a significant one.
Both significant in terms of a business opportunity and, more importantly, significant in terms of the impact Spas can have on the quality of life of the elderly.
Over the next few days, I share more from my Q&A with Spa Executive.
Or you can go and read the full interview - HERE
agedcare #retirementcommunity #spa #wellness
CALLING ALL THE WORLD'S CELEBRITY SPA THERAPISTS...
Where are you?
Do you even exist?
We have Celebrity Chefs, Celebrity Hair Stylists, Celebrity Make-up Artists, Celebrity Dog Trainers...so why shouldn't we also have Celebrity Spa Therapists?
I personally believe it can only help to raise the profile of this industry.
In a world built only social media, surely the Celebrity of Spa Therapists would be a good thing, wouldn't it?
celebrity #spaindustry #influencers
"Brands, stop launching podcasts. No chance you will break through. You just won't."
That was a quote from Rafat Ali, Founder of Skift.
Whilst I have a lot of respect for what Rafat has done with Skift, I have to disagree with him on this one.
It is certainly true that the Podcast space has exploded in recent years and so it is certainly hard to stand out in that big, bustling crowd.
But to me, that is precisely the reason why branded podcasts are a good idea.
Because brands know who they are and who their audience is. So they are able to craft a very specific podcast experience targeted at that audience. Which means they absolutely can break through...to their specific niche.
podcast #branding #audio #brandexpereince #storytelling
Here's a REAL LIFE LESSON from me to you.
I travel a lot. I have a process in place for preparing, packing, traveling, etc. so that things don't go wrong.
It's a process that's work great...until it didn't.
This has NEVER happened in 1,000+ trips to the airport...I arrived at the airport without my passport.
When I finally finished kicking myself, I started to think about what lesson is in this for businesses.
The lesson is...
Every business has Systems, Processes & Procedures that work great...until they don't.
The key thing is to set a Priority or Scale of Importance for these Systems & Processes.
Identify the top 3 or 4 which, if they fail, will have a critical impact on your business...then focus on them.
PS: There's lots more little lessons to found in my blogs and the Trent365 Archive - HERE
businesslessons #lifelessons #fail #travelstories #businessfails #businesstraveller
Nobody likes to talk about death and dying. But we need to.
Now we can.
Amy McDonald and Diane Doster have just launched the Dying Well Initiative under the auspices of of the Global Wellness Institute.
The Dying Well Initiative’s core objective is to facilitate an ongoing, global conversation about death and dying.
I reckon it's a really great thing they're doing.
If you want to learn more about it, here's the link...
https://globalwellnessinstitute.org/initiatives/dying-well-initiative/
wellness #ageing #dying #death #wellnesstrends
Starbucks have $1.6 billion on there books as ‘Stored value card liabilities’.
Basically, this is from customers topping up their Starbucks card with money in lieu of needing to pay cash at the store when they buy their daily cup of caffeine.
It’s really like an interest free loan.
There is no regulatory obligation for them to hold that money in an escrow-type account.
Maybe a similar pre-paid model could help the Cash Flow situation in your business?
But be careful...
prepaid #payments #digitalwallets
We've all had times in our lives where we come to a Fork in the Road.
We need to make a decision on which direction to take with our career, our relationship, our life - but we're just not sure which way is the right way.
Truth is, there's no way to be sure...until you choose one path and just go.
So go!
And don't go cautiously. Go at 100 miles an hour.
If it's the right way, you'll get there sooner.
If it's the wrong way, you'll find that out quicker and you can turn around and head back the other way before it's too late.
Here's a link to the Gary Vaynerchuck video where he shares his version (as only Gary can!) of this story...
https://youtu.be/v8cBTK45Uqw
decisionmaking #uncertainty #decisionswithoutdoubt #leapoffaith #justdoit
In 1961 US President Dwight D Eisenhower famously warned of the dangers Military Industrial Complex.
Now, Joe Vennare has just introduced us to the Wellness Industrial Complex - — a mesmerizing combination of medicine, magic, and marketing.
And he poses an interesting question - can the legitimate, researched-backed, results-oriented businesses reclaim Wellness from the populist zeitgeist?
Here's a link to Joe's article...
https://insider.fitt.co/wellness-industrial-complex/
wellness #wellnesstrends #zeitgeist
Yeasty Boys is a group of blokes that go out once a month for a chat and a meal to make sure that our mates are okay. It’s not magic but it creates a safe place for men to talk to men. We are based in the Mornington Peninsula and are very inclusive. Check us out on Insta or Facebook. No one should be without a mate to talk to.
Today I go LIVE with the Founder of Yeasty Boys, Mick Simmons, to talk about why it's such an important thing for so many people.
If you want to connect with Mick & the Yeasty Boys, here's where you can find them...
https://www.facebook.com/groups/1240558539402000/
https://www.instagram.com/_yeastyboys_/
And for HALT (Hope Assistance Local Tradies)...
https://thehaltbrekky.com/
mentalwellness #mentalhealth #mensmentalhealth
EXCITING NEWS
Trent365 will now start doing LIVE Shows.
Podbean, where I host my podcast, has just enabled a LIVE Stream function.
So that means I will be able to go live with guests and have folks call in to chat and get involved in the discussion.
At the end of the LIVE Show, we'll then post the show as a normal podcast episode too.
Tonight I kicked off with Mick Simmons from Yeasty Boys.
I'll post a link to that episode tomorrow.
In the meantime, if you'd like to join me on a Trent365 LIVE Show, just drop me a note in the comments or send me an email to ME@TRENTMUNDAY.COM, let me know what you want to talk about, and I'll do my best to make it happen.
podcast #livestream #podcastshow
Lobster Ink is an online training resource for hospitality.
They have over 250 courses covering just about every area of hospitality.
And they've just launched a Spa Professionals course.
The course covers Spa Therapists, Receptionists, Manager and even Spa Attendants.
It's been put together with the help of Kasha Shillington and the team over at Resense.
If you want to check it out, here's the link...
https://lobsterink.com/solution/content/spa/
hospitalitytraining #spatraining #onlinetraining
Guest Satisfaction that most of us in the Hotel and Spa space tend to obsess about.
We put so much stock in those Guests Satisfaction Surveys.
Our people's bonuses...and sometimes their jobs, often depend on it.
But what's the point of Satisfaction if it doesn't lead to Loyalty?
guestsatisfaction #customersatisfaction #customerloyalty #repeatbusiness
The Global Wellness Institute has announced the launch of the Yoga Therapy Initiative.
The Yoga Therapy Initiative plans to define the ancient and evolving, multidimensional science of yoga therapy as a legitimate wellness modality for the 21st century.
Bija Bennett is the Chair of the Initiative.
Bija is an internationally respected author, speaker and business leader whose practice focuses on the tenets of mind-body health.
Here's a link...
https://globalwellnessinstitute.org/initiatives/yoga-therapy/
wellness #yoga #wellnessmodalities #globalwellnessinstitute
Mental Wellness is a big deal. Especially for me.
We've been conditioned to basically suffer in silence.
But Mick Simmons decided that was just dumb!
So he started... YEASTY BOYS!
As Mick describes the phenomenon...Yeasty Boys is a group of blokes that go out once a month for a chat and a meal to make sure that our mates are okay. It’s not magic but it creates a safe place for men to talk to men. We are based in the Mornington Peninsula and are very inclusive. Check us out on insta or Facebook. No one should be without a mate to talk to.
mentalhealth #mentalwellness #mensmentalhealth #supportgroup
Tim Ferriss is a smart bloke.
If you haven't heard of Tim, here's a link to his website where you'll find links to all his blogs, podcasts, books, etc.
https://tim.blog/
In a recent episode of his podcast, he made the comment... We're all investors.
His point was, if we're not investing our money...we're investing our time, or our effort or our hearts.
I reckon it's a good way to look at life.
It kinda helps ensure that you focus your resources, whatever they are, on the things that will make the most impact for you...in whatever way you want that to happen for you.
investinginpeople #investinyou #personaldevelopment #personalgrowth
A few days ago in Ep. #649, I spoke about the Future of CBD in China.
Here's a link to that episode...
https://trentmunday.podbean.com/mf/play/ujensp/Eye_on_China_-_CBD_TCM_US-China_Trade_War_649.mp3
The general consensus is, it will be some time before China goes mainstream with CBD.
But maybe not so in Thailand.
The country has recently legalised cannabis for medicinal & research purposes.
And now one of the ruling coalition parties has drafted a law that would allow people to grown up to 6 cannabis plants in their own home.
CBD #THC #cannabis #legalization
A luxury watch is a status symbol.
So too is a luxury car.
But what happens in a future of Ubers and Apple Watches?
Car ownership will likely become the exception rather than the rule.
Smart Watches may well replace the Rolex & the TAG.
What will be the Status Symbols of Tomorrow?
luxurygoods #statussymbols #future #trends
The Barber Pole is the universal symbol for the Barber Shop.
It's been that way since the Middle Ages.
The red stripe represents bloodletting. The white stripe represents the bandages. The blue stripe represents the blood-filled vein.
The downward spinning spiral represents the aortic blood flow.
Anywhere in the world when you see that Barber Pole, regardless of any other signage, you know it's Barber Shop.
Why can't we have a Spa Pole?
A pole that universally represents the Spa.
It'd be a great marketing tool, wouldn't it!
spa #barbershop #marketing #branding #symbols
Walking the streets of Shanghai this morning I got a glimpse of what an electric world will sound like....
And it’s bloody serene!
Imagine the silence in a city where all transport is electric... 💭
future #electricvehicles #serenity #futuretrends
Vision is the WHY
Strategy is the WHAT
Tactics are the HOW
If you really are the next Steve Jobs or the next Mark Zuckerberg...go ahead and focus on Vision and Strategy.
But for most of us, we need to be focussed on the TACTICS.
That’s the execution piece.
And that’s where the game will be won or lost.
strategy #tactics #vision #businessstrategy
As of today, any cosmetic product being imported to China must undergo animal testing before it is approved for sale to humans.
This of course is a major stumbling block for many International brands who have taken a strong Cruelty Free stance.
There are some positive signs that the Government is open to alternatives.
But for now at least, if your brand is against animal testing...China is not a market for you.
spachina #chinabeauty #animaltesting #cosmetic
The US-China Trade War is impacting the economy in China.
In Spa & Wellness it’s having a significant impact on those looking to import & export.
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) represents a great opportunity if someone can just re-package and market it better to the world.
and CBD, big new all over the world...is a loooong way off hitting the Chinese market.
spachina #spa #wellness #trends #USChina
China’s Middle Class is growing. With that, they become more educated about what the world has to offer.
As a result, they’re demanding more from their Spas. Results, evidence, efficacy is increasingly more important in this market.
And as the population is ageing, they’re become more aware of living well.
Spas have the opportunity to become their go-to resource for all things Wellnesss.
I also see opportunities for Spas in the world of Aged Care in China.
wellness #china #spa #trends
I’m here in Xi’an at the Spa China Summit this week.
First thoughts on the State of Spa Nation here...
-
48% of Spa Operators expect business to get worse, not better
-
there have been more Spa Closings than Spa Openings in the last year
-
rising competition, increasing costs, labour shortages & failure to attract younger clientele are the main areas of concern
in short, the China Spa Market appears to be reaching maturity.
The key to success in the future will be finding a way to differentiate from the competition.
spachina #china #spaindustry #wellnessindustry
When all else fails...Hotels often decide to just rent out their spa space to an operator to do as they wish.
The two big PROs here are...a guaranteed revenue stream & no hassle.
The big CON is a lack of control.
hotelspa #spabusiness #businessmodel
We're all familiar with the idea of working with a Spa Consultant to help get your Hotel Spa open.
But what about using the Spa Consultant on an on-going basis as part of your overall management solution?
If you get the right fit, you can actually fill the gaps in your current Spa Management situation...and take your Spa to new heights.
The major PRO of this option is the flexibility it affords the Hotel.
The major CON in the cost...and the challenge of finding the right Spa Consultant.
Definitely worth thinking about.
hotelspa #spamanagement #spabusiness #businessmodel #spaconsultant
Even if a Product House does not have their own spa management division, it is still possible to use them to help run your spa.
Their main objective is to sell more product so it is in their best interest to help your spa succeed.
The more treatments you do, the more products you use and the more potential there is to sell retail.
The major PROs are that the Product House will ensure your therapists are always well trained. They can also become your defacto Innovation Partner too.
The major CONs are that you are now restricted in the choice of Spa Product Brands of course. You could also get stuck with large minimum order requirements when it comes to their products. If these don't sell, you could quickly find yourself holding too much inventory.
hotelspa #spabusiness #businessmodel #spamanagement #skincare
For many Hotels, partnering with a Spa Management company to operate the Spa is a good idea.
There are, nonetheless, many potential conflicts that may arise. Thus, hammering out the details of Management Agreement beforehand is essential.
Key Commercial Terms, Expense Allocations, Marketing & Promotions, Guest Data, etc are all big conversations that must be had.
The major PRO for the Hotel in adopting a business model such as this for their Spa is not having the day-to-day operational burden of the Spa.
The major CON is that they need to give us a good slice of the Spa Revenue...and often, control.
hotelspa #spabusiness #businessmodel #spamanagement
The most obvious Business Model for a Hotel Spa, if for the Hotel to simply manage the spa themselves. Just like any other department in the hotel.
PROS: Control and Flexibility
CONS: Headaches!
And don't be fooled by the attraction of keeping all the Spa Revenue.
Spa Revenue and Spa Profit can often be a long way apart.
hotelspa #spabusiness #businessmodel #spamanagement
There is a really simple trick to dramatically improve your business.
Stop Chasing Shortcuts!
If Shortcuts really worked, they wouldn't really be Shortcuts...they'd just be the standard way of doing things.
And if you can't afford to do something properly the first time around...you definitely can't afford to have to go back and do it all again when the Shortcut doesn't work.
NB: Thanks to Seth Godin for the inspiration.
shortcut #fasttrack #simplemethod #businesstricks
In some countries, the Spa Association is expected to be not only the voice of the industry but also the policeman.
A government authority responsible for issuing a spa business license, for example, may require that spa to first be approved by the Spa Association.
This makes perfect sense from the government’s point of view. But what about from the Spa Association's point of view?
Just because they should, does not mean they can.
spaindustry #spaassociation #association #watchdog
People tell stories. We always have and we always will.
With the Social and Digital Platforms available to us today, it's now easier than ever for Small Businesses to share their unique stories with the world.
Unfortunately, many Small Businesses draw a blank when it comes to thinking of the right stories to tell.
GOOD NEWS!
Just follow my 5 Pillars of Storytelling - and you can't go wrong.
People - Place - Business - Offering - Future
I wrote an article about my 5 Pillars of Storytelling - HERE
smallbusiness #marketing #storytelling #branding
Most General Managers feel they want or need to have a Spa in their Hotel.
But sometimes, the financials just don't stack up.
When that happens, the smartest thing to do, may well be to outsource the Spa to a professional Spa Operator AND subsidise the Spa Operations.
Any business partnership must be a Win-Win.
By subsidising their Spa Operations, the Hotel can ensure a stable and reliable Spa experience for their guests, while the Spa Operator gets a chance to have a profitable business.
hotelspa #spabusiness #spamanagement #spaoperator
Stability, especially in management, is considered critical to any organisation.
But it can be a fine line between Stability and Inertia.
And Inertia can be deadly for any business in today's fast moving business climate.
Whether you're embarking on a business restructure or even just a bit of a tweak of your systems and processes, don't be suckered into favouring stability IF the risk is too much Inertia.
turnaround #restructure #companyculture #stabiity #inertia
Not so long ago, having a Spa Music CD for sale as part of your Spa Retail offering was commonplace.
For the serious Spa Brands, they would even have their own bespoke branded Spa Music.
But who even has a CD player anymore?
More importantly, regardless of the format (CD, USB, Digital Download) do consumers even want your branded Spa Music anymore?
hotelspa #spamusic #music #branding #backgroundmusic
We all suffer from Analysis Paralysis to some degree.
The search for just a little bit more data, more information, more proof, before we make a decision.
In today's fast moving world, it could cripple your business as you continue to stall, whilst competitors pass you buy.
Often the data we need is there, it just gets lost in amongst all the data we don't need.
We need to apply MUD - Minimum Viable Data
Identify the minimum data requirement you have to be able to make decision. No more.
Then, once you have your MUD...make a decision.
decisionmaking #MUD #analysisparalysis #data #dataanalysis
They reckon saying Yes can be all-empowering. Maybe.
But so can saying No!
Sometimes, the best thing you can do for someone wanting to join you is to tell them No - even though it might actually be a good thing for you if they did.
And that's ok.
Here's the article I wrote about this - https://www.trentmunday.com/recruiting-millennials-power-positive-no/
recruiting #hiring #empowering #integrity
All businesses ultimately have a limit to the time and money they have at their disposal.
So there will always be some level of Opportunity Cost to consider. A trade-off.
But for small business especially, and Owner-Operator businesses in particular, the impact of Opportunity Cost is usually far greater.
A bigger business usually has degrees to which they can trade-off one option over the other.
In a small business, it's often a case of all or nothing.
With a small business, the Opportunity Cost of Time can be far greater than Money.
And, in a small business, the impact of Opportunity Cost can also have significant personal implications too.
time #money #resourceallocation #opportunitycost
Here's an interesting question I was asked today on Linkedin...
I've always referred back to spa budget templates that base the spas capture rate off of number of occupied hotel room. Do you think this is the best scenario? I was thinking that perhaps I should update my template to be based off of number of total hotel guest. Have you seen this done before? Why do you think most hotels base revenue off of rooms vs occupant numbers?
For me, it should always be based on Guests, not Hotel Rooms. You can't give a Hotel Room a Massage, after all.
I shared my thoughts on Spa Capture Rates calculation in Ep. #609.
Here's that episode... https://trentmunday.podbean.com/e/how-to-calculate-spa-capture-rateand-why-you-should/
spabusiness #spabudgets #KPI #hotelspa
Botox is a toxin. A poison. Most people know that.
Fans of Botox says it helps make them look younger and it doesn't really do any harm to their bodies.
Detractors of Botox say it's madness to knowingly introduce a poison to your system if you don't absolutely have to.
I am reminded of a great quote from Prof. Gerry Bodeker who once said to me...
"The difference between a poison and a medicine is just the dosage."
But understanding that Botox prevents chemical signalling between muscles and nerves suggests there may just be some wider benefits that just the cosmetic.
botox #wellness #medicine #poison
Identifying new customers and new markets is a problem that most businesses face at some stage.
According to the Blue Ocean Strategy, one powerful way to identify them is by exploring the Commonalities of Non-Customers.
Makes sense.
If you can identify common traits & characteristics amongst people who are currently NOT your customers, then building a product or service around them could open up a wide Blue Ocean.
blueoceanstrategy #customeracquisition #businessdevelopment #marketing
Strategic Roadmaps have been a part of corporate culture for some time.
They're intended to make the complex task of getting to our destination and achieving that grand corporate vision more understandable.
The path is set. Steps can be taken. Results achieved. On to the next step. Before you know it, we'll be where we need to be.
But do they really work in today's Complex & Adaptive world?
Dominic Hofstetter suggests not in a great series about the Roadmap Fallacy...
https://medium.com/in-search-of-leverage/innovating-in-complexity-part-i-why-most-roadmaps-lead-straight-to-the-graveyard-ced34b5a23fa
roadmap #strategic #organizationalchange #corporatestrategy
"Call me at 4pm ADTC Time."
Huh? What the hell does that mean? How am I supposed to know what time that is?
And when you say you want to schedule a video conference for 10am BST, are you talking about British Standard Time or Bouganville Standard Time?
Let's stop this nonsense now!
Just tell what city you're in and then what time you want me to call you.
Much easier!
timezones #scheduling #internationalbusiness #crossborder
Sexual Wellness is a segment of the Wellness Economy that is expected to be valued at $39 billion by 2024 and grow at a CAGR of 7% over the next 5 years.
CES (Consumer Electronics Show) will feature sex toys in its Health & Wellness section in 2020.
But is this really a legit market segmentation or simple another case of Wellness Washing?
Here's the report by JWT Intelligence - https://www.jwtintelligence.com/2019/07/sexual-wellness/
wellness #sexualwellness #wellnesseconomy
Weight Watchers - or WW as they now prefer to be known - has launched a new App called Kurbo to target your kids.
Gamification of Weight Loss for Kids is something I discussed with brand guru Martin Lindstrom earlier in the year. We both agreed it seemed like an obvious and probably a smart move.
But the launch of Kurbo has attracted its critics who say that it may result in kids having a negative relationship with food in the long run. There are concerns the app is 'dumbing down' the process of learning about healthy food and lifestyle.
Here's a link to my an article I wrote last year on the whole WW re-branding...
https://www.trentmunday.com/wellness-branding-from-weight-watchers-to-ww/
And my full interview chat with Martin Lindstrom...
https://www.podbean.com/eu/pb-gxjtv-aaab6d
WW #weightwatchers #wellness #kidswellness
The SWOT Analysis has long been used as a tool for businesses to assess where they're at.
Strength - Weaknesses - Opportunities - Threats
But there is a fundamental flaw to this process...
It relies on Self-Analysis.
And that means there will always be an inbuilt bias.
Companies will overestimate their Strengths & Opportunities and underestimate their own Weakness & Threats.
SWOT #businesstools #analysis #businessanalysis
The Global Wellness Summit will now NOT be happening in Hong Kong.
As a result of the ongoing political unrest in Hong Kong, the decision has been made to move the event to Singapore.
Same dates. 15th - 17th October, 2019.
I'm still going. What about you?
Here's the official announcement... https://www.globalwellnesssummit.com/press/press-releases/global-wellness-summit-moves-location-of-2019-conference/
wellness #globalwellnesssummit #spaconference
WARNING: Random Question Alert!
Have you ever seen an ad for an airport?
Did that ad compel you to go visit that airport?
Of course not!
Even if there's a choice of airports in your city, it's not an ad on a billboard or at a football stadium that's going to determine whether or not you go there.
So why bother advertising an airport?
advertising #branding #sponsorship #marketing #airports
Instagram is experimenting with not showing the number of likes a post gets on the platform.
Is this really about the good of the platform...or something more sinister?
Influencer Marketing is all the rage...but is it effective?
Have we instead entered a world of Amplifier Marketing as Gareth Davies suggested in a recent article posted on Linkedin...
https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/we-age-amplifier-marketing-influencer-gareth-davies/
influencermarketing #instagram #marketing #amplify
GOP PATH stands for Gross Operating Profit Per Available Treatment Hour.
This is the ultimate indicator of how efficient your spa business is operating overall.
Not just in terms of generating revenue, but in terms of controlling expenses and ultimately generating profits.
It is expressed as $0.00
And is calculated by Total Spa GOP (Gross Operating Profit) / Total Treatment Hours Available
nb: Total Treatment Hours Available is calculated by the number of treatment beds in your spa x number of operating hours of the spa.
spabusiness #spametrics #hotelspa #KPI
RevPATH is Revenue Per Available Treatment Hour.
This is a similar measurement to RevPAR in hotels. The key difference is that RevPATH is based on total treatment beds, rather the total treatment rooms.
This metric is the ultimate indicator of how efficient your spa is in terms of generating revenue.
It is expressed as $0.00
And is calculated by Total Spa Revenue / Total Treatment Hours Available
nb: Total Treatment Hours Available is calculated by the number of treatment beds in your spa x number of operating hours of the spa.
hotelspa #spametrics #spabusiness #KPI
Upsells are simply a good measure of the effectiveness of your spa team to sell.
This metric is expressed as %
And calculated by Number of Treatment Upgrades Sold / Total Treatments Sold
Upgrades can be sold any time after the initial booking is requested, right up until the time the treatment begins.
They can also be made by any member of staff.
It's a popular KPI to incentivise. But if you're going to do that, just make sure you're very clear on exactly when an Upsell takes place. Otherwise it can be easy to game the system.
spabusiness #hotelspa #spametrics #KPI
A satisfied customer can be a great endorsement for your business.
A Repeat Guest can potentially be a True Evangelist for you.
This metric is expressed as %
And is calculated by Number of Repeat Guest / Total Spa Guests
A Repeat Guest is the ultimate measure of customer satisfaction. If a guest returns to your spa for another treatment or service, chances are they are satisfied with what the received the first time. A Repeat Guest could be a Re-booking Guest (see Ep. #617) or not.
hotelspa #spabusiness #spametrics #KPI
You can do all the Customer Satisfaction Surveys you like. For me, the real answer on how well you're doing is...Are Guests Coming Back?
Re-bookings are, in my mind, the best measure of real-time impact or customer satisfaction.
This metric is expressed as %
And is calculated by Number of Spa Guests who Re-book / Total Number of Spa Guests
A re-booking is considered to a booking made immediately following the treatment.
It's worth noting that a guest who makes another booking sometime after their initial treatment would not be counted in this KPI. Rather, we would capture them in the Repeat Guest or Return Guest KPI.
spabusiness #hotelspa #spametrics #KPI
Revenue Per m2 / ft2 is a measurement commonly used in the retail industry, but not so common in the spa industry.
It is expressed as $0.00
And is calculated by Total Spa Revenue / Total Size (in m2 or ft2) of the Spa
In many ways it is a reflection on an efficient design.
The Total Size should include the spa’s Back of House, Public Areas and Circulation Spaces.
spabusiness #hotelspa #spametrics #KPI
Treatment Room Occupancy might be a better metric for your Spa than Spa Occupancy, especially if you have all Double Rooms.
If you only have Double Rooms and you need to do a Single Treatment, you really have no option.
This KPI will tell you how busy your treatment rooms are, but not necessarily how close you are to full capacity.
Because this measurement is based on total treatment rooms, not necessarily the actual number of treatment beds.
This metric is expressed as a %
And calculated by Total Treatment Hours Sold / Total Treatment Room Hours Available.
nb: Total Treatment Room Hours Available is calculated by the number of treatment rooms in your spa x number of operating hours of the spa.
hotelspa #spabusiness #spametrics #KPI
Hotel's live and die by their Occupancy. So why don't Hotel Spas do the same?
Spa Occupancy is expressed as a %
And is calculated by Total Treatment Hours Sold / Total Treatment Hours Available
(nb: Total Treatment Hours Available is calculated by the number of treatment beds in your spa x number of operating hours of the spa.)
Your Spa Occupancy will tell you how close you are to operating at full capacity.
This measurement should be based on total treatment beds, not just treatment rooms.
This measure takes no account of how many therapists you have available.
hotelspa #spabusiness #KPI #spametrics
Spa Therapist Utilisation is ALMOST the most important metric for a Hotel Spa.
It is expressed as a %.
And is calculated by Total Treatment Hours Performed / Total Hours Worked.
This is a measure of how productive your spa therapists are in terms of performing treatments.
For most spas, the treatments and services performed by your therapists are your primary source of revenue. Thus, this is a critical KPI.
BUT...this metric does not take any account of the price point or profit margin of each treatment.
And that's why this is not the MOST IMPORTANT metric...not quite.
spabusiness #spametrics #hotelspa #KPI
Spa Retail Average Check is expressed as a $0.00 - or whatever the prevailing currency is where you are.
And it's calculated by Total Retail Revenue / Total Spa Retail Guests
The retail products in your spa will most likely have a wide range of prices based on size, ingredients and quality of the various products on your shelves.
So your goal here should be to either sell higher priced SKUs OR multiple smaller priced items per sale. Sometimes selling more lower priced units is the better strategy if you're looking to increase this metric.
Remember, this is not a measure of either efficiency of stock or profitability. For that, you also need to consider the profit margins you have an each SKU.
spametrics #spabusiness #hotelspa #Retail
Spas sometimes can try to read more into this KPI than there really is.
Average Check for Treatment is...
Expressed as a $0.00
And is calculated by taking Total Treatment Revenue / Total Spa Guests
The pricing of the treatments on your spa menu is the key variable in this KPI.
BE careful. This is not necessarily a measure of efficiency. A 1 hour treatment that sells for $100 is more efficient than a 2 hour treatment that sells for $185. If you book more of the 2 hour treatments, your Average Check will be higher, but you are actually being less efficient with your resources.
As cost of treatment is not factored in here, this is also not a profitability measure.
hotelspa #spabusiness #KPI #spametrics
Retail in Spa, for many, is a bit of an enigma. But Spa Retail Capture Rate is definitely a metric I reckon you should be tracking.
It is expressed as a %
And is calculated by Total Retail Guests / Total Spa Guests
What we are measuring here is how many of the guests who came to the spa and had a treatment or service, also bought some retail product to take with them.
It can also be considered a measure of relevance. It measures how relevant your retail offering was to your spa guests.
There can be many reasons why your retail is not resonating - price, selection, merchandising, etc.
sparetail #hotelspa #spabusiness #KPI
Capture Rate for Treatments is one of the most common metrics tracked in Hotel Spas.
It is expressed as a %
Calculated by Total Spa Guests / Total Hotel Guests in-house
And to me, this is really a measure of relevance.
It tells you how many of the guests in the hotel saw the value in coming to the spa.
These hotel guests committed to taking an hour or three out of their day and come to your spa to spend money for a treatment.
The higher this number, the more relevant your spa is to the hotel.
hotelspa #spametrics #kpi
UK pharmacy giant Boots has announced plans for a Wellness Concept store.
According to an article in Well To Do, the Covent Garden store...
"...will house 36 new brands and over 300 new lines, ranging from eco-friendly sanitary care and CBD products to groundbreaking fitness tech and natural skincare."
They're even planning a refill station to refill your water bottles AND you're empty jars and bottles of Beauty Kitchen products.
All in all, it's a great initiative from Boots.
Looking forward to seeing how it all plays out.
wellnessretail #wellness #retail
FOMO - Fear Of Missing Out - is a term that, for many, captures the essence of the Millennial Generation.
Always on. Always Connected. Instant Gratification. Instagram Influencers. Facebook Famous.
Now, to contrast that, we have JOMO - Joy Of Missing Out.
The idea that you don't need to worry about missing out on something that probably doesn't really mean much in the overall scheme of things. Consciously choosing not to engage. To digitally disconnect.
It's been called a movement.
There's even a book about it - https://www.experiencejomo.com/
FOMO #JOMO #disconnect #digitaldetox
The Global Wellness Institute (GWI) has announced the launch of the Wellness Retail Initiative.
According to GWI...
The purpose of the GWI Wellness Retail Initiative is to explore how the concept of wellness is creating new opportunities in the rapidly evolving retail sector. The Wellness Retail Initiative will be instrumental in:
- Defining the building blocks of “wellness retail” in terms of products, services and places.
- Exploring the value and opportunity of creating wellness experiences in both digital and physical retail spaces.
- Researching consumer motivation and drivers for owning or experiencing wellness-related products or services.
- Anticipating future wellness retail consumer needs and desires to support business marketing and operations.
Personally, I can't help but think there is a real opportunity for this particular Initiative to become almost an incubator of sorts for Wellness Retail opportunities.
Hmmm? Interesting.
Here's a link to the Initiative - https://globalwellnessinstitute.org/initiatives/wellness-retail/
wellnessretail #wellness #wellnessopportunities
Wellness Tourism is valued at $639 billion according to the Global Wellness Economy Monitor 2018.
And it's growing. Over 6% growth over the past couple of years. And at double the growth rate of regular tourism.
But what does today's Wellness traveller really want?
Well, the folks at the Wellness Tourism Initiative are conducting a survey right now to find out.
Here's a link to the survey - https://www.wellnesstourismsummit.com.au/wellness-survey
PLUS
If you fill out the form at the bottom of that page, you can win a FREE ticket to the Wellness Tourism Summit in Noose, Queensland, Australia in May 2020.
wellness #wellnesstravel #wellnesstourism
Hotel Spas often have Steams, Saunas, Jacuzzi's, etc as part of their facilities.
The costs of operating these facilities can often be considerable.
But should these expenses necessarily be charged to the Spa P&L.
Maybe. Sometimes.
But in my opinion, usually not.
I like to apply the Reasonable Man Test and also consider the core purpose of those facilities.
Unless they are an integral part of the overall Spa experience, charging these expenses to the Spa P&L might actually skew your Spa profitability unreasonably.
CAC (Cost of Acquiring a Customer) & LTV (Life Time Value) are metrics I spoke about back in Ep. 590.
Referral Programs make sense for Spa businesses, but I don't see such programs in place very often.
But what happens when you view your Referral Program through the lens of CAC & LTV
Well, you might just decide to double-down on your Referral Program and make it a major part of your marketing strategy.
customeracquisition #lifetimevalue #LTV #CAC
Many branding experts will tell you that to build a strong brand, you need to be consistent.
True enough.
But consistent does not mean the same.
Just as each of your customers has different personalities, so too must your brand.
We don't behave the same way around our kids, as we do around our bosses.
Our personalities adapt according to the situation and environment we are in.
That doesn't make us any less genuine. It's just the human dynamic.
Brands need to resonate with people. Thus, that same human dynamic applies to brands too.
branding #personality #brandessence
Tyra Banks is clearly much more than just a pretty face. She has built quite the business empire on the back of modelling, television, writing and investing.
Tyra has a great perspective on branding too - be it for Personal Brand or a Corporate Brand.
Being Different is Better Than Being Best.
If you really think about, being different is probably the only way to really build a strong brand.
Thanks Tyra!
branding #personalbranding #brandbuilding
Most people would tell you that Over Delivering on your promise is good strategy.
But not always.
Sometimes, the best thing you can do is to simply do what you said you would do. Nothing more.
You see, the problem with Over Delivery is that more is not always better.
Only the customer can decide if it is.
And if it's not, then doing more might just end up backfiring on you.
customerservice #deliverables #guestservice
Brand has always been important.
But in a world where so many things are being commoditised, Brand will matter even more.
Even more so when there are just a few platforms that command our attention.
If you ask Alexa to order some toothpaste for you, Amazon decides what brand you get. But if you ask for Colgate Toothpaste by name, that’s what you’ll get.
Brand Matters!
branding #brand #brandvalue
Group Chats, for some, are a key part of their social media & communications activities.
But what if you want to call any one person in your group chat? Not all of the group, just any one of them?
At the moment you need to call the whole group, or call the individuals one by one.
There could be a better way...
groupchat #socialnetworks #communication
Once upon a time, if we wanted to receive updates, promotions, special offers, we could Opt-In.
These days, it seems we’re in automatically, whether we like it or not.
Today it seems that Opt Out has become the default.
optin #optout #marketing #directmarketing
Is there really a difference between Wellness and Well-being?
Honestly, I’m not really sure that there needs to be.
But according to Global VP of Well-Being for Accor, Emlyn Brown, there is.
Emlyn says...
Wellness is the Actions. Well-Being is the Outcome.
What do you think?
wellness #wellbeing
There's an old adage in Sales that 'People Buy From People'.
So the goal of a good salesperson is to establish a rapport with their potential customers.
Sure.
But what if I don't know you at all? Never met you?
In this situation, people are really buying from your System - your branding, your merchandising, your sales process.
For those customers who don't get a chance to know you...best make sure your overall Sales System works.
sales #selling #salestechniques #salesprocess
Trendhunter has identified Slow-Shopping as a future trend in Retail.
https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/slow-shopping?inf_contact_key=fa36aeee8c78a7ff43f4d7ac6b0ebca77e470d92b8b75168d98a0b8cac0e9c09
I spoke some time ago about Hotel Spas adopting a Retail First approach as a possible business model for the Spa of Tomorrow.
So, what if these two ideas came together - either in a Retail Environment or a Spa Environment?
I reckon we might just be able to create a some pretty compelling offerings if they did.
hotelspa #tomorrowspa #retailtrends #sparetail #slowshopping
Most seasoned hoteliers have a pretty good idea of the Per Room Construction Cost of a Hotel.
But many have no idea when it comes to the same for their Spa.
Here’s what I see as the best Benchmark to use...
PS: Here’s the report for HVS referenced in today’s episode...
https://www.hvs.com/article/8389-hvs-hotel-development-cost-survey-201718
hotelspa #hotelconstruction #hotelbenchmarks
We tend to obsess about social media metrics.
How many Likes, Shares, Comments we get on our content and social media posts becomes more important than the content itself.
But the amazing thing about social media is the serendipity that surrounds it.
Once you put it out there, you never know who might see it or hear it. More importantly, you don't know the impact that might have one someone who does consume it.
It might amount to nothing. But then again...
socialmedia #socialmediamarketing #contentmarketing
It seems like every few months or so there’s another conversation in the zeitgeist about Privacy - or lack thereof.
Would you pay a monthly fee to Facebook to ensure they do NOT sell your data to advertisers?
Apple Co-founder Steve Wozniak would.
socialnetworks #privacy #revenuemodel
Each industry has their Own preferred metrics to measure success.
I’d suggest there’s a couple of metrics more commonly found at internet startups that might be worth a look for spas...
Cost of Acquiring a Customer & Lifetime Value.
businessmetrics #customeracquisition #lifetimevalue
Equinox is a Fitness Club Brand.
But they’re also about to become a hotel brand.
The first Equinox Hotel is opening in New York in a few days.
Could this open the door for more Spa & Wellness / Hotel brand opportunities?
Tomorrow Spa anyone?
hotelspa #tomorrowspa #wellness #brand
The Bottle Cap Challenge has quickly become a viral sensation.
We've seen MMA Fighters, Celebrities, Movie Stars, all sorts of people posting videos of them doing a roundhouse kick to remove a bottle cap.
Jen Hickman saw that and said, 'We could do that in the Spa.'
So she did!
It's a great example that just about any business can leverage the power of virality of meme like this on social media.
bottlecapchallenge #memes #socialmedia #viralvideos
Here’s my Top 3 Learnings (so far) from my quest to find my passion.
-
Passion is a Journey
-
Passion can change over time
-
Passion is not a zero sum game
Hope it helps you in your search.
:-)
passion #meaning #purpose
Some would say that Pop-Up concepts have had their peak. That maybe they’re not quite as impactful as they once were.
I would disagree.
I think the folks at Taco Bell would too.
The fast food company’s upcoming hotel takeover - The Bell - sold out of their room inventory in just 2 minutes.
popup #tacobell #marketing #takeover
Accountable Influence is a great term in the context of social media marketing.
A company called Seed.com, that sells supplements Direct-To-Consumer is requiring any Influencers selling their products to first complete an education program... on Instagram Stories..so they actually know what they’re selling.
It’s a great example of holding Influencers to account for what they’re pushing.
And it’s also a great example of a smart execution on Instagram Stories.
Go check out @SeedUniversity on Instagram.
influencermarketing #instagrammarketing #socialmediamarketing #accountableinfluence
Email Marketing was great...until it wasn’t.
Social Media Marketing is great...if you get can craft the right message to get in front of the right people.
But neither has the kind of Open Rates you can get with a simple SMS.
So, before the marketers out there ruin it too...maybe it’s time to take a serious look at SMS Marketing.
directmarketing #smsmarketing #marketing #socialmediamarketing
Jeff Hoffman, co-founder of priceline.com and countless other achievements introduced me to Info-Sponging.
Do yourself a favour. Set aside a few hours a week to Info-Sponge.
What is it?
Stay tuned...
information #learning #learnandgrow #learnsomethingnew
Imagine the Ultimate Wellness Venue.
In my mind it should combine Food, Beverage, Spa & Community.
The right combination of these four elements could create an ideal Wellness environment.
So...here it is...
wellness #spa #disruption #pub
If you shop online via Amazon Smile, they will donate 0.5% of the purchase price to your chosen charity.
Like they say...You Shop. Amazon Gives.
It doesn’t cost you any extra.
Just go to https://smile.amazon.com/ and log in with your Amazon credentials, select you charity and you’re all set.
Thank you.
amazonsmile #corporatesocialresponsibility #charitablegiving
What would a Spa look like, if it was conceptualised by Nike?
What a Spa built by Snapchat look like?
We tend to view Spa through a limited lens...but what if we didn’t?
Are you brave enough to allow another brand to do a Total Spa Takeover?
hotelspa #takeover #innovation
A logo is just part of your brand story.
An important part, sure.
But it does not need to tell the whole story of your brand.
A logo is simply there to act as an identifying mark.
End of story!
Go check out the Building A Brand series on The Futur channel...
https://youtu.be/mxgOY2Ms-YI
branding #logodesign #brand
One thing to keep in mind if you’re building a Personal Brand...it’s personal.
And that means, some will like you, some won’t. Just like with real people.
This is less of an issue with Company Brands.
So are you willing to pay the penalty for the potential upside?
PS: Here’s the useful book on branding I recommended...
https://www.amazon.com/BRAND-MANAGEMENT-CHECKLIST-Brad-VanAuken/dp/0749436999
branding #personalbrand #companybrand
Just imagine how liberating it would be if every day you got a fresh start?
If every day you got a do-over?
When you think about it, that’s exactly what we get in Hotel Spas.
Last night’s guests leave and new guest arrive.
Maybe it’s time we started taking more advantage of that daily do-over?
hotelspa #businessopportunity #refresh #reset
Remembering facts and figures is sometimes difficult.
Recalling stories is much easier.
We relate better to stories.
So if you’re looking to teach someone, instead of a script, try delivering a story instead.
storytelling #learning #teaching #educating
A sceptic is one who questions the truth or validity of something.
Many see that as a negative thing.
But a Truth Seeker takes it a step further and seeks to find...well...the truth.
And that can’t be a bad thing.
sceptic #truth #reality #negativity #questioning
All the experts say you should engage with Influencers on Social Media. That’s the way to get their attention.
Great!
But how exactly?
Here’s what I’d suggest...
influencermarketing #socialmedia #engagement
Spas will usually conduct some version of a Post-Treatment Consultation after a facial - even if it’s often with the intention of selling some retail home care.
The same doesn’t happen as much when it comes to massage treatments.
You may not necessarily get a retail sale, but you could get something much more valuable.
spatreatment #hotelspa #sparetail #therapist #consultation
Hotel Spas are still, for many, considered a luxury purchase.
The tricky thing is Luxury means different things to different people.
Pampering, Time, Service, Convenience can all be considered Luxury.
If you’re in the Hotel Spa business, this is something you need to be thinking about.
luxury #hotelspa #hospitality
I’ve spoken before about the value of finding Mentors for various stages of your life and career.
But Sylvia Ann Hewlett suggests that maybe seeking a Sponsor is a better alternative?
Here’s a link to her book. The Sponsor Effect...
https://www.amazon.com/Sponsor-Effect-Better-Leader-Investing/dp/1633695654
mentorsmatter #sponsor #careergrowth
Creating your own Personal Brand seems to be all the rage.
But it’s not for everyone.
And it may not even be the best thing for you or your business.
Here’s a few things you might want to consider...
personalbranding #branding #identity #brand
Soundtrack Your Brand is Spotify’s answer for music for your business.
So if you’re looking for a Spa Music Solution, this could be for you.
At $35 per month and millions of tracks to chose from, this seems like a great deal. And there’s even a free one month trial.
www.soundtrackyourbrand.com
PS: Thanks to Andreas Anell for the tip.
spotify #spamusic #corporatemusic
Have you ever had a situation where a guest asks about the nationality of your spa therapists?
Is that a form of Racial Profiling? Of discrimination?
Or is it simply a matter of the personal preference of the guest?
And if so, is that their right?
spatherapist #customerschoice #guestpreference #racial #discrimination
Understanding that your core product/service can in fact offer different Relevant Benefits to multiple customers is a powerful realisation.
From there, with just a bit of creative packaging at the front end and the back end, you can service multiple markets without re-creating the wheel.
What other markets could your product/ service offer a Relevant Benefit too?
marketing #benefits #valueproposition #modules
Many people talk about the need to Democratise Wellness.
To make it available and accessible to the average person.
Wellness is not a Luxury.
Most would agree this is the way it should be.
But how do we achieve that?
By sharing knowledge.
wellness #knowledgesharing #knowledge
Yield Management is not something we see a lot in Hotel Spas.
And there's a few good reasons for that.
Demand vs Supply. Wants vs Needs.
If you plan to try to implement a Yield Management Strategy in your Hotel Spa, you should probably be aware of some of these potential hurdles.
hotelspa #yieldmanagement #businessmodel #demandandsupply
If you can recall back in Ep. 13 of this show (Hotels Win The Gig Economy) I spoke about how Marriott could be the Number 1 Food Delivery Service in the world ; or Hilton the Number 1 Domestic Cleaning Service in the world.
You can take a listen here - https://trentmunday.podbean.com/e/ep13-hotels-win-gig-economy/
Well now, it looks like Bangkok-based hotel chain Dusit Hotels is taking a step in that direction - although they might not realise it yet.
There main aim with Dusit on Demand is to help find work for those staff left unemployed as a result of the recent closure of their flagship property.
dusitondemand #gigeconomy #businessmodel #innovativethinking
What about a business model where we sell Treatments and Services at cost?
But to have the right to buy, you need to be a member of our Buyers Club?
That's the business model serial (and highly successful!) entrepreneur Marcia Kilgore has chose for her new luxury skincare business - Beauty Pie.
Maybe it's a model that could be applied to hotel spas too?
hotelspa #businessmodel #innovation
The Supplements Industry has boomed in recent years.
Natural. Healthy. Safe. Or are they?
Much of this increased demand is as a result of us seeking out more natural alternatives to pharmaceuticals - but also I think a bit of laziness in terms of eating the right foods.
Just pop a few supplements and we'll be all good.
What the body doesn't need, it'll just excrete.
And by the way, it's a tightly regulated industry.
Right?
Maybe not...
supplements #wellness #healthylifestyle
Renee Moorefield and the folks over at the Wellness at Work Initiative have publish a great little guide on preparing your company for Workplace Wellness.
There are 15 questions for your organisation to ponder to help assess their readiness and willingness to take on and succeed with a Workplace Wellness program.
It's a FREE resource which you can get a copy of right here...
http://ow.ly/Ji3d50uufPS
workplacewellness #wellness #employeewellness
ISPA has just released their 2019 Consumer Snapshot Initiative.
Consumer Insights like this are fine...for those customers or guests who are already going to the Spa.
But the question I really want to see answered is...
Why are hotel guests NOT going to the Spa?
That's the survey I'd like to see.
hotelspa #consumerinsights #guestsurvey #marketing
A recent article in AdWeek suggested that Wellness needed to be reclaimed from celebrities.
Wellness is a much more serious thing than a running shoe or a razor blade.
So, if you've been contemplating exploring celebrity endorsements to help bring awareness to your Wellness business...maybe you should think again.
wellness #celebrityendorsement #influencermarketing #marketing
A commodity, in economic terms, is basically defined as...
a good or service that is easily interchangeable with and largely indistinguishable from, another
Is your Hotel Spa really so unique and special compared to your competitors?
Or is it, at least in their eyes, largely indistinguishable from all the other great spas out there?
Maybe you are actually in the Commodity Business?
USP #uniquesellingproposition #productdifferentiation
A few years ago I asked the question - Is Wellness a Movement or an Industry?
The Global Wellness Day is a clear example of why maybe we should be striving for Movement status.
Time to start planning now for 2020!
gwd2019 #wellness #globalwellnessday #movements #movementforgood
A company culture is not created...it emerges over time.
Culture doesn’t happen TO people...it happens AMONG people.
Hmmm?
An interesting perspective to consider for any organisation seeking to change their culture.
culture #culturechange #changeleadership #companyculture
So Mother Nature seems to be telling us that the decisions of the collective are superior to those of any individual.
That’s basically the theory of Swarm Intelligence.
Do yourself a favour...go check out
https://unanimous.ai
intelligence #thinkingdifferently #decisionmaking
Pokémon Go was a viral sensation. A smash hit.
In 2020, they’re going to try again with Pokémon Sleep. 😴
I spoke in Ep. #258 - Sleeping Games about the opportunity for the gamification of Sleep.
It’d be a brave person to be against Pokémon making this work. Let’s see!
sleepbetter #gamification # #wellness #sleep
Oftentimes the leader assumes it’s their job to be Right. To give the right answer to the team.
But the reality is, finding Right is really the objective.
So as a leader, your job is to help facilitate that outcome - regardless of where it comes from.
leadershiplessons #management #decisions #outcomes
Sometimes it makes perfect sense for a hotel to pay a guaranteed fee to the spa operator to run their spa.
Not forever.
But for an initial period, it can actually be a smart move.
hotelspa #businessmodels #revenuemodels #feestructure
Collagen is good for the skin.
Everyone knows that.
It’s why we pay so much for those fancy face creams.
But what about foods & exercises that help give us a bit of a collagen boost?
That’s the AMAZING new Complete Collagen Experience!
Take a look...
spa #skincare #beautyproducts #marketing #promotion
Just a quick heads up to let you know there will be some changes coming to the way I’m producing and distributing the content you’ve been seeing and hearing here for the past couple of years.
Why?
Because sometimes fresh air just what’s needed.
changes #contentstrategy #changemakers
Our attention span is getting shorter.
Ever noticed how long those mid-roll ads are in videos on Facebook?
Then there’s this little data point...
“Human attention span is at its lowest ever (thanks to technology!). According to a study by Microsoft, the average human being now has an attention span of eight seconds. This is a sharp decrease from the average attention span of 12 seconds in the year 2000. Jan 22, 2018”
So, time to get your (short) story straight!
advertising #storytelling #facebookadvertising #yourstory #attentioneconomy
What if instead of posting your thoughts, ideas & Insights on social media every day, you let your steam build up?
Maybe then you could create something really meaningful.
(ps: not to self!)
contentcreator #contentstrategy #creativity #timeout
Do your internal systems, policies & procedures maker it easier or harder to say yes?
Yes to Guests. Yes to Customers? Yes to Internal Stakeholders?
My favourite hotel General Manager had a great way to ensure we could say yes.
Listen to this...
customerservice #customerfirst #customerfocused #guestservice #hotels
If your spa (or any other business unit) is in a major hotel brand’s property, there is a MASSIVE opportunity you’re probably not taking advantage of.
I understand there’s company politics.
I get it. There’s lots of Red Tape.
BUT...if you’re not leveraging the bagingies out of the Hotel App for your promotions...you’re crazy!
marketing #promotions #mobileapps #hotelsandresorts #hotelspa
Are you a Listener or a Talker?
Is your organisation a place for Collaborators or Individuals?
Understanding what both your and your company’s default is goes a long way to ensuring success.
That’s according to Aaron Dignan in his book Brave New Work.
organisationalculture #organisationaldevelopment #selfawareness #companyculture
Some say, leave the price off. That way the guests will come to you to ask. From there you have a chance to close the sale.
Others say, put the price out there. No point hiding it if the guest isn’t willing to pay it.
Here’s the discussion we had internally recently...
pricingstrategy #promotions #advertisingcampaign #salesstrategy
Atmosphere Cancer!
💥 Boom!
Now there’s a problem we need to all get behind...and quickly.
Messaging Matters.
Words Matter.
Branding Matters.
All of this matters if you want to encourage people to take action.
What actions are you trying to make happen in your business?
Are you framing the opportunity the right way?
messaging #marketing #branding #globalwarming #takeaction
I saw a great quote that I think provides a good hint.
“Write drunk, edit sober” - Peter De Vries
No, I’m not suggesting you get everyone drunk.
But maybe harnessing the altered state you’re in when raw emotions come out, could have a similar effect.
creativethinking #creativity #innovativethinking #emotions
Whilst I applaud the clever branding, I worry that the ‘First Aid’ label promises more than it can deliver.
What do you think?
mentalhealth #mentalwellness #mentalhealthawarenessweek #mentalhealthfirstaid
Digital Detox. CBD. They’re a couple that I think are impactful - in very different ways and for different reasons.
But there’s a lot more which might in fact be Fads rather than Trends.
What’s the difference? Why does it matter?
I wrote about that in Spa Trends Vs Fads
http://bit.ly/2HGfGEz
wellnesstrends #wellness #spa #trends
Wellness is all the rage right now.
Many hotels are trying to target Wellness Tourists because they’re a higher spending guest.
But are they?
It’s a question of Causation Vs Correlation
wellness #hotels #wellnesstourism #wellnesstrends
“It's a nice lie down ruined by aggravations and distractions.”
Interesting perspective from someone who’s maybe not the biggest fan of the Hotel Spa experience.
The full article from Will Hersey in Esquire UK magazine is here...
https://lnkd.in/fp-xKUf
hotelspa #spaexperience #guestexperience
Recently I was asked by the good folks over at Hotelintel to share my thoughts on the hotels, spas and wellness.
They asked me about the Pros and Cons of Self Managing vs Outsourcing, the importance of the location of the Spa, Traditional vs Scientific Treatments and how to integrate Wellness into the entire hotel or resort.
Tune in to this week's episode to hear what I had to say.
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Spas are often, in my opinion, in less than prime locations in hotels.
Are Gym & Swim guests necessarily Spa Guests?
What if the guests can’t find your Spa?
These answers and more in this short video.
And here in : Spa Design For Dummies - Location http://bit.ly/2VNNrxH
hotelspa #spadesign #location #hoteldesign
I believe Nestle is as well positioned as any company to become a Global Wellness Brand.
Some think the pending sale of their Skin Health Division suggests they don’t want to go that way.
I disagree.
wellness #mergersandacquisitions #skincare #skinhealth #brandstrategy
Many turn to Spa Retail as the answer.
I think the answer is actually much more simple...and it’s all about Needs vs Wants.
But if you really want to focus on retail, take a look at some ideas in this article - Retail Spa of Tomorrow http://bit.ly/2VNNrxH
hotelspa #sparetail #tomorrowspa #hotelrevenue
This seems to be the question on every hotelier’s lips these days.
Wimintra J. Raj over at Hotelintel asked me for my thoughts.
Here’s some simple steps any hotel or resort can take...
wellness #hotelspa #hotels #spa #hoteltrends
Should Hotel Spas focus their Wellness Programs On Traditional Elements or Scientific ones?
That’s what I was asked.
Here’s what I said...
wellness #hotelspa #wellnessprograms #traditional #scientific
This question was recently put to me by Wimintra J. Raj and the folks over at Hotelintel.
Here’s what I said...
hotels #hotelspa #spamanagement #spa
Hey! You’re ignorant!
Don’t worry though. We all are. About some things.
But in today’s information world, there’s no excuse for letting your ignorance put you at a disadvantage.
information #learning #ignorance #power #advantage
The Elevator Pitch is DEAD!
It’s been replaced by ...
The 3 Second Headline!
If you don’t know what your 3 Second Headline is...you’d better start thinking about it.
headlines #attention #attentioneconomy #marketingstrategy #branding
“Tech monopolies tend not to fall like Rome. They fall like Venice. They’re still there, and no-one actually invades them, but the trade routes moved, the things that gave them power and wealth stop mattering, and they become just another city, and then a backwater.” @benedictevans on Twitter
Perhaps the same analogy could be drawn with the Spa Industry?
businesscycle #businesslife #changingworld #innovate
In the early stages of a company, hiring for Cultural Fit makes perfect sense.
but as a company mature, it can be a really bad idea.
Much better to hire for Cultural Contribution in a mature organisation.
Uber has just gone public and raised $8 billion. But in 2018 it had lasses of $2 billion.
Maybe the only way they can become profitable is to kill of the very thing that got them there in the first place?
uber #IPO #businessmodels #gigeconomy #profitability
“Wow! Never seen a reaction like that!”
So, with apologies to Derek Barton & Gary White, there was no follow up Bowen Therapy treatment today. Need to let the swelling down first.
injuryrecovery #treatment #healing #therapies
The Storm before the Calm!
Worst pain yet! Just couldn’t escape it. Despite reduced swelling.
A couple of pain killers and few hours lying down, and much better.
Hoping this is the last big hurdle.
Looking forward to a dramatic improvement tomorrow.
PS: Gary White ...🍿
wellness #bowentherapy #healing #painrelief #treatments
Well, the bus just backed up and got me again!
Today, most pain is centred around the ankle, though the ball of the foot is still too sore to put pressure on.
Calf tightness has basically gone.
So, will mark that down as progress and cross my fingers for tomorrow.
wellness #bowentherapy #therapies #healing #painmanagement
Answer: It feels like you’ve been hit by a bus.
But I think that’s a good thing. Or at least, it’s a sign that your body has started to heal your problem.
In layman’s terms, at least as I understand it, Bowen Therapy focuses on manipulating the fascia and freeing up your body’s communication pathways.
Certainly looks like it did that for me!
therapies #manipulation #massagetherapy #wellness
It turns out, employees actually have LESS face to face interactions in an Open Plan Office than a traditional office set up.
That’s according to a Harvard study.
As reported by Geoffrey James over at Inc.com
https://lnkd.in/frJJPPJ
openplan #officesolutions #workenvironment
Could Heineken be making a play for the title of ‘The Wellness Beer’?
They’ve just launched a 0% Alcohol Beer.
But isn’t a Beer, by definition, alcoholic?
#alcohol #wellness #wellnesstrends #wellnessmarketing
Ep. 520 - Trent365! - Petulance or Passion?
Show a bit too much attitude or aggression when you’re young and they’ll say you’re Petulant.
That same behaviour when you’re a bit older and more mature is somehow a positive exhibition of your Passion.
attitude #passionate #behaviour #passion
The world 🌍 turns so fast these days. Things are always changing. Always uncertain.
In times of uncertainty, relative performance is the ONLY benchmark.
Valuable perspective from Aaron Dignan.
budgeting #performance #management #changemanagement
Digital Wallets or eWallets are making major waves in the payments space.
Just talk to the folks over at Visa or MasterCard and ask them if they’re worried about them.
(Hint: They Are!)
Maybe it’s time to have your own Digital Wallet for your business?
There are companies out there offering white label solutions.
Go ahead. Google it.
Starbucks has famously declared itself to be the Third Place - the place you go between Home and Work.
It's not just a place for a coffee and a pastry. It's a place to hang out.
I believe that the Hotel Spa of Tomorrow could leverage this concept to rediscover its relevance.
The Hotel Spa - The Third Place - the place you go between your Room and the Outside World.
In this week's episode, I'll explain why.
SPONSOR
We are thrilled to announce a new sponsor for the show...
Kapwing - a modern editor for images, GIFs and videos.
- Kapwing is designed for creative professionals and casual creators
- Their goal is to build a video and image editor that's simple, fast, modern, and super accessible
- It's free to use! I personally use Kapwing to add live subtitles to my videos on Trent365! - and I love it. Go check 'em out. You won't be disappointed.
Some will tell you to Hire Slow & Fire Fast.
Others will say you should Hire Fast AND Fire Fast.
I like that idea. Because no matter how good you are at recruiting, there are no guarantees.
So, just get on with it.
As Gary Vaynerchuck says...
Hiring is Guessing. Firing is Knowing.
recruitment #hiring #firing #employees #jobinterview #peoplemanagement
What’s the actual cost to you of making an introduction? Free!
So why not make it?
I think we tend to be too precious and protective when it comes to making professional introductions.
Remember, there’s a big difference between and introduction and an endorsement.
If you’re endorsing someone, you should absolutely be sure.
networking #connections #contacts #introductions
There’s a great book 📚 I’m reading at the moment. It’s all about re-thinking the way we run our companies and organisations.
It’s Brave New Work by Aaron Dignan
In it, Dignan suggests we focus on WHO makes decisions, but are ‘positively lackadaisical’ about the HOW.
decisionmaking #authorization #companyculture #organizationaleffectiveness
A 5G World will free us from many of our current limitations.
What will that mean for the form factor of many of our current devices...
Like the smartphone?
5G #mobiledevices #mobiletechnology #5gtechnology #5gishere
Skincare that is personalised precisely to you is obviously where the industry ends up.
A German startup called Skindeep has a new kiosk system that can analyse and then create your skincare in 7 minutes.
So the tech is here.
Which big name brand will be the first to go beyond their moat and roll this out?
skincare #skincareproducts #technologytrends #beautytrends
We usually expect early adopters of new technology to be the young folks.
But I reckon with Voice, it might just be us old folks that lead the way.
https://lnkd.in/fyzbbWM
voicefirst #voicetechnology #voiceplatforms #earlyadopters
Air BnB is planning to launch a streaming media service.
Why?
Because they have a Distribution Platform that has 500 million people on it.
How could YOU leverage YOUR base?
distribution #diversification #platforms
The concept of massage is very much at the core of some cultures. In others, it is frowned upon.
A lack of understanding of the cultural and or religious sensitivities around massage specifically and spas in general can lead to embarrassing situations.
In today's episode, we will explore some of these issues and how you can avoid potential cultural and religious minefields.
SPONSOR
We are thrilled to announce a new sponsor for the show...
Kapwing - a modern editor for images, GIFs and videos.
- Kapwing is designed for creative professionals and casual creators
- Their goal is to build a video and image editor that's simple, fast, modern, and super accessible
- It's free to use! I personally use Kapwing to add live subtitles to my videos on Trent365! - and I love it. Go check 'em out. You won't be disappointed.
Much of our focus on growing our business is, if you really look at, about changing behaviour.
If you don’t come to the spa, we want to change your behaviour and get you to the Spa.
How would our strategies differ if we focussed on Rewarding behaviour, rather than trying to Change it?
#spa #consumerbehaviour #businessgrowth #businessstrategies
Meditation 🧘🏽♀️ isn’t for everyone. There’s a number of reasons why that is.
But we could all do with a little more silence in our lives.
It ain’t quite meditating...but it’s maybe a good place to start for many of us.
#wellness #meditation #meditate #mentalwellness #silence
Our customer’s eyeballs 👁 are often not where they used to be. These days, a lot of time, they’re glued to their smartphones 📲
So maybe location based mobile ads in social networks is money 💰 better spent than on in-house collateral?
advertising #promotion #socialmediamaketing #mobilemarketing
There seems to be an International Day for just about everything these days. Whilst not every business can get United Nations backing to claim an official day...that shouldn’t stop you.