Schedule blocks of buffers between 90 mins to 2 hrs daily.
Take coaching for example. When the company grows larger, you will have all the experiences and the best person to solve all the problems. But, there is only one you. Spend the time to coach those who stand to benefit from it most, taking time in between meetings to recharge too.
As the company expands in depths and breadths, you will require more time to think. Think about company projects, ways to innovate, address customers' needs, widen an advantage, close a competitive gap, etc.
That thinking requires uninterrupted focus, thoroughly developing and questioning assumptions, synthesizing all the data, information and knowledge that's coming at you incessantly; connecting the dots, bouncing of ideas and iterating multiple scenarios. It takes time and you are the only one who can carve the time out.If you don't take the time to think proactively, you will be reacting to the environment instead of influencing it. This results inevitably in more time wasted than strategic thinking would have to begin with.
Scheduling buffers is a good way to catch your breath. It's not sustainable to sit through meeting all day long, feeling that you are not in control of your own time.
Take the time to catch up on the latest industry news, declutter your mailbox or simply take a walk. Make time for yourself, everyday, systematically, don't leave it to chance.
Monday, April 8, 2013
Friday, March 29, 2013
The Art of Pitching
Richard Branson
One of the best things about hearing business pitches is that there is always a new idea and a new way of looking at things. I hear a huge number of pitches in a wide variety of places – we even had a pitching session while cycling in South Africa recently. But the most impressive pitches all have a few things in common. Here are five simple similarities shared by all successful pitches:
- They explain how the new business will make a difference to customers and provide a compelling alternative to competitors. This means showing a new way of doing things to shake up the market, and explaining it in short, sharp, entertaining fashion.
- They are grounded in expert knowledge of the industry. If you are going to launch anything - a new social network, a new bank, a new fashion line – you need to demonstrate a solid understanding of the market and how you can disrupt it.
- They have a realistic plan. While high concepts are fine, pitches need to illustrate how a company could work practically. This means legal, financial and operational plans. It’s tough to include details in a short presentation, but the most engaging pitches manage to combine passion with pragmatism.
- They are in it for the long haul. Nothing stays the same, and business changes faster than most things. Pitches latching on to the flavour of the month are all well and good, but they need to communicate how the business could grow sustainably and develop in the future.
- They show their strongest hand. Pitching is all about selling your idea and your business as an exciting place to be. Highlight the strengths – especially the talented people who are working on the project – and don’t be afraid to talk up your prospects.
One of the best things about hearing business pitches is that there is always a new idea and a new way of looking at things. I hear a huge number of pitches in a wide variety of places – we even had a pitching session while cycling in South Africa recently. But the most impressive pitches all have a few things in common. Here are five simple similarities shared by all successful pitches:
- They explain how the new business will make a difference to customers and provide a compelling alternative to competitors. This means showing a new way of doing things to shake up the market, and explaining it in short, sharp, entertaining fashion.
- They are grounded in expert knowledge of the industry. If you are going to launch anything - a new social network, a new bank, a new fashion line – you need to demonstrate a solid understanding of the market and how you can disrupt it.
- They have a realistic plan. While high concepts are fine, pitches need to illustrate how a company could work practically. This means legal, financial and operational plans. It’s tough to include details in a short presentation, but the most engaging pitches manage to combine passion with pragmatism.
- They are in it for the long haul. Nothing stays the same, and business changes faster than most things. Pitches latching on to the flavour of the month are all well and good, but they need to communicate how the business could grow sustainably and develop in the future.
- They show their strongest hand. Pitching is all about selling your idea and your business as an exciting place to be. Highlight the strengths – especially the talented people who are working on the project – and don’t be afraid to talk up your prospects.
Sunday, March 24, 2013
What it takes to be a charismatic networker
What it takes to be a charismatic networker
How successful you are in your career depends on whether you have access to people who are willing and able to help you. It also depends on whether they like you, trust you or believe in you because people but people first!
It's not about who you know but who knows you :)
Social Network
Your network is a key contributor to your net worth. Give attention to growing your network and building relationships with your influencers. You will never need to find a job or a business. How many of you have secure a job because of someone you know and not through formal means?
Stand up and speak for yourself
Over the past few weeks, many things have happened. I thank God all turned out well. My biggest takeaway is this - "You got to stand up for yourself and speak up."
There will always be people out there who will 'test' you and try to get as much as they can out of you, even if it is clearly unfair. You can't blame them for doing so if you don't say anything. To them, they will justify that you are ok about it.
What I did however was to courageously educate them about the rules of engagement and the importance of mutual respect. Yes, this is risky since they may just walk away (though I won't mind). But in the long run, word will travel far that when it comes to dealing with you, don't play play. He may be a nice guy but never try to take advantage of his nice-ness.
Have you had similar encounters before?
in our speaking business, the closest example will be during contractual agreements where client will try to push your price down and yet ask for a lot more. So it is our job to educate them on our value because ultimately what people pay is not price but value.
Not sure if price = value always
But any self respecting client will expect that they at least get what they pay for. A smart business person will ensure client gets more than what they are paying for
There will always be people out there who will 'test' you and try to get as much as they can out of you, even if it is clearly unfair. You can't blame them for doing so if you don't say anything. To them, they will justify that you are ok about it.
What I did however was to courageously educate them about the rules of engagement and the importance of mutual respect. Yes, this is risky since they may just walk away (though I won't mind). But in the long run, word will travel far that when it comes to dealing with you, don't play play. He may be a nice guy but never try to take advantage of his nice-ness.
Have you had similar encounters before?
in our speaking business, the closest example will be during contractual agreements where client will try to push your price down and yet ask for a lot more. So it is our job to educate them on our value because ultimately what people pay is not price but value.
Not sure if price = value always
But any self respecting client will expect that they at least get what they pay for. A smart business person will ensure client gets more than what they are paying for
Saturday, February 16, 2013
Business Ideas
2013
Tourism, Uniquely SG, specialise tours and activities, self-run
Social Platform for NUS
Self Improvement/ Development Workshop/ Life Coaching Company
Student Room Rental
Reflections:
1) Biz has to be something u r interested in or passionate about, dun do it for the sake of doing it
2) Dun b afraid to try
Maid training agency
Walk the dog coy
Importing products from overseas
To think about:
Web-based business
What kind of biz?
- F&B
- Sports
- Entertainment
Latest Trends
Core competence
Biz Contacts
Tourism, Uniquely SG, specialise tours and activities, self-run
Social Platform for NUS
Self Improvement/ Development Workshop/ Life Coaching Company
Student Room Rental
Reflections:
1) Biz has to be something u r interested in or passionate about, dun do it for the sake of doing it
2) Dun b afraid to try
Maid training agency
Walk the dog coy
Importing products from overseas
To think about:
Web-based business
What kind of biz?
- F&B
- Sports
- Entertainment
Latest Trends
Core competence
Biz Contacts
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