The “N” Word
You have done all the work, had a many a sleepless night, times are a little tough, you have given the presentation of your life, you really need this deal and the next word that comes out of the potential customers mouth starts with…N. Yep the N word is tough. So what is the N word? NO
We can hear lots of words that can send shivers up our spine but the NO word has a way of ruining your day, especially if what you need your family, your staff, your investors, suppliers in fact all links in the food chained to hear the word yes.
I don’t really think it’s a word that just gets to us when we have our own business, I don’t think anybody really enjoys hearing the word NO. The thing about NO is that its associated with a lot of pain and suffering from the “Get GO” of life and usually hearing that word meant we were about to lose a chance at not having fun.
As a toddler you would always be reaching for something that was great fun to play with but Mum thought otherwise, and quickly Mum would come out with that NO word. As teenagers when offered the chance to go to some sensational party at the house of the person your Parents always warned you about, NO would quickly change your mood to, “You have no idea how embarrassed I am” NO doesn’t sit well when told the lawn needs mowing rather than sitting with your mates having a beer screaming at the weekends footy match.
So you see “NO” is a word we are conditioned with over the years to associate with, “NO” more fun. So of course when you hear NO as a big grown up its going to have the same effect, the only difference is you not going to kick and scream throw soft toys around a Clients office, slam the door on your way and threaten to “Never speak to you again”
Yes are all grown up now, so we have to treat the word NO with a little bit more professionalism? So what is my feeling about the word NO.? We’ll let me say three things.
1. Get used to it, not afraid of it.
2. Every person has the right to use two words, Yes and NO.
3. Have an attitude of they may not be saying NO to everything you are presenting.
Think back in time to the moments NO had such an impact on you, I am sure that in a lot of cases with a little bit of negotiating you could get to play with another toy that could do you any harm. That party? Unless it offered the chance of absolute mayhem with a little give and take, agreeing on some terms and conditions often you would get to go. As for the Lawns? I can bet you did them on a Sunday nursing a hangover and a grin from watching your team win the game.
Making a bid, doing a presentation, offering your service in an essence have the same criteria as stuff we were asking permission do when we were kids, and just as it was back then NO can be the first word that will pop out of the parent sorry customers mouth. The secret? Just like back in the day if you really wanted to play with that toy, if you really wanted to go to that party and if the game was a matter of life and death? You had a plan B for that first NO.
So, when the old N word comes along, think of how many times over the years you have turned that into a YES and enjoy the negotiation and if it doesn’t work out? Hey at least you don’t have to go to your room without dinner and you want be banned from playing Xbox! One thing for sure, even though today may have a disappointment, New chances? Like the sun will shine the next day.
Enjoy the day and remember to get Socially Mobile if you need help Give the Camel a call.
Avoid the dark side, Respect Yourself
Respect is earned, Honesty is appreciated, trust is gained Loyalty is returned. Awesome quote don’t know who wrote it, but a lot of great lessons can come out of it, if you can avoid the dark side.
What do I mean by the Dark side? Falling for age old traps, well New Age traps.
Back in the day? Respect, Honesty, Trust and Loyalty were cornerstones of a business opening up on the corner of a street. Yep, people would hang out the “Shingle” with words like, ‘Honest Dealer” and actually mean it, and customers? Well they would grow a beard, walk across the street if they took their business elsewhere for no reason.
The new age? Wow totally changed. Online shops, Drop shipments mean that anybody can set up a shingle in their living room. Customer’s loyalty? Well with Google giving us a zillion options in that search for a new widget thingy to fix that whatever, or a myriad of options to buy that new outfit customer loyalty is almost slipping away with Blue whales so soon its to be a thing of the past.
I am however a huge optimist and I believe that light is still shining throughout the tunnel not just at the end of it.
I truly believe that Respect can still be garnered, people look for honesty, trust can be built and Customer Loyalty? Is 100% Possible. Am I dreaming? Well if we look at Apple as an example, I’m right on the money.
Yes, Apple is the same price all over the world, Apple stores are full daily of happy and loyal customers, and lines still form despite the Android onslaught when a new product is released and Apple? Still costs more than its competitors.
The Apple product has respect, consumers trust it and they are loyal to each and every update.
We have not seen Apple react and offer bargain basement IPhones, you don’t see the “Sale” sign being placed over there shingle, they have avoided the dark side as they respect themselves.
It’s not just Apple, I could roll off a list of “Shingles” that have kept the faith. Mercedes, Harley Davidson, Ducati, Rolex all have kept the faith and maintained Brand Loyalty and stayed very profitable.
Yes I know your most likely thinking but hello, they are huge massive Corporations and have the big bucks to make that happen, but let me remind you, they avoided the temptation of the dark side and by the way?
They all started in a garage.
Enjoy the day and remember to get Socially Mobile. Give the Camel an “Oi” today.
You will Never Walk Alone
You will Never Walk Alone
Small Business start up’s, are a tough gig for all of us, a lot of blood sweat and tears and let’s not forget to mention its usually our hard earned savings making all things happen. It can be tough for all these reasons but the toughest part can be loneliness.
Loneliness is a terrible problem in any person’s everyday life but for those involved in “Building their Dream” it can get a little lonely out there.
Yes we have family and friends talking to us, giving us the old, “You can do it” pep talk over a coffee but I have found when the chips are down, when things get a little tough the old dark cloud of, “Oops” can be a place where few come running with Umbrellas!
Why do they avoid us at these times? Well I have found it’s not because they don’t care, it’s not because they don’t want you to succeed it’s usually because they have no idea how to help you. They are most likely working 9-5 get a weekly pay check; they may not have that crazy entrepreneurial spirit so they can’t get how people get into this “Self Employed Mess” so those moments when you’re Walking Alone? Are because your immediate circle of support just might not get it, but they still love you.
So what are the “Walking Alone” moments? Well usually it’s when money starts to tighten up, orders are not coming in, customers like your ideas but, “Not ready yet” They can be moments when you need extra help, talent and people with abilities but you don’t have the funds and you have to become an, “Expert” via Google or You Tube yourself.
The hours can get longer, the wrinkles of your forehead bigger, your hair thinner and your motivation? Lesser. Two things you can do at this point, you can either give up or giddy up.
Me? I like to ride so let’s giddy up.
You will never walk alone during these “Oops” moments you will think that’s impossible but I’m here to tell you it’s not, many are willing and able to help your life above the dark clouds are get you ready to fly with the eagles rather than swimming with the Sharks!
Rotary, Small Business Associations, Men’s and Women’s Business Groups, Mobile Monday’s, Toastmasters, Linked In groups, Face Book groups all have been built by people over the years who no longer wanted to walk alone. Just like you they had an, “Oops” moment where they need a little lift, so they reached out found likeminded people and started groups to make sure that others have no need to walk alone.
Once a day, a week, a month there is a group of people out there or online ready, willing and able to fill up you dance card and waltz you away to feeling you can do it, moreover so many ideas will be available for you to dance even harder with your business than you have before.
So today’s advice? When things get tough, get on the phone the net and find the local chapter of any of these Groups and Start Dancing!
Enjoy the day and remember to get Socially Mobile.
First Loss Best Gain
With that Title you may think that I’m going to talk about financial loss? Well to those in the world with a “Bean Counter” mentality time is money so if you implement what I’m recommending? Yes my Blog today will cost you money, but the potential return is huge so maybe we can call it an Investment!
Keeping existing customers is far cheaper than finding new ones and testimonials are the most cost effective advertising you can get, and the best way I have found to get both of those actions happening? Do something for free.
Now at this point accountants reading this are heading for the hills and Investors and clambering at the door to get their money back but let me just say tell them to chill and pop a pill as the returns shall soon appear.
So what am I suggesting to do for no money? Give products away, work for free, clean your customer’s house, and wash their car? No, none of that, what I’m suggesting you give a way for free is “Service”
I’m not saying make your whole customer service or technical support a department of the Salvation Army! What I am suggesting is that on occasions maybe you should just give free advice, a smile and the big one..A Follow up.
Yes that’s the biggie folks, the game changer, “Follow-Up” is a concept that is normally used to close a deal, give a gentle nudge that your invoice has not been paid. Implement a “We Care” Follow-Up System driven by phrases such as, “Is everything OK, Is it working Properly now” will get you more mileage, smiles and testimonials than any best price deal you can put together.
Now I’m not talking about the, “Was Everything ok, can you pay the check now” follow-up you get at the local diner, I’m talking about real genuine no reason but want to check your all ok now follow-up. Totally out of the blue phone call just to check on “The Customer”
When you do this? I can guarantee you a moment of silence and shock and awe will precede the, “Well thank you” statement. Now for the, “Doom and Gloomers” who think, “What if they are still not happy” Well that excites me as well as I get another chance and making them happy, another chance to spread good cheer, another chance at securing a happy customer and not another chance at making cold call!
So, yes you will spend time and that does cost money but in this case? That loss can be a huge gain.
Enjoy the day and remember to get Socially Mobile.
Good News is Marketable News
Marketing? I don’t have the money for that. Small business start-up Have you heard that? Maybe you have said that, I will come clean I have done both. But as the preacher screams from the Pulpit on a Sunday, “I have seeeeen the light”.
Yes, advertising and marketing are things that a small start-up business must and needs to do but as you have most likely mortgaged the farm, borrowed from all the kids piggy banks to get your dream going? The funds to do it are not always there so today I want to share with you some of the cost effective solutions I and others have used to get our name out there.
First up? Make this your daily mantra, “Good News is Marketable News” so be excited to get it out there. Use all available cost effective (FREE) ways and means to spread the gospel of your business.
If you get a great customer compliment get permission to brag about it on your Face Book and Twitter pages, tell the Customer you will share the good news and share their page as well so it’s a win/win.
Start a blog, and I know you might scream, “Hello” I’m not a writer and I can’t spell, well guess what neither can I and you can throw even the guru Sir Richard Branson in that mix of fellow Dyslexics.
Get you blog going on what you know and that’s your business, remember you started it because you have some talent that is marketable? So start writing about the same. Share stories, pictures, good news even jokes about your business. You don’t need to write War and Peace, even 200 words will cut it, just make it “Readable and Enjoyable” and I’m telling it’s the second one, “Enjoyable” that’s important. People don’t buy things from you because you are the former High School Spelling Champion!
Need some Press? Guess what you can write your own. http://www.prlog.org/ PR Log is a free PR Distribution service, so click on that link and create yourself an account and start sharing the good news about yourself and your business. Again, you don’t have to be Clark Kent or Lois Lane and write like the Daily Planet! Just keep it simple and honest and informative, the most important thing? Is to get the news about you and your business out there.
If you have a Mobile Web Site (From the Camel of course) then you can start posting, reviews, coupons, special offers and for the price of an SMS? Blast those specials all that good news to all your customers that have a mobile phone.
If you have a bit of Steven Spielberg in your DNA? You can even do a You Tube Channel but we will cover that one in another blog.
You can see there is so much you can do to get that Good News starting to travel, Marketing is the greatest buzz fun job of any business as people love good news. There is no need for you to be a genius just be honest. Finally, remember it’s all free, which means? No need to have a Bill Gates Bank account and you can give the kids the piggy bank back!
Enjoy the day and remember to get Socially Mobile.
The greatest Danger for Small Business? DIY
Red Tape, Health Insurance, Taxes, these are some of things listed as threats to the survival and growth of a Small Business Start Up well that’s what I read when I Googled the subject.
I thought about it for a few minutes as I have started a few small business in my time, consulted to many and most of my customers with Mobile Web sites are small business so I thought “Yep” I should be able to think of a few Danger Zones and write about them. After thinking for a while longer over a scrumptious morning coffee I came to an interesting conclusion.
Yes, the items listed by the Business Brain trusts in copious amounts of articles found in Google are right. Red Tape and Taxes etc. can be a killer but I think there is a real sneaker in the small business closet that does more harm to the future of Small Business Pty Ltd than anything else and that is? DIY the pseudonym of Do It Yourself.
Yes DIY Accounting, Marketing, Sales, Design, Websites, Human Resources, some of the things that are needed in Small Business for success but we might not have the funds to pay for? Can in the end be the end of our small business.
Yes I have seen Websites for Hairdressers that look like they have been created by motor mechanics, brochures with more spelling mistakes than a kindergarten kid, bookkeeping that blokes are in Jail for and the Unfair Dismissal Tribunal has a long waiting list!
Now you may at this stage be throwing your hands in the air spilling the morning Nescafe all over the floor and screaming, “I know but I can’t afford professionals”
Well I know, I have been there and I get it, but again in this wonderful world we live in, Google and the Internet Can save us. Yes not only can Google be the Provider of all sorts of Information on why we fail, it can also be the saviour with information and instruction on how we cannot fail. Moreover if you throw in its cousin, YouTube? Wow you can even watch Videos on how things can be done.
Now you may be thinking this Google and YouTube advice goes against the grain of this whole blog? Well if you follow experts and watch them it’s a cut above DIY and it’s a lot better than opening the box and not following instructions like so many people often do.
Other things that can help? Friends and Family with the assets, talent and experience you need and have no shame in asking for a lifeline. Remember if you have a service or product? Bartering has been around since Adam was waiting for the apple to ripen! So offer a haircut or a Car Service as swap for that bit of advice or help.
The internet has also made the world smaller and now you have young fresh University graduates all over the world sitting and waiting at the Kitchen table in far way lands praying for work to do, and it can be a lot cheaper than what you have locally. Odesk, Freelancer are services than can hook you up with the talent you don’t have but need at a fraction of the cost you might normally pay.
So my fellow Small Business Owner, fear not and smile as you refill that coffee cup as there is a light at the end of a sometimes dark tunnel, so scream “High Ho Silver” fire up the Internet and start to find OTHERS to do things for you.
Enjoy the day and remember to get Socially Mobile.
Straw that Broke the Camel’s Back
Many people ask me how did we come up with the name Camel and Straw for a business. Well it’s pretty simple, if you do a Google search on the term, “Camel and Straw” you will get this: “Last Straw, The Straw the broke the Camel’s back” followed by a bunch of stories behind the quote screamed by many which is, “That’s it, that’s the straw that has broken the camel’s back”
I know this to be true as that’s the quote I also yelled out when I had one too many “Broken Back” business moments. That was the moment I decided to start something new and I decided that having the name “Camel and Straw” would be a constant reminder I would never let my back be broken again.
Ok, preamble and explanation over with let me get to today’s point.
IF your involved business you will most likely have had a “Camel and Straw Moment” they are not nice, can be soul destroying let alone bank balance destroying and it can be hard to lift back up from Broken Back Business, but I’m here to tell you, YOU CAN.
“Easy for Him” you might be saying, well think about those people in Business you read about every day, you admire and whilst your opening the door to your humble little small business you mumble I wish I was like them.
Yep, people like Richard Branson, Bill Gates, Steve Jobs (RIP) those people that earn enough to buy a new Ferrari every hour of their lives, fly private jets (Except Steve Jobs he has Angel Wings so no need to Drive) all of them and thousands like them didn’t just walk into work one day and yell “Sim Salabim” and they were an instant success. Each one of them had a Broken Back Business moment, each one of them had what they thought was the “Last Straw”
You maybe saying right now, “But those guys are smarter than me, that’s why they can keep going”
Wrong, most self-made millionaires possess average intelligence. What sets them apart is their openness to new knowledge and their willingness to learn whatever it takes to succeed.
You now might be saying, “Yes but they had the money to learn, to buy stuff to make the business work” Well guess what? A new and free University opened a few years ago, it’s called the “Internet”. You can Google your way to the answers to almost any question you may have that will throw a bandage on that damaged back, and you can have another go at getting the keys to that Ferrari!
Embrace the moment, never stop asking questions and most importantly never give up and one day? You never know a small business guy seeking a bandage to ease the back pain, may Google for help, and not Richard, Bill or Steve may come up, your name might be the answer.
Enjoy the day and remember to get Socially Mobile.
Happy Little Vegemites
Vegemite? Yes it’s an Australian spread that as children we grew to love. Its black it taste bitter and I think you have to be an Aussie to enjoy it as very few from other Countries do, but we love it.
We love it that much that a phrase was invented to describe a mode of Happiness, “Happy Little Vegemite’s” Yes, when people would ask you how things going, how’s the mood of the team, how are your customers? You could simply exclaim, “They are happy little Vegemite’s” and all would right with the world no more questions would be asked.
I thought about this phrase when I read a quote from one of the legends in today’s Management world, Sir Richard Branson of Virgin fame. He said, “Happiness is the secret Ingredient for successful business. If you have a happy company it will be invincible” Wow.
I thought about it, I agree with it but I then wondered, how many Businesses today really think that way? Do they all have that feeling written into the Business Plan, part of the Company mission statement? Is it part of the ten commandments of good governance? Possibly not.
Would a “Happiness” culture be so bad as a primary objective of a Company? Well staff turnover would be down as everybody would want to stay; sick days would be less as people would want to come to work. Would it change our customer’s attitude? Think you will find complaints less and loyalty more so revenues would increase and the advertising budget might be less as your customers will become your salespeople.
So maybe just maybe as you’re driving into the office, shop or factory today? You might consider putting, “Happiness” on the agenda of that morning meeting, and create a crew of, “Happy Little Vegemites”
From the Camel, have an awesome day and remember to get Socially Mobile.
Camel and Straw Media 
You must be logged in to post a comment.