What Does 2008 Hold?

In short, I've no idea!

But I do know that there is great potential for all of us ... potential to succeed, potential to make mistakes, potential to learn from those mistakes, potential to improve, potential to do something we've never done before.

This year for me holds much in store as I start full-time in my own business having taken redundancy from my job last August. With so much still to do, so many unanswered questions, so many doubts and fears it would be easy to be overwhelmed by what 2008 holds in store.

BUT, there is also great excitement as I look forward. Amongst all the new, uncertain, unfamiliar paths that I will walk this year I know that in many ways, I hold the keys to my success. I don't believe in fate; I don't believe in just believing strongly enough and something will happen. I don't believe in karma. But I do believe that I can make 2008 an exciting and exhilarating year.

I wish you all success, happiness and a very happy new year.

Stuart

Change or Common Sense?

I don't know about you but I never cease to be amazed that no matter how often we ignore common-sense for the latest ideas, tools and strategies, we always seem to come back to the same starting point ... 'We are human beings who like to be respected for our views, intellectual faculties and the ability to make adult decisions.'

I've received some really great materials recently form a range of different disciplines ... marketing, education, sales etc, and do you know the latest ground-breaking, stellar secrets they're all telling me? 'Human beings like to be treated with respect and as human beings.'

I'll say that again, 'Human beings like to be treated with respect and as human beings.'

AMAZING! How simple is that?

So, I take heart that my convictions for ethical business are seen as important by others. It's not what we sell, or to whom ... but probably more to do with how we sell it.

Put yourself in your customers' shoes and ask yourself, "Would I buy this product from you and if so, why?" If you honestly can't answer both of those questions then perhaps we need to revisit the drawing board and re-think our approach. Until next time ...