I attend a number of networking events each month and listen to people trying to set themselves apart from the next person. Mortgage agents tell us how they get better rates than others, web designers try to differentiate between custom websites and templates, everyone trying to make their mark. As much as they try, we know that many of them are getting their support in services from the same people that the rest of us are. There is a new cheaper printer on every corner putting out better glossy postcards than the next. The truth is that it is the building of relationships that really is giving them the work, not the so called difference. I even see people using gimmicks like wearing special ties, coming up with a perfect one minute speech and so on.

The truth is that putting out your own material to help your client base automatically puts you above the rest of your competition. Try writing a small booklet educating your customers, offering advice or creating a “How To” video that may help on some small project. It will create an image as an expert to your clients helping you keep top of mind for the large projects. Help people believe in your business by showing them you know your business and you will build a strong following for years to come.

About the Author

Bruce Outridge is a business and leadership consultant. He is the author of several business and leadership books along with other products. For more information please visit his website at www.outridge.ca

Have you ever been on your way to a meeting, been in a hurry to get there, and then boom, a traffic jam? This has happened to most of us at one time or another and this morning was no different. I was hurrying to a meeting with a fairly large client of mine thinking I had lots of time when boom, the highway signs ahead of me showed all lanes closed ahead at my exit. What do I do now was the first question, thankfully I was on a highway that wasn’t closed, but the one that was closed was the one I wanted to be on. At first I was glad that I had at least kept my options open and had alternate ways to go, so I was able to bypass the confusion. In the end I made my meeting on time and was glad that trip planning had paid off, yet again. For any transport driver trip planning is the first thing that should be perfected and most certainly is extremely important for making money and delivering goods in an efficient manner.

What about for business? How many of us keep our options open for business and leave room for opportunities to develop. Many may think we do but often we shut the doors on opportunity before the right formula develops to succeed. You may have heard statistics that say many businesses fail within five years. Often that’s because they don’t leave the door open long enough to develop their products or services properly.  I have some products where I started the process and then have put them on hold, the idea may not have been strong enough. In my gut I get a feeling that I know they will work, but now may not have been the right time for the product or service, or maybe the marketing plan wasn’t quite right. I already know I am the type of person that likes to jump in with both feet so I am willing to take the risk much of the time. I never want to be someone that wondered what if? What if it hadn’t tanked, what if it worked? Of course the amount you are willing to invest in a project will also define the time the project may live before being shelved. A few simple rules can help to keep your options open.

Never start a business on one product only, make sure that product can be developed into other products or services to develop complete lines. Focus on the business and add product or service lines as required or opportunities are found. Keep products or services in editing mode until you are sure you have a hit. This way the basis of a product can be used for another item if the planned one doesn’t work out. This way you will beat the odds and keep your options open for success.

About the Author

Bruce Outridge is an author, artist, consultant, and speaker. For more information please visit his website at www.outridge.ca