Why Christmas Is Like Work
December 25, 2007
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Merry Christmas everybody.
Don’t you think Christmas is like work in many ways? You have deadlines to meet to prepare everything - just like you do at work. And the run up to Christmas can be hectic and stressful - just like work. In fact, I often find work much less stressful.
Usually, you can plan ahead for Christmas, just like you would do with work. The trouble is - unexpected interruptions will also interfere with your plans.
We often have visitors call in unexpectedly on Christmas Eve. And whilst it can be a nuisance when you have so much to do, you don’t want to upset friends and family at Christmas.
But, work is different. And you want to avoid having your plans interrupted as much as possible, or you’ll never get all the important things done.
Tomorrow I’ll share some tips for preventing interruptions at work. And until then - have a great Christmas.
Is Technology Giving You a Headache?
December 23, 2007
Like most of you, I appreciate the Internet and all the technology we have available right now. But sometimes, it can be a real headache.
I’ve been struggling to get time to read my favourite blogs recently, so on the advice of Mike at Exit 78 I subscribed to Google Feedreader.
Well, it was great - until I tried to log in to my own blog. And I couldn’t get in. I tried everything. Then as soon as I logged out of Google Feedreader, I got back in.
Why does technology have to clash so much?
And then there is the matter of safety. Of course, there’s a lot of technology which enables you to monitor what your children are doing on the Internet. But, now there’s lots of social networking sites that make it difficult to know what your kids are doing at all.
My two joined Bebo recently. So like any other responsible parent, I thought I would register and check that they are playing safe. Then I discovered that I’m not allowed to view their profiles unless they invite me.
Now I appreciate that this probably protects them from all kinds of weirdos. But, it doesn’t give much reassurance to parents who want to make sure that their kids really are safe from all the wacko’s of the day.
And whilst these virtual communities and worlds are great for socialising, how do your kids really know who they’re socialising with?
Before Bebo, they were really into Runescape. And I have to say that this was the Internet equivalent of sending them backpacking in Afghanistan.
My husband monitored some of my daughters conversations on there. And it soon became apparent through the dialogue used that several of the people she was talking to were adults posing as children.
Surely there must be a way we can allow our children to enjoy the internet, whilst keeping these sicko’s away from them at the same time. Will anyone come up with a solution?
Which sites and gadgets are giving you a headache? What would you do to improve them? Please share your thoughts in the comments section.
6 Ways to Propel Your Business to Cult Status
December 22, 2007
Few businesses reach cult status. But those that do certainly reap the rewards because they’re always extremely busy and have a huge following of loyal repeat customers.
Wouldn’t you like to create a business like that? Wouldn’t we all? Well, I’ve taken an in depth look at three such business to see what they’re doing that you can do to. The businesses are: Sharrow Bay Country House Hotel, Virgin Atlantic and Salt Kettle House.
Here are a few of the things that really stand out about these businesses:
The Owners Are As Famous As The Businesses Itself.
Unlike many businesses, it is rare to read an article or press release on any of these businesses without mention of the owners. Richard Branson is heavily involved in the marketing of Virgin Atlantic.
It was a rare evening when Francis Coulson and Brian Sack weren’t around at dinner to greet guests, and even though they’re both dead now, they still have a presence in the hotel and pictures of them both grace the walls of Sharrowbay.
Nobody can make a reservation at Salt Kettle House without first being put through to Hazel Lowe. She also greets guest upon arrival, makes restaurant recommendations and will even run them down to the local supermarket to buy snacks if need be.
None of the business owners are conventional types.
The owners of these types of business are never your typical conventional suited bores who are so common in many large and small companies. In fact, many of them border on eccentric - in a very nice way.
They All Attract a Niche Group of Customers
They don’t try to please everyone. People will either love them, or hate them. For example, those expecting a typical five star London hotel atmosphere will not be happy at Sharrow Bay. You only need to check out the Trip Advisor reviews to see there is no happy medium - people will either love it or hate it. Personally, I could live there. But, my mother claims the place gives here the creeps.
Likewise, Virgin Atlantic promotes itself as a fun airline. It appeals more to rock star types than stuffy business people. And they deliberately don’t have a first class section of the plane - only three categories, Economy, Premium Economy and Upper Class.
And folks who are only happy in a luxury hotel with 24 hour room service and spa will not enjoy Salt Kettle House, with it’s quaint rooms and pet cats and ducks that roam the gardens.
Their Owners Have All Overcame Huge Setbacks
Richard Branson struggled to raise capital in the early days and not all his businesses have been a success. And the Bermuda government closed Salt Kettle House down in it’s first year. It was extremely run down when Hazel first moved in and a lot of work needed to be done before it reached Bermuda’s acceptable standards.
Similarly Francis Coulson had to get his father to be a guarantor on a loan to buy the derelict Sharrow Bay. In the early days, Francis relied on friends to work for free in return for board and lodgings. In fact, one of the first things he asked his partner Brian Sack was, “Have You Got Any Money?”
None of Them Have Rested On Their Laurels
Many business owners have little to do with their businesses once they become profitable and this can be a huge mistake. Richard Branson recognises the need to continue to promote his brand and is always at the forefront of crazy publicity stunts.
Francis and Brian realised that their presence was just as important to many guests at Sharrow Bay as the views and fine dining experience. So they always made sure they were around each evening. And Hazel Lowe always ensures she is their to greet guests personally.
They All Treat Their Customers As Guests
Being treated as a guest, as opposed to anonymous customer is extremely important in all these businesses. For example - when staying at Sharrow Bay, they don’t bring you a bill when you order a meal or drink. And they don’t have a reception area either. You simply go to the old fashioned office to settle up before you leave.
On Virgin Atlantic, you don’t need to put your hand in your pocket for drinks or headphones. Once you’re on the plane, everything is included. In Upper Class, they even give you a pair of pyjamas.
And at Salt Kettle House, Hazel Lowe greets all guests with a glass of juice and gets out a map, to help them plan their visit.
Fair enough, all these businesses are in the hospitality industry but that doesn’t mean you can’t adopt some of their practices in your own business. Just one last thing though - they’re all well established businesses. None of the owners had an easy time in the early years, so persistence is another quality you will need to possess.
Are You Winding Down A Little Too Much?
December 20, 2007
Some bloggers appear to be winding down for the Christmas season. Admittedly, I have not posted as often as I would like due to recent illnesses etc. But some of my favourite bloggers appear to have gone in to hibernation for winter.
Are you one of the guilty few? Read on to see if you’re bad enough to make it onto my blogging wall of shame.
The baddest of the bunch has to be Carl of Typecarl. Carl is an inspirational young guy, and I’ve enjoyed following his entrepreneurial journey. In fact, I was delighted when he posted on November 14th that he is now making a living on the Internet.
But, he hasn’t posted since. Come on Carl - we want to hear from you when you’re doing well. It’s a bit like being a nurse in casualty. You get to meet the patient at their worst. But, you don’t get to find out what happens to them next - so there’s never any happy ever afters. This is pretty much how I feel about Carl’s blog.
Come on Carl – you can do better than this. You’ve been a great inspiration and we want to know what is happening to you now.
I am seriously worried about Asako Tsumagari. She is one of the smartest business bloggers on the Internet, but she disappeared completely over a month ago.
Anyone stuck for business ideas would be smart to check out her well researched, excellent business ideas at Before They Hatch.
Now, I know Asako is an extremely busy lady, but I’m sure she would post another of her fabulous business ideas before Christmas if she knew how much she was missed.
Ian Denny is wavering on the brink of disappearance. I know he’s been busy at work, but I’m beginning to wonder if he’s not spending a little too much time entertaining clients over Christmas. Ian Denny’s brilliant resource – Phoenix From The Ashes has provided some excellent advice for struggling business owners over the last few months. However, he hasn’t posted so much lately – although he did post on December 12th.
I know Ian has been extremely busy working on his business and also has a great business blog – www.multisolutions.co.uk But, he hasn’t posted since December 4th.
Come on Ian – get your finger out. It’s not like you to be stuck for words.
Meanwhile Astrit at SEO Optimisation has been talking about his need to slow down recently. But, he’s still made the time to post some excellent SEO tips and advice.
But, Astrit is struggling for time right now and he is looking for guest bloggers. If you have good SEO knowledge and would like to raise your profile in the blogosphere, give Astrit a shout.
As for the rest of you - where have you gone? Will we get to read at least one more post from you before 2007 is over?
