I’d like to introduce you to a friend and fan of ours! This proprietor is wise, interested in learning, and often sends follow-up to our newsletters and training. It is my intent to begin to share some of his wise advice so I think it is appropriate to introduce you to:
“Adwiser – The Proprietor”
This week’s note from our friend Adwiser was very timely. I think the beginning of the year is a perfect time to revisit your plan, your vision, and the mission of how to accomplish all that you want to accomplish in the New Year! As an entrepreneur it’s so easy to get distracted from the mission at hand as you chase every shiny ball that bounces your way. Even if you don’t own the business I would suggest that you own your part of the business and that distractions can be the order of the day.
When it comes to sales, it’s very easy to move off the direct selling path on to marketing. Marketing is about materials and getting the word out about what’s going on in your center. It is not the same as selling. The plan for sales is different or should be different than marketing. When you market no one directly tells you no. Marketing is an indirect act of selling. Sales require you to directly ask buyers to purchase your stuff.
Having a solid plan for the business or your part of the business is your key to success. Stay focused. You’ll know if you are winning or not and then and only then do you change course. My friend Adwiser gives a few simple rules below as to how to stay the course:
A. Affirmation’s
- STICK TO WHAT YOU DO BEST.
- Have ONE field and the harvest will sustain you. Have MANY fields and you may get consumed by insects and Eat Dirt. (Could Adwiser be a farmer?)
- Perfect and improve YOUR skills every day. (Practice and learn everyday)
B. Criteria for Decision Making
1. WRITE UP A CRITERIA (have one)
- Have you thought about how you make decisions?
- Do you know what it takes for you to say yes?
- Are there deal breakers for you with regard to decision making?
2. As with all worthwhile endeavors—Learn and be strong enough to make changes in your criteria when you discover a better choice or recognize that some choices are not sound.
3. Hoping, Wishing, and Crossing your Fingers are NOT strong CRITERIA for making decisions.
4. Strong GUT FEELINGS, INSTINCTS, and EXPERIENCE provide a better foundation and history for deciding how to best make decisions.
(When asked, a seasoned CEO’s reply about how she learned about how to have good judgment was a simple two word answer: Bad Judgment)
C. Examples of useful CRITERIA-Think of the criteria as the (IT) of the decision…
1. WILL it CONTRIBUTE to our Business Model, and strengthen our operational and financial position?
2. What will it cost in terms of alternate opportunities, cash, and other resources?
3. Will it contribute to MAKING MY LIFE BETTER? This is the ROL or Return on Life investment in time, energy, & talent.
4. Can it help me spend more time with my spouse, children, friends, and other meaningful relationships which are really the measure of our value at the end of our lives?
ADWISER
