FOOLS RUSH IN WHERE ANGELS FEAR TO TREAD

If you’re like me, your mind explodes each day with great business ideas.

My ideas are electrifying, exciting and they give me a real buzz.

It would be easy to run off and work them up.

I don’t!

I write them down and banish them from my thoughts for at least a week.

On reviewing my notes, it’s amazing how the most memorable ideas have lost their heat in the cool light of day.

YOUR PERSONAL BRAND IS IMPORTANT

Some people seem to dislike the term personal brand.

I don’t understand why. 

My personal brand is nothing more than my reputation.

My good name matters – that’s why I have my own personal website.

I have personal pages on Linkedin, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram but my activities on these sites are limited by the constraints of the platform.

My personal website (gordonbeattie.com) gives me complete control over what I say, show and present to the world.

I’d urge you to follow my lead and set up a personal website if you are serious about enhancing, defending and protecting your reputation.

COUNT YOUR BLESSINGS

I’ve been working remotely from various spots around the world for more than a decade. Here are my tips for staying sane.

Establish a routine that suits you. I get up whatever time I wake up and wrap up when the work is done. I do some work as soon as I get up, move onto high intensity exercises, shower, have breakfast and that’s me set for the day.

I vary where I work – desk, couch or garden. I don’t spend all day at a computer screen. I'm always chatting on the phone. I avoid the glass half empty brigade.

I praise people and tell them they’re doing a great job. We all need a boost from time to time.

I drink lots of coffee and even more water. A daily can of Fanta is a treat I look forward to. Treats are vital.

To clear my head, I would normally go for a short walk. Right now, that’s not so easy so I’m trying to obliterate tree stumps in the garden. It’s amazing what a few blows with a giant axe can do for your mental health.

I don’t eat lunch but I always tuck into a great dinner. Even if I’m on my own, I cook a proper meal and, of course, I wash it down with a glass or two of wine. After dinner I watch TV and go to bed when I’m tired. Nothing beats a good night’s kip.

One final tip – count your blessings. We’ve got so much to be thankful for, despite this dreadful pandemic.

SUPER SUCCESSFUL PEOPLE NEVER GET DISTRACTED

Focus is one of the factors that separates super successful people from the rest of us.

They concentrate on what’s business critical.

They have a detailed knowledge of their industry sector.

They have their finger on the pulse of what’s new and they don’t get diverted by trivia.

They keep their eye on the road ahead and never go down side tracks.

Single-mindedness is what gives them the edge.

ESCAPE FROM THE ECHO CHAMBER

I am connected to over 7,000 people on Linkedin but thanks to the site’s algorithms I see only a fraction of their posts.

The platform keeps showing me posts by the same people and these same people keep seeing my posts.

To break out of the “echo chamber” dig deep down your home page and, low and behold, you’ll discover posts from contacts you had forgotten about.

To take control of what you see, delve deep – don’t just look at the three or four posts that are immediately visible.

KEEP PREACHING

I don’t have a clue which of my blog posts people will like on social media.

Some of my best blogs get ignored.

Some of my worst blogs go nuclear.

I can’t predict.

I just keep writing daily blogs and hoping some of them will stick to the wall.

So called experts say restrict yourself to one or two posts a week.

I disagree.

If you have something of quality to say – say it every day!

HOW TO KEEP YOUR BEST PEOPLE

One size doesn’t fit all when it comes to managing people.

What motivates one, will not inspire another.

The secret is pinpointing what’s important to each individual.

Praise matters to everyone – but some of us are also enthused by money, titles, glory, learning, excitement, culture or lifestyle.

Everyone has their own north star – all you’ve got to do is find it.

IT’LL BE THE DEATH OF US

When television was invented, people claimed it would ruin society.

When the internet was born, knockers said it was just for nerds. 

When social media was created, critics explained it was only for kids.

Truth is – we don’t welcome new technologies.

But we embrace them when we understand the benefits they bring.

LISTEN – DON’T SELL

Bad sales people sell.

Good sales people listen.

They realise it’s only when they know what the customer is looking for that they can meet the criteria.

Listening first and speaking second builds empathy.

Sales people with emotional intelligence do the most business.