New Direction are apparently a beat combo of some sort . The New Direction I'm talking about is also known as a vision , even a mission or even starting with the end in sight .
Coming across a lot of people in business who have an idea or even two ideas , which are really great ideas that will work , they set up a business which falters because there is no end game. These businesses need direction , a plan ; and more , there always more they need to know how to execute it .
They are not alone . Are you on Linkedin - I am , link up with me by all means . Not that I'm sure what that achieves. So here am I going on about an end in sight and I don't know what use Linkedin is ? What to do ? Seek help - I know should have done years ago. Will let you know how it goes and the outcomes .
I'm on twitter too - @bostonc - got a vague inkling how that works .
thanks for reading the latest meandering
Paul
07876173444
Wednesday, 14 December 2011
Tuesday, 29 November 2011
Success and Failure?
13 reasons why your business could fail !
I found this when I searching google for growing a business. If I was thinking of starting a business and did the same search, I would give up and crawl back under my stone and never come out.
How about 13 reasons why your business could succeed? Well maybe not 13, but you get the idea. I’m sure what the author does for a living unless he’s a doom monger by trade.
People in business need to be careful, make sure that their idea is a good one, get paid, not overtrade and so on.
or How to succeed !!!!!!!!!
So here’s my bash at what you may need to grow a business , or make a business grow .
1 Sell some service or product
2 Keep selling it
3 Sell to a new market and sell more to existing customers or market place
4 Get good people around you to support you , ask for help even pay for good business support – motivation , focus
5 Make sure you get paid on time every time – set your own time , not 30 days or even worse 90 days
6 Avoid getting ripped off
7 Make sure you know what the end game is – Vision , inspiration
Success is not final, failure is not fatal: it is the courage to continue that counts.
Winston Churchill
Thanks
Paul 07876173444
I found this when I searching google for growing a business. If I was thinking of starting a business and did the same search, I would give up and crawl back under my stone and never come out.
How about 13 reasons why your business could succeed? Well maybe not 13, but you get the idea. I’m sure what the author does for a living unless he’s a doom monger by trade.
People in business need to be careful, make sure that their idea is a good one, get paid, not overtrade and so on.
or How to succeed !!!!!!!!!
So here’s my bash at what you may need to grow a business , or make a business grow .
1 Sell some service or product
2 Keep selling it
3 Sell to a new market and sell more to existing customers or market place
4 Get good people around you to support you , ask for help even pay for good business support – motivation , focus
5 Make sure you get paid on time every time – set your own time , not 30 days or even worse 90 days
6 Avoid getting ripped off
7 Make sure you know what the end game is – Vision , inspiration
Success is not final, failure is not fatal: it is the courage to continue that counts.
Winston Churchill
Thanks
Paul 07876173444
Wednesday, 23 November 2011
Mastermind Groups
Mastermind Groups
This idea comes from Napoleon Hill – “Think and Grow Rich “. The idea is that gathering together a group of people with something in common, that are supportive, full of ideas and will hold you to account.
There is plenty of evidence that having a great support network around you , makes life easier , makes success easier even.
I have been in one for six months or so and I have found it very useful and I think that most of the members would agree, they keep coming back !
The costs of doing this are low, very low indeed about £10 a month. It isn’t a replacement for expert help in your business but runs alongside , especially for those decisions that are tricky on your own .
If you want to know more – ask 07876173444
Paul
This idea comes from Napoleon Hill – “Think and Grow Rich “. The idea is that gathering together a group of people with something in common, that are supportive, full of ideas and will hold you to account.
There is plenty of evidence that having a great support network around you , makes life easier , makes success easier even.
I have been in one for six months or so and I have found it very useful and I think that most of the members would agree, they keep coming back !
The costs of doing this are low, very low indeed about £10 a month. It isn’t a replacement for expert help in your business but runs alongside , especially for those decisions that are tricky on your own .
If you want to know more – ask 07876173444
Paul
Tuesday, 8 November 2011
Motivation and Slimming
Motivation and Slimming
There are a lot of motivation aids and techniques ;speakers , videos , books and even coaches .If you need to get something done which may be a bit tricky – give up smoking , lose weight , make sales calls,
write those letters ,change – you need motivation .
At this point I want to take you back to recent history, the late 70’s, when I played rugby union, badly, for Boston Rugby Club 3rds or 4 ths. Boston for those of you who don’t know is very flat, very flat. The only places for hill starts are bridges and if, as in my case the traffic is moving there are no hill starts on a driving test. This makes it a great place for walking and cycling, but does mean that there is no shelter from any wind .Back to the rugby; it is 2.30pm Saturday afternoon in the changing rooms which are unheated. The 3rds are just about ready , ralglex sprayed on , grease applied on top of it , Vaseline applied to eyebrows and ears , last fag almost done .The opposition in the adjacent changing room however are getting motivated , chanting and stamping their feet .
We exchange smiles, knowing how cold it is going to be. The opposition are really well motivated until the cold, the mud and our tackles take their toll .The motivation drains away. We win (it’s my tale, I am allowed to win).
This really is my take on motivation, the stamping has its place, but real motivation has to come from within. So to me listen to some fine speakers, watch Tony Robbins by all means, but the motivation has to come from within. My coaching does two things, find the motivation within, the reason why and then keep that level up, not allow it to slacken.
Slimming
Recent news is that commercial slimming schemes are more effective than NHS schemes -http://to.ly/boet . This is the headline.
However in more depth – Slimming World / Weight Watchers was offered against Sports Centre vouchers, schemes with nurses and so on. The motivation was obviously higher in the commercial schemes because of the group support; it is easier with good people to support you – this made not trying less of an option.
This is a roundabout way of saying that motivation comes from within and it is easier if you have great supportive people around you and you have a why working for you. To discuss this and other issues phone me on 07876173444.
There are a lot of motivation aids and techniques ;speakers , videos , books and even coaches .If you need to get something done which may be a bit tricky – give up smoking , lose weight , make sales calls,
write those letters ,change – you need motivation .
At this point I want to take you back to recent history, the late 70’s, when I played rugby union, badly, for Boston Rugby Club 3rds or 4 ths. Boston for those of you who don’t know is very flat, very flat. The only places for hill starts are bridges and if, as in my case the traffic is moving there are no hill starts on a driving test. This makes it a great place for walking and cycling, but does mean that there is no shelter from any wind .Back to the rugby; it is 2.30pm Saturday afternoon in the changing rooms which are unheated. The 3rds are just about ready , ralglex sprayed on , grease applied on top of it , Vaseline applied to eyebrows and ears , last fag almost done .The opposition in the adjacent changing room however are getting motivated , chanting and stamping their feet .
We exchange smiles, knowing how cold it is going to be. The opposition are really well motivated until the cold, the mud and our tackles take their toll .The motivation drains away. We win (it’s my tale, I am allowed to win).
This really is my take on motivation, the stamping has its place, but real motivation has to come from within. So to me listen to some fine speakers, watch Tony Robbins by all means, but the motivation has to come from within. My coaching does two things, find the motivation within, the reason why and then keep that level up, not allow it to slacken.
Slimming
Recent news is that commercial slimming schemes are more effective than NHS schemes -http://to.ly/boet . This is the headline.
However in more depth – Slimming World / Weight Watchers was offered against Sports Centre vouchers, schemes with nurses and so on. The motivation was obviously higher in the commercial schemes because of the group support; it is easier with good people to support you – this made not trying less of an option.
This is a roundabout way of saying that motivation comes from within and it is easier if you have great supportive people around you and you have a why working for you. To discuss this and other issues phone me on 07876173444.
Tuesday, 18 October 2011
Sales
Good evening or good morning ,
I am currently in the market for some marketing collateral I think the term is . There are a lot of people out there , knowledgeable , pleasant people who are not the best at selling .
By that I mean they talk really well , find out what I want , demonstrate what they can do to meet my needs and then ......... tumble weed rolls across screen (sort of)
In a sale both sides need to know their position , especially the purchaser . I'm no different . If I go to a supermarket I get asked for money . At some point in the sales process a seller has to ask for money .
If you want to find out more
Ask me !
Thanks
Paul 07876173444 pc@bostonclarke.co.uk
I am currently in the market for some marketing collateral I think the term is . There are a lot of people out there , knowledgeable , pleasant people who are not the best at selling .
By that I mean they talk really well , find out what I want , demonstrate what they can do to meet my needs and then ......... tumble weed rolls across screen (sort of)
In a sale both sides need to know their position , especially the purchaser . I'm no different . If I go to a supermarket I get asked for money . At some point in the sales process a seller has to ask for money .
If you want to find out more
Ask me !
Thanks
Paul 07876173444 pc@bostonclarke.co.uk
Wednesday, 12 October 2011
Leadership and Management Grants
Just a quickie this time - The Leadership and Management grants are coming to an end , but the good news is that the turnround is quick at the moment .
If you are interested in increasing your management and or leadership skills and would like 50% towards the costs , phone me now , no not next week - now - take positive action , action to change
07876173444
Thanks Paul
If you are interested in increasing your management and or leadership skills and would like 50% towards the costs , phone me now , no not next week - now - take positive action , action to change
07876173444
Thanks Paul
Monday, 10 October 2011
RWC 2011
http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/rugby_union/15246354.stm
Apparently according to that well known World Cup winner Jeremy Guscott, Martin Johnson isn't up to the job . My answer to that Jezza , is you go and tell him , and can I watch .
Easy being a critic isn't it - easy to watch from the side and say don't do that ;or even better you shouldn't have done that.
Rant over
Apparently according to that well known World Cup winner Jeremy Guscott, Martin Johnson isn't up to the job . My answer to that Jezza , is you go and tell him , and can I watch .
Easy being a critic isn't it - easy to watch from the side and say don't do that ;or even better you shouldn't have done that.
Rant over
Thursday, 29 September 2011
Attitudes and Tevez
Attitudes
Tevez . Rioters . Attitudes .
Where do they come from ? Our background , upbringing , supporters (people around us ) contribute to our beliefs which give us our attitude in a given situation . Results come from this .
These results can be self fulfilling – Henry Ford and all that . How can we get the results we want ?
We can change our supporters from maybe ; it’ll never work to a far more supportive role .
We can take much more belief from small successes and scale them up so that these small results become part of our background ; bigger results will follow .
What to do with Tevez – get rid !
Tevez . Rioters . Attitudes .
Where do they come from ? Our background , upbringing , supporters (people around us ) contribute to our beliefs which give us our attitude in a given situation . Results come from this .
These results can be self fulfilling – Henry Ford and all that . How can we get the results we want ?
We can change our supporters from maybe ; it’ll never work to a far more supportive role .
We can take much more belief from small successes and scale them up so that these small results become part of our background ; bigger results will follow .
What to do with Tevez – get rid !
Wednesday, 7 September 2011
A new way
I invite you to take a different perspective, yours,
and to be the very best that you already are.
Imagine,if you simply could not fail:
What would you do? - You would do anything!
Where would you go? - You would go anywhere!
Who would you be?
You would be free, at last to be you.
You have enough, You are enough, Just as you are !
Be successful, just by being yourself
and to be the very best that you already are.
Imagine,if you simply could not fail:
What would you do? - You would do anything!
Where would you go? - You would go anywhere!
Who would you be?
You would be free, at last to be you.
You have enough, You are enough, Just as you are !
Be successful, just by being yourself
Sunday, 28 August 2011
Leadership
Effective leadership is putting first things first.
Stephen Covey
The difference between leadership and management , is not just the size of the cheque at the end of the month or the size of the car in the car park.
Within any business there is a process that creates income and usually this is broken down into parts and is managed; production,sales,marketing,distribution and so the list goes on .
The aim of the various managers in these areas is make sure that their area goes as quicker and smoothly as possible . So does a leader become a super manager in the way that some directors seem to do , well not in my opinion .
A leader should be able to set out the way forward , an aim , a goal for the business , department ; but should also do more than that , be able to ask the question is this the right thing we are doing , could we do this differently ?
My leadership program sets out ways to do this and ways th check which is the best way forward and how to communicate this in the best way possible .
All this and it is possible to get £1000 grant towards the cost .
Hope to talk to you soon .
Paul www.bostonclarke.co.uk
07876173444
Stephen Covey
The difference between leadership and management , is not just the size of the cheque at the end of the month or the size of the car in the car park.
Within any business there is a process that creates income and usually this is broken down into parts and is managed; production,sales,marketing,distribution and so the list goes on .
The aim of the various managers in these areas is make sure that their area goes as quicker and smoothly as possible . So does a leader become a super manager in the way that some directors seem to do , well not in my opinion .
A leader should be able to set out the way forward , an aim , a goal for the business , department ; but should also do more than that , be able to ask the question is this the right thing we are doing , could we do this differently ?
My leadership program sets out ways to do this and ways th check which is the best way forward and how to communicate this in the best way possible .
All this and it is possible to get £1000 grant towards the cost .
Hope to talk to you soon .
Paul www.bostonclarke.co.uk
07876173444
Sunday, 31 July 2011
Lees of The Myth
Leadership: Less of the myth, more of the reality
Amongst the numerous theories, models, books and articles about leadership that every executive is currently being bombarded with, what does any aspiring leader really need to know? What are the real "golden nuggets" of good leadership that will truly make a difference to individuals, their teams and their organisations?
Ashridge Consulting sponsored an international three year research study that used an innovative "fly on the wall" research method. A research team lived alongside eight leaders - and the people around them - in a range of organisations across Europe, for periods of up to two years. Its findings explode many of the myths that surround modern management thinking about what makes leaders successful.
It was observed that leadership changes are like personal transitions - an upside down time of great uncertainty and anxiety. Just as changing relationships or switching jobs is stressful for an individual, so the change of leader triggers anxiety for both the leaders and people around him/her. The findings demonstrate that new leaders are most successful when they stop thinking they can shape the future as they would like and face life as it is. Instead of trying to live up to some idealised picture of what leaders are, they make best use of what's in front of them. They become ordinary heroes!
Exploding many modern management myths, the report demonstrates that:
• Everything does not depend on the first 100 days
• Charismatic leaders can be dangerous
• Team building happens more through straight conversations in the moment than through "awaydays"
• Changing the people who work with you can be a way of avoiding the real problems
Good leaders have to face paradoxes such as getting close enough to connect with people, but staying detached enough to make tough decisions. They need to reach conclusions and take action while holding an open mind about how the new business and organisation will differ from past experience. They also need to remain true to aspirations for the future while confronting the realities of the past and present.
The research also highlighted the fact that leaders must look to their own needs if they are to survive and be effective. They need help and support plus "time out" to reflect. They also need to push back against crazy expectations and absurd timescales. For example, they will not perform miracles within the famous "first 100 days" and unrealistic expectations should be renegotiated. Business environment, organisational culture, and group dynamics matter much more than individual qualities. The clever leaders find ways to work with what they inherit, not fight it.
Valued leadership does not come from extraordinary people but from ordinary folk who remember what they know, recover their wits amidst the pressure of transitions and deal with what is immediate and present. It consists of doing ordinary things like connecting with people, valuing them, protecting people from pressures from above and around. Ordinary people can do it
Amongst the numerous theories, models, books and articles about leadership that every executive is currently being bombarded with, what does any aspiring leader really need to know? What are the real "golden nuggets" of good leadership that will truly make a difference to individuals, their teams and their organisations?
Ashridge Consulting sponsored an international three year research study that used an innovative "fly on the wall" research method. A research team lived alongside eight leaders - and the people around them - in a range of organisations across Europe, for periods of up to two years. Its findings explode many of the myths that surround modern management thinking about what makes leaders successful.
It was observed that leadership changes are like personal transitions - an upside down time of great uncertainty and anxiety. Just as changing relationships or switching jobs is stressful for an individual, so the change of leader triggers anxiety for both the leaders and people around him/her. The findings demonstrate that new leaders are most successful when they stop thinking they can shape the future as they would like and face life as it is. Instead of trying to live up to some idealised picture of what leaders are, they make best use of what's in front of them. They become ordinary heroes!
Exploding many modern management myths, the report demonstrates that:
• Everything does not depend on the first 100 days
• Charismatic leaders can be dangerous
• Team building happens more through straight conversations in the moment than through "awaydays"
• Changing the people who work with you can be a way of avoiding the real problems
Good leaders have to face paradoxes such as getting close enough to connect with people, but staying detached enough to make tough decisions. They need to reach conclusions and take action while holding an open mind about how the new business and organisation will differ from past experience. They also need to remain true to aspirations for the future while confronting the realities of the past and present.
The research also highlighted the fact that leaders must look to their own needs if they are to survive and be effective. They need help and support plus "time out" to reflect. They also need to push back against crazy expectations and absurd timescales. For example, they will not perform miracles within the famous "first 100 days" and unrealistic expectations should be renegotiated. Business environment, organisational culture, and group dynamics matter much more than individual qualities. The clever leaders find ways to work with what they inherit, not fight it.
Valued leadership does not come from extraordinary people but from ordinary folk who remember what they know, recover their wits amidst the pressure of transitions and deal with what is immediate and present. It consists of doing ordinary things like connecting with people, valuing them, protecting people from pressures from above and around. Ordinary people can do it
Wednesday, 6 July 2011
Quick Guide to Goals
Goals – quick guide to setting them
I keep returning to goals on this blog mainly because they are important. To achieve a goal or a vision you must plan how to make it happen. You cannot 'do' a goal or a vision. Instead you must do the things that enable it - usually several things, in several steps.
In other words, break the big goal done into smaller goals. Hence I wish to increase my sales by 50 %. If this requires more appointments, how many more, how are they to be made by whom and so on?
A goal without a plan remains just a goal - many people have visions, intentions, ideas, dreams which never happen, because they are not planned. Dreams are what you have when you’re asleep (almost Winston Churchill).
The goal must have a - what is it, how, when, where (possibly) and possibly most importantly –why? What does achieving this goal mean? What does it mean to you? And so on.
Once your big goals have been set they need to be ordered and then divided into smaller goals. Then the tricky stuff, the goals need a plan or plans to make them happen.
First Step – are there realistic? If so have all the opportunities been explored, they have right – what’s the first step? What new resources do you need?
Then – you just need to get on with it.
Thanks
Paul
0787617344
www.bostonclarke.co.uk
I keep returning to goals on this blog mainly because they are important. To achieve a goal or a vision you must plan how to make it happen. You cannot 'do' a goal or a vision. Instead you must do the things that enable it - usually several things, in several steps.
In other words, break the big goal done into smaller goals. Hence I wish to increase my sales by 50 %. If this requires more appointments, how many more, how are they to be made by whom and so on?
A goal without a plan remains just a goal - many people have visions, intentions, ideas, dreams which never happen, because they are not planned. Dreams are what you have when you’re asleep (almost Winston Churchill).
The goal must have a - what is it, how, when, where (possibly) and possibly most importantly –why? What does achieving this goal mean? What does it mean to you? And so on.
Once your big goals have been set they need to be ordered and then divided into smaller goals. Then the tricky stuff, the goals need a plan or plans to make them happen.
First Step – are there realistic? If so have all the opportunities been explored, they have right – what’s the first step? What new resources do you need?
Then – you just need to get on with it.
Thanks
Paul
0787617344
www.bostonclarke.co.uk
Wednesday, 29 June 2011
SALES and JIMMY CLIFF
I deal with a lot of clients and have dealt with sales teams who said that the client /customer was going to buy; money was in the bank and so on. Of course it wasn’t, the time between opening and closing was too long. The client was allowed to dictate the timescale and possibly money was not discussed.
As a sales person you need to know when the client wants your product, if they can pay for it, do they sign the cheques and what the competition is- among some of the issues. What we really want is a yes , or a no ; not a maybe – cue Jimmy http://bit.ly/gp7dXa.
Another big issue is rejection .Sales people get it all the time. I remember when I had just started , TV was in black and white , Adam was a lad and so on ; visited a big local prospect with my boss, had a great chat . However at the end of the chat the prospect said the only reason I would buy for you is if your competitor burnt down.
Everyone gets rejection , the only answer is to move on and remember ; Sometimes rejection now may not be rejection forever , the time may not be right .
Paul
07876173444
www.bostonclarke.co.uk
Tuesday, 14 June 2011
Leeds Business Networking - Leadership Development
Just a quickie – On Friday 17th I will be speaking at Leeds Business Networking about Leadership Programs and how to get them 50% funded.For anyone who is unable to attend some of the benefits are :-
More sales
Customer Service Improvement
Better Communication inside and outside of the company
Redefined vision
New managers contributing quicker
Better motivation for managers and staff
Lower staff turnover
Retention of key personnel
Higher Confidence
Desired Outcomes
For those who can attend see you there
Paul
More sales
Customer Service Improvement
Better Communication inside and outside of the company
Redefined vision
New managers contributing quicker
Better motivation for managers and staff
Lower staff turnover
Retention of key personnel
Higher Confidence
Desired Outcomes
For those who can attend see you there
Paul
Thursday, 2 June 2011
African Achievers
Africa Achievers Awards 2011
Last Friday night I had the pleasure to attend the Africa Achievers Awards 2011 in Bradford. It was a great event not least because it was very positive and hopeful about some very difficult topics, including jiggers, to find out what they are try this - http://bit.ly/avWfnW .
It was eye opening to find out what people in Africa and elsewhere are doing about things in the vast continent of 52 countries and that this was happening in Bradford with the Lady Mayor, first Muslim female Lord Mayor, representatives from the Zambian and Zimbabwean embassies.
Lots more information at www.nileafrica.org and www.africanachievers.org .
Paul
Last Friday night I had the pleasure to attend the Africa Achievers Awards 2011 in Bradford. It was a great event not least because it was very positive and hopeful about some very difficult topics, including jiggers, to find out what they are try this - http://bit.ly/avWfnW .
It was eye opening to find out what people in Africa and elsewhere are doing about things in the vast continent of 52 countries and that this was happening in Bradford with the Lady Mayor, first Muslim female Lord Mayor, representatives from the Zambian and Zimbabwean embassies.
Lots more information at www.nileafrica.org and www.africanachievers.org .
Paul
Monday, 23 May 2011
Funding and other great stuff
Special Offers – and 50% Funding !
Sales support – My spring offers continue – 7 sessions for the price of 5. I offer sales development , training , mentoring and coaching. This will enable you to convert more meetings into cash.
Suitable for anyone who wants to sell more face to face .
Leadership Development - The Leadership & Management Advisory Service has funds available for 50-50 matched funding. This is what Boston Clarke’s Leadership Development Programme’s are all about.
• It is Leadership Development, based on coaching techniques, rather than just pure, un-structured coaching.
• It isn’t about me telling you how to do it. It’s about raising your awareness to allow you to operate more effectively.
• The programme is highly “outcomes focussed”. In the first & second sessions the client develops, validates and documents the desired outcomes for the programme and the coach essentially commits to helping him deliver these objectives by the end of the programme.
• Structured programme of 1-to-1 sessionst
• The reality is that we all can benefit from coaching. It’s not just for someone else! It gives you the development time you never give yourself.
It will help you run your business more smoothly and with less stress. You’ve worked hard to get where you are, now you owe it to yourself to make your life easier.
The time commitment is a session of 2 to 3 hours every 2 to 3 weeks and a couple of hours “home-work” in between. It is actually time that you cannot afford not to spend!
There’s never a “convenient” time to start, but the sooner you start, the sooner you’ll see the benefits. And one of the “lessons” of the programme is that “Procrastination is the enemy of performance”.
Unlike less structured forms of coaching and off-site courses, it creates sustained and lasting change in people’s behaviour. This is because it takes place in the workplace and is totally focussed on addressing the business and business-life issues of the candidate.
If you are interested in these – phone me on 07876173444
Paul
Sales support – My spring offers continue – 7 sessions for the price of 5. I offer sales development , training , mentoring and coaching. This will enable you to convert more meetings into cash.
Suitable for anyone who wants to sell more face to face .
Leadership Development - The Leadership & Management Advisory Service has funds available for 50-50 matched funding. This is what Boston Clarke’s Leadership Development Programme’s are all about.
• It is Leadership Development, based on coaching techniques, rather than just pure, un-structured coaching.
• It isn’t about me telling you how to do it. It’s about raising your awareness to allow you to operate more effectively.
• The programme is highly “outcomes focussed”. In the first & second sessions the client develops, validates and documents the desired outcomes for the programme and the coach essentially commits to helping him deliver these objectives by the end of the programme.
• Structured programme of 1-to-1 sessionst
• The reality is that we all can benefit from coaching. It’s not just for someone else! It gives you the development time you never give yourself.
It will help you run your business more smoothly and with less stress. You’ve worked hard to get where you are, now you owe it to yourself to make your life easier.
The time commitment is a session of 2 to 3 hours every 2 to 3 weeks and a couple of hours “home-work” in between. It is actually time that you cannot afford not to spend!
There’s never a “convenient” time to start, but the sooner you start, the sooner you’ll see the benefits. And one of the “lessons” of the programme is that “Procrastination is the enemy of performance”.
Unlike less structured forms of coaching and off-site courses, it creates sustained and lasting change in people’s behaviour. This is because it takes place in the workplace and is totally focussed on addressing the business and business-life issues of the candidate.
If you are interested in these – phone me on 07876173444
Paul
Thursday, 19 May 2011
Roses , Twitter and Gurus
Coaching, Consultancy, Advising, Mentoring – does it matter? Or a Rose by any other name?
When I’m networking I feel the need to describe myself as a coach , maybe even a performance coach , or even a sales and performance coach ; but does it matter what I call myself? I’m not sure. If someone needs help with their business do they care what the person is calling themselves (apart from possibly guru)? I guess I need a networking guru to tell me what to do or maybe not. Perhaps I should take my own advice and talk about benefits.
Isn’t Twitter wonderful? It is slowly doing to twitter what gay did to gay and happy. In other words Twitter is now beginning to mean conversing in 140 symbols – not mindless chat, although …… Anyway I mention it because one of my #salestips was retweeted in the good ole USA, amazing or am I just old because I still find live TV from India/USA etc quite amazing on occasions.
I have just been going through the painful process of finding space in my sheds to swing a cat (haven’t got a cat so don’t worry, got a dog though). Tricky to give stuff away, in fact I can’t give it away.
Enough twitter – my spring offers are still on – let me know if you are interested.
Paul 07876173444
When I’m networking I feel the need to describe myself as a coach , maybe even a performance coach , or even a sales and performance coach ; but does it matter what I call myself? I’m not sure. If someone needs help with their business do they care what the person is calling themselves (apart from possibly guru)? I guess I need a networking guru to tell me what to do or maybe not. Perhaps I should take my own advice and talk about benefits.
Isn’t Twitter wonderful? It is slowly doing to twitter what gay did to gay and happy. In other words Twitter is now beginning to mean conversing in 140 symbols – not mindless chat, although …… Anyway I mention it because one of my #salestips was retweeted in the good ole USA, amazing or am I just old because I still find live TV from India/USA etc quite amazing on occasions.
I have just been going through the painful process of finding space in my sheds to swing a cat (haven’t got a cat so don’t worry, got a dog though). Tricky to give stuff away, in fact I can’t give it away.
Enough twitter – my spring offers are still on – let me know if you are interested.
Paul 07876173444
Wednesday, 27 April 2011
Know what to do , but not doing it?
Know what to do! But not doing it!!
Some people suffer with this problem. The symptom is lack of motivation or procrastination, which are very similar in results - nothing.
What is happening? Important tasks are put off and or replaced with filing, ordering your cds, making coffee and so on.
So what’s the answer? Two causes may be at the root of the problem. Fear and or no really clear objective.
Fear of failure, fear of success are difficult to overcome but not impossible. I feel the key to all of this is to have a clear major objective. I want to earn more money is OK, but I want to earn £75k in the next 12 months because I want to go to Rome and Paris is much better for example.
The clearer and more personal the objective is, the more likely it is to motivate. Then it must be broken down into monthly, daily tasks or it becomes far too intimidating.
Use a priority matrix to order tasks and use friends for encouragement to help with the motivation.
Failing all that employ a coach .A client of mine did just that, and we worked to clear up the objectives into hard cash and build up confidence. In 4 sessions she had gained enough confidence and clients to be really flying and be able to ignore all the doubters that seemed to surround her.
To benefit from Spring special offers phone me to book a first taster session with me- 07876173444
Cheers Paul
pc@bostonclarke.co.uk
Some people suffer with this problem. The symptom is lack of motivation or procrastination, which are very similar in results - nothing.
What is happening? Important tasks are put off and or replaced with filing, ordering your cds, making coffee and so on.
So what’s the answer? Two causes may be at the root of the problem. Fear and or no really clear objective.
Fear of failure, fear of success are difficult to overcome but not impossible. I feel the key to all of this is to have a clear major objective. I want to earn more money is OK, but I want to earn £75k in the next 12 months because I want to go to Rome and Paris is much better for example.
The clearer and more personal the objective is, the more likely it is to motivate. Then it must be broken down into monthly, daily tasks or it becomes far too intimidating.
Use a priority matrix to order tasks and use friends for encouragement to help with the motivation.
Failing all that employ a coach .A client of mine did just that, and we worked to clear up the objectives into hard cash and build up confidence. In 4 sessions she had gained enough confidence and clients to be really flying and be able to ignore all the doubters that seemed to surround her.
To benefit from Spring special offers phone me to book a first taster session with me- 07876173444
Cheers Paul
pc@bostonclarke.co.uk
Monday, 18 April 2011
Goals
A child of five would understand this. Send someone to fetch a child of five.
Groucho Marx
Get those goals right , set them properly using whichever acronym you want , SMART,SECURE,GROW or whatever and find you motivation will grow . Will it survive your first blow , or your second or third ? Maybe if you’re strong you will get through this on your own , but the most successful people have had support from their family and friends .
It is no problem or sign of weakness to ask for help but surely a sign of strength . Networking , mastermind groups , and so on all help. That Goal should be stretching not impossible but hard . (Unlike the current Arsenal manager – second is good enough !)
When it is obvious that the goals cannot be reached, don't adjust the goals, adjust the action steps. ~ Confucius
Special Offers for April – not sure what coaching is all about – try a short session for free , that’s nothing !
Groucho Marx
Get those goals right , set them properly using whichever acronym you want , SMART,SECURE,GROW or whatever and find you motivation will grow . Will it survive your first blow , or your second or third ? Maybe if you’re strong you will get through this on your own , but the most successful people have had support from their family and friends .
It is no problem or sign of weakness to ask for help but surely a sign of strength . Networking , mastermind groups , and so on all help. That Goal should be stretching not impossible but hard . (Unlike the current Arsenal manager – second is good enough !)
When it is obvious that the goals cannot be reached, don't adjust the goals, adjust the action steps. ~ Confucius
Special Offers for April – not sure what coaching is all about – try a short session for free , that’s nothing !
Saturday, 26 March 2011
Networking and learning
First the plug –
I am presenting - “Strawberries, Fish and the Power of Four” at Shay Networking in Halifax Thursday 7th April 2011 8.30am - 10.30am . There will be some participation involved and hopefully attendees will learn something.
I have done lots of networking lately. The amount of people who do not follow up is surprising. Mark at Simply Networking always says that it is about making relationships and he’s right. To give someone work or leads you need to know them and trust them.
What have I learnt lately ? Well apart from Arsenal’s ability to bottle it at any given opportunity , I have learnt that we should all dwell on the positive and if we need help ask for it . It’s not a weakness to seek help , it’s a strength .
When it is obvious that the goals cannot be reached, don't adjust the goals, adjust the action steps. ~ Confucius
Thanks and finally , my 13 year old daughter is doing a mile swim for Marie Curie and has a page http://www.justgiving.com/Annie-Clarke13 if you’re feeling generous .
Paul
0787617344
I am presenting - “Strawberries, Fish and the Power of Four” at Shay Networking in Halifax Thursday 7th April 2011 8.30am - 10.30am . There will be some participation involved and hopefully attendees will learn something.
I have done lots of networking lately. The amount of people who do not follow up is surprising. Mark at Simply Networking always says that it is about making relationships and he’s right. To give someone work or leads you need to know them and trust them.
What have I learnt lately ? Well apart from Arsenal’s ability to bottle it at any given opportunity , I have learnt that we should all dwell on the positive and if we need help ask for it . It’s not a weakness to seek help , it’s a strength .
When it is obvious that the goals cannot be reached, don't adjust the goals, adjust the action steps. ~ Confucius
Thanks and finally , my 13 year old daughter is doing a mile swim for Marie Curie and has a page http://www.justgiving.com/Annie-Clarke13 if you’re feeling generous .
Paul
0787617344
Tuesday, 22 March 2011
Change
The Truth About Change
So here's the situation: Millions of people are afraid to go after what they want because it would force them to stretch their comfort zones. To put themselves at ease and avoid taking the risk, they fool themselves into believing everything will all work out 'someday.' And the reason so many people believe it will all work out in the future is because of another seductive trap.
They may be afraid to go for it right now, but this 'someday' they talk about is completely free of fear and worry. In other words, they've convinced themselves that a time will come when they won't be afraid to go after their goals. Have you done this? Have you convinced yourself that the right feeling will hit you and you'll live the life you've always wanted to live? Chances are good that you have, and that's why I have to kill the myth with the truth...
You will always, always, always feel out of your comfort zone when it comes to changing and improving your life, and that 'special' time when everything falls into place will never come.
Successful people aren't lucky enough to be free of fear and worry; they move forward in spite of it. And this brings us to the main message I want you to take away from this blog.
What's The Answer?
The time to do the things you've always wanted to do is right here, right now. This isn't a practice run where you'll get to rewind the clock when you're ready to go for it. This is the real thing.
Paul Clarke
07876173444
So here's the situation: Millions of people are afraid to go after what they want because it would force them to stretch their comfort zones. To put themselves at ease and avoid taking the risk, they fool themselves into believing everything will all work out 'someday.' And the reason so many people believe it will all work out in the future is because of another seductive trap.
They may be afraid to go for it right now, but this 'someday' they talk about is completely free of fear and worry. In other words, they've convinced themselves that a time will come when they won't be afraid to go after their goals. Have you done this? Have you convinced yourself that the right feeling will hit you and you'll live the life you've always wanted to live? Chances are good that you have, and that's why I have to kill the myth with the truth...
You will always, always, always feel out of your comfort zone when it comes to changing and improving your life, and that 'special' time when everything falls into place will never come.
Successful people aren't lucky enough to be free of fear and worry; they move forward in spite of it. And this brings us to the main message I want you to take away from this blog.
What's The Answer?
The time to do the things you've always wanted to do is right here, right now. This isn't a practice run where you'll get to rewind the clock when you're ready to go for it. This is the real thing.
Paul Clarke
07876173444
Wednesday, 16 March 2011
What do People Buy?
One of the stock answers to this is – People Buy People – well let me tell they don’t. Firstly it’s illegal, and second people just don’t. So I hear you say, what do they buy? People buy the benefit, what’s in it for me – wiifm. Much cleverer people than me will tell you why some people buy Skoda’s and some buy SEAT and so on, but the fact is people buy benefits.
Features remain, benefits change. For example how many uses (benefits) has rope got or nylon and so on. The key is to find out what benefits if any your prospect or customer sees in your product or service and then you know what they are going to buy.
I will be presenting more nuggets next month at Halifax Town, details will follow.
www.bostonclarke.co.uk
@bostonc on twitter as well as Facebook and LinkedIn
Thanks Paul
Features remain, benefits change. For example how many uses (benefits) has rope got or nylon and so on. The key is to find out what benefits if any your prospect or customer sees in your product or service and then you know what they are going to buy.
I will be presenting more nuggets next month at Halifax Town, details will follow.
www.bostonclarke.co.uk
@bostonc on twitter as well as Facebook and LinkedIn
Thanks Paul
Thursday, 3 March 2011
The Right State
The Right State
Not a right state. One way to this amongst many is to know what you are trying to achieve and know what that means, looks like, feels like and even sounds like.
If for example you are trying to make appointments on the phone, know what that process is, what success is and how it is going to be achieved. Hopefully this means that in a difficult situation, you can approach it knowing what the positive outcome is, and how you are going to achieve it.
Equally networking, same principle – what do you want to achieve, how are you going to achieve it and what does success look like.
To help you get success in these and other sales situations give me a ring – 07876173444
Paul
Not a right state. One way to this amongst many is to know what you are trying to achieve and know what that means, looks like, feels like and even sounds like.
If for example you are trying to make appointments on the phone, know what that process is, what success is and how it is going to be achieved. Hopefully this means that in a difficult situation, you can approach it knowing what the positive outcome is, and how you are going to achieve it.
Equally networking, same principle – what do you want to achieve, how are you going to achieve it and what does success look like.
To help you get success in these and other sales situations give me a ring – 07876173444
Paul
Sunday, 27 February 2011
SAS and sales
Quick thought for a Sunday evening when Arsenal let again lose a vital match due to cock ups , I have finally stopped kicking the cat .
What has the SAS got to do with sales , apart from Who Dares Wins , Rodney ? Well a while ago I came across an acronym - SOS and was reminded of it today by the way I felt when Arsenal yet again cocked it up . I was in no state to talk to a client or a prospect . State being the first S in SOS and possibly the most important .
So why the SAS - not another acronym , no not that . The SAS when behind enemy lines attempt to leave no trace of their presence so they can't be tracked and part of this is a bag in which every possible trace , and I mean every possible trace , is put . It is known as a sh"* bag , for obvious reasons . The reason that this is important is that when in a sales situation you should put your negativity , your irrelevant thoughts and anything else that will lose you’re the sale in a virtual sh*$ bag and throw it away , a long way away .
Thanks have a great week
Paul
What has the SAS got to do with sales , apart from Who Dares Wins , Rodney ? Well a while ago I came across an acronym - SOS and was reminded of it today by the way I felt when Arsenal yet again cocked it up . I was in no state to talk to a client or a prospect . State being the first S in SOS and possibly the most important .
So why the SAS - not another acronym , no not that . The SAS when behind enemy lines attempt to leave no trace of their presence so they can't be tracked and part of this is a bag in which every possible trace , and I mean every possible trace , is put . It is known as a sh"* bag , for obvious reasons . The reason that this is important is that when in a sales situation you should put your negativity , your irrelevant thoughts and anything else that will lose you’re the sale in a virtual sh*$ bag and throw it away , a long way away .
Thanks have a great week
Paul
Wednesday, 23 February 2011
A Simple Invitation
I invite you to take a different perspective, yours, and to be the very best that you already are.
Imagine if you simply could not fail:
What would you do?
You would do anything.
Where would you go?
You would go anywhere
Who would you be?
You would be free, at last to be you.
You have enough , You are enough , Just as you are !
Be successful,just by being yourself.
Imagine if you simply could not fail:
What would you do?
You would do anything.
Where would you go?
You would go anywhere
Who would you be?
You would be free, at last to be you.
You have enough , You are enough , Just as you are !
Be successful,just by being yourself.
Tuesday, 15 February 2011
Old School New School
Lots of stuff about at the moment about Social Media. Lots of Gurus – (As Francis Wheen says, 'guru' is a useful word for people who can't spell 'charlatan'.) The fact remains that Twitter and so on are still part of the marketing mix for some people. The message still remains, that, as I see it marketing is still getting the right message, in front of the right people, at the right time. Mind you if social media is something you are interested in and want to find out how it should work, I can aim you, at a company who do know how it works.
There is frenzy about twitter and so at the moment. I think it is because of the film canister or the telex machine moment. Older more mature people remember telex machine s, even before fax, and 35mm film. My daughters’ dinner money used to be carried into school in a film canister, not any more. The King of hair, or the queen of hissy fits, Elton John is bemoaning downloads and the lack of albums covers.
In short, some things remain, but most things change all the time.
Paul
PS – check out http://www.leedsbusinessnetworking.co.uk/
Friday, 21 January 2011
Customer Service
Very interesting topic brought to everyone’s notice this week by Mary Portas on C4 .The discussions on the radio were revealing ,some saying that they quite liked not being noticed and didn’t want to be followed in shops by attentive staff. Others in the discussion said that the pay back on the training investment wasn’t worth it and customers get what they deserve.
The heroine, Mary, of course is all in favour of better customer service and so am I. So why do we get such bad service in some shops and businesses? Is it lack of training, possibly, but I am more inclined to say that the permission to give bad service comes from the top. I should say at this point in the ramble that I am looking at people acknowledging me and being pleasant and helpful; not looking for the silver service offered by Michel Roux. That is quite a different level and definitely needs serious training.
This very morning (rant warning) I was snubbed in a local supermarket by the store manager himself, who was more interested in the display than my question. So there you have it – bad service comes from the top!
Well that’s my view and the view of my coaching. Get the top right and the rest follows
Rant over
Paul
07876173444
The heroine, Mary, of course is all in favour of better customer service and so am I. So why do we get such bad service in some shops and businesses? Is it lack of training, possibly, but I am more inclined to say that the permission to give bad service comes from the top. I should say at this point in the ramble that I am looking at people acknowledging me and being pleasant and helpful; not looking for the silver service offered by Michel Roux. That is quite a different level and definitely needs serious training.
This very morning (rant warning) I was snubbed in a local supermarket by the store manager himself, who was more interested in the display than my question. So there you have it – bad service comes from the top!
Well that’s my view and the view of my coaching. Get the top right and the rest follows
Rant over
Paul
07876173444
Wednesday, 12 January 2011
Happy New Year
Happy New Year
Goals and doing more with less.
Happy New Year, a little late but there you are. It is today the 12th of January, which means we are half way to the end of most people New Year’s resolutions. Have you even set goals for your business this year?
You Have? How are they going well I hope? If the goals are important and let’s hope they were, they are worth hanging on to. If not it’s not too late in fact it’s never too late to think about the future and where you want to be.
Goals are useful for working out how well things are going and also vital to coaches like me (you knew it was coming) to help up performance, or to more with less.
So if 2010 was good for you, do you know how to repeat it in 2011 (call a May election according to some rumours)? If not why not?
If 2010 wasn’t too cracking, what are you, yes you, going to change in 2011?
Need Help – 0787617344
Paul
PS speaking at LBN on Friday - http://www.leedsbusinessnetworking.co.uk/ for details
Goals and doing more with less.
Happy New Year, a little late but there you are. It is today the 12th of January, which means we are half way to the end of most people New Year’s resolutions. Have you even set goals for your business this year?
You Have? How are they going well I hope? If the goals are important and let’s hope they were, they are worth hanging on to. If not it’s not too late in fact it’s never too late to think about the future and where you want to be.
Goals are useful for working out how well things are going and also vital to coaches like me (you knew it was coming) to help up performance, or to more with less.
So if 2010 was good for you, do you know how to repeat it in 2011 (call a May election according to some rumours)? If not why not?
If 2010 wasn’t too cracking, what are you, yes you, going to change in 2011?
Need Help – 0787617344
Paul
PS speaking at LBN on Friday - http://www.leedsbusinessnetworking.co.uk/ for details
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