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Jul 05
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With every rand you bill, you are losing money

By Business Coaching Consulting Strategy No Comments

Over the past three months the amount of clients asking if they should be billing offshore and how to find clients overseas has almost consumed my engagements. It’s clear that with the current South African economic climate, the ‘strength’ of the rand and the huge Covid unlocks in terms of selling and delivering remotely, “Africa, your time is now.”

 Why aren’t you billing in dollars, pounds or euros for your precious hours? 

Consider this [and please don’t stone me for this later]: Shipping skills north of the equator removes the BEE constraints of doing work in South Africa, can unlock anywhere between 50% and 200% more rands per hour for the same work [considering you are world class at the services you peddle] and it has genuinely never been easier to do than right now.

If you get this right, and I am not suggesting that you leave the cash offshore and skirt SARS, let’s be honest, setting up smart and legal structures may be of advantage to you and may also feather your Plan-B nest. God, I love mixing metaphors. Also, that second beer just kicked in.

So how do you start and what should you consider?

You are almost starting a new business. Don’t forget some of the fundamentals of that. Consider the quality of your skills [and match clients], consider your differentiators and remove frictions that your opposition [in your target market] don’t have. Like what?

Start with banking. If you intend asking your client to bend over backwards and pay you in a manner that becomes a pain point for them, you may lose them in the sales process. Ideally when a client asks, “So how do I pay you?” you should say, “Just like you pay your local suppliers!” Solve that.

If you consider yourself a BPO [Business Practice Outsource] solution, then be aware that prices may become your forced differentiator. Think Indian call center – high volume, low margin. Not ideal. So, what is the local market paying for your services and if that average is “100%”, by what % margin do you need to be cheaper for the client to consider using you? Between 10% and 40% is probably the needle mover but then again, why discount at all? Rather compete on a different USP and at the same price. If you are that good, then why not ask full price? Price is race to the bottom and you are most likely not set up for low touch, high volume, razor thin margins, are you?

Network. If you have lived, studied, and worked in South Africa, you know expats, lots of expats. You just haven’t applied your mind as to who that is. Start with that ex-girlfriend/boyfriend, the one whose heart you broke and ended badly and haven’t spoken to for 10 years. Ask how they are, where they are and who they know that can spend money with you. Okay, don’t start there, but go deep into your ecosystem and make friends again with people living abroad that could be a degree removed from your next customer.

Another way to get your name out there is to target the middlemen – businesses like yourself that either don’t do the same work as you but live in the same industry sector and may be able to use you for overflow work or even [better] mark you up and resell your services. My first prize is to find people who will place you directly in front of leads for a referral fee. Yes, set that up, and offer it when applicable.

Going direct is hard, I know, but way cheaper than paid media and Google ads. We as South Africans have no comprehension how competitive that landscape is until you try bidding on words in London or Hong Kong. Direct = LinkedIn. Direct = email. Direct = cold call. Did I mention direct is hard? It’s a volume game and you should play that endless game with patience and grit.

We speak English [mostly good enough] and are for many regions, in the two- to three-hour time zone that works for them. We are easy to reach [outside of loadshedding hours] and our quality of work and most importantly, our work is ethic, is world class. [I feel that South Africans work like dogs, mostly.] Some of us even speak Portuguese, Hebrew, German and other second languages that help us diffuse into the local sales mix like frankincense and ylang ylang.

Join the Facebook pages, the forums, the entrepreneur organisations and the local chambers of commerce [yes, some of those actually work in other countries] and preach the word. If that doesn’t work, start looking for South African clients that are part of a global brand, blow them away with your work and charm, and get the global referral over time. That’s a long play, but is most often how I see local clients gain international work.

If you have the money to burn [and burn it you will] then hire a local salesperson/account manager/business development guru and get them to open doors and be the face of your organisation in the city of your choice. When it comes to big city life, avoid the obvious cities. You want London, try Liverpool. You want Paris, try Marseille. You want NYC, try Boston. Did I mention how competitive these big cities are? Look for the secondary and tertiary cities – they are big enough for you and your ego, I promise.

Once you have decided to target and dominate your city of choice, ensure that all your owned marketing channels and content speak to that city and ideally the industry of that city. If I hit your website, it had better say why you are the “Most savvy agency in the Norfolk region for the fintech SAAS start-up.” Own the geographical niche. Then get back on the direct outreach and be hyper focused. You probably don’t need 100 clients. You just want five that pay twice as much as your local clients. Lastly, on this point, immerse yourself in their local knowledge – who are their politicians, musicians, soccer heroes and idols that make for quality presales chit-chat? Grease those sales wheels, baby.

Make no mistake, you have a challenge in SA with finding and keeping local talent, and one of the reasons is that they are leaving physically or leaving the local market to sell in Sterling and now you just can’t afford them. Your SA clients can’t pay those kind of rates, so find ones who can, and leave you a healthy margin.

It’s about to get very competitive in South Africa. Local brands will have to start paying more for quality output or lose the chance of working with you and your team to a truly global marketplace that will find value in you and not have to swallow a giant price pill. Get a foot in the door, show your value and barge that door wide open! You can do this. It’s never been easier or more profitable. No more excuses.

Disclaimer. This was written without editing on a late night flight from Cape Town to Joburg after a few beers and may rub you up the wrong way. I am open to debate. I know it’s not ‘one shoe fits all’, but you gotta admit there is something here, right?

ps. This post was subsequently edited by Mandy Collins.

May 24
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Weird Flex, but OKAY – The Spillly Testimonials

By Business Coaching Consulting Motivation Uncategorised No Comments

It’s been a rollercoaster 2-years for everybody, and we’ve all had to deal with a crazy and truly unpredictable shit-storm.

But one thing that I can be extremely chuffed about is the adoration and exaltation that I’ve received from my superb, ingenious and downright magnificent clients.

In stroking my massive ego, they’ve made me feel all warm and giddy inside and I couldn’t have asked to work with better people on my journey as a business coach. So, much, much thanks goes out to them!

Endorsements From Every Angle! 

I was recently caught in an avalanche of awesome testimonials by some of my favourite clients and they had a few tear-jerking things to say about how I operate as a business coach.

Apparently, I’m deeply understanding and extremely easy to get along with – being seen by my clients and referred to as a mentor, friend, confidant and a no-bullshit kind of guy.

You hear that? Damn right. I won’t tolerate any kind of shit, be it from a bull or a horse.

Getting back such stunning feedback and praise provides one of those things that we all most certainly love to receive: recognition.

Recognised for my ability to offer practical solutions; high levels of openness and transparency; a deep understanding of my clients’ journey (we’re talking ocean-floor depths); and most importantly: trust.

Any business owner needs someone that they can trust, (and trust me) it gets lonely at the top, where there’s always an abundance of starving, lurking and opportunistic piranhas.

You could say that (although my clients have already beat you to it), I act as an energetic, informative, tactical, straightforward vault of information with a mouth attached. Or a sort-of business therapist, if you want to be boring about it. Never betraying the trust of a client, especially with the amount of highly-confidential information that is hermetically sealed in my big, bald head, I’m tied to an oath similar to that of Omertà.

Waterboard me, whip me, castrate me – try your worst, I’ll never speak.

Definitely one of the coolest compliments I’ve received is that I’m like a smorgasbord – multifaceted in my approach, with so much insight to offer and straight-up delicious (okay, I squeezed in the delicious part, myself, but you get the point).

And another common, cool and creative comment about my coaching-style is that I always bring an authentic energy to my clients, so contagious that it energises them for the rest of the day. How cool is that? These people are amazing!

I appreciate every single one of these clients, friends, colleagues, comrades that I work with and coach – they make me fall deeper and deeper in love with what I do.

So, cheers to them! Cheers to you! And cheers to us seeing the next couple of years through!

Peace.

Feb 11
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Diamond-Shaped Networking – WHY Referrals Matter To YOU

By Business Coaching Sales No Comments

Referrals are often the lifeblood of a business, especially in the B2B space; they build heaps of credibility, attract the most immediate clients and transform your business in more ways than you could imagine.

Don’t get me wrong, I’m not disputing the fact that sales and inbound marketing are powerful tools to build a strong client-base, but the value of referrals should never have doubt cast upon it.

In fact, referrals are statistically more effective than other means of gathering clients, so I recommend that you start harnessing that power as soon as you possibly can.

Why Does Credibility Matter? 

People are inherently more trusting of strangers than they are of new, or unfamiliar brands. It’s harder to get somebody to spend money on a product or service provided by a company that they are unsure of – this is one of the biggest reasons why sales and marketing is so important for any business to grow.

As a business owner, being aware of this is crucial. Making use of the best sales, or marketing team is in itself highly important, but leaving a solid and lasting impression on existing and past clients, as well as anybody that knows what you do, is just as important.

By developing your credibility, you’re perceived as a brand that leaves a positive impact on your customers, your staff and everybody that you work with and so you’re more likely to harness a powerful network and create more opportunities.

If people are impressed by the work that you do, they come to respect and admire you, which results in them telling others about your service. When you leave a lasting and promising impression, then people will come to spread you like the plague.

This creates a sense of credibility around your name, brand and identity – which in turn will aid you in your networking and the dissemination of your solution.

In other words, credibility is important, because referrals are important and referrals are important, because they work better than sales and marketing. 

Diamonds Are A Business’s Best Friend

When visualising the shape of a two-dimensional diamond (four points: one on top, two on the sides and one at the bottom), it becomes a bit easier to map out the structure that referrals follow.

If you demarcate the point right at the bottom as your business, the two side points as your referrals and the top point as the client that you want; you have yourself a diamond-referral structure.

In my own business, as well as those of the clients that I work for, I ensure that the system or structure that we use is in the shape of that two-dimensional diamond, as it helps to give you a visual representation of the symbiotic relationship within that network.

As a business owner, your job is to produce a high-quality solution and provide a remarkable service. By doing just that, you immediately impress the clients that you work for. Your past and current clients are your biggest source of referrals, so you need to ensure that they are always pleased and satisfied with the work that you do for them.

It comes down to creating a wonderful customer experience, as they ultimately generate new leads for you.

When a potential client looks at your brand, they’re often hesitant and go through their own cognitive process to determine whether or not they can trust you. However, when that client is introduced to feedback, or insightful opinions through current or previous clients, then they tend to make a quicker, more informed decision.

If the information that they receive is negative, they know not to bother; if it’s positive, they know it’s worth their time and money. Again, this could be a past, or a current client that has been utterly impressed or disappointed by you, so they inspire (or warn) new potential to either engage with you or avoid you completely.

Why, Then, Do I Use A Diamond And Not A Triangle?

I’ve come to find that it’s not that common to have just one person refer me to new clients, but rather that there’s always a 2nd person that motivates the final decision.

Having two sources refer you to a new client will (obviously) result in a much higher chance that action will be taken. Having one person give a positive opinion about you is powerful in itself, but having two give that impression is supreme.

I know, I know – the odds aren’t exactly the greatest that you will find two people singing your praises, but worry not, as it isn’t necessarily confined to only a second person that motivates the final decision.

And that’s where your marketing strategy comes in.

If you consider one of the points to the side as a client that has referred you, then the other side will often be a form of marketing that they’ve encountered.

When you see an advert, piece of content, billboard or poster then you become aware of the brand, but aren’t necessarily motivated to sign-up; but when someone tells you about a positive experience that they’ve had with that same brand, then you’re far more likely to give it a try.

Two sources will always be better and more effective than just having one. As someone that owns and runs a business, you need to be aware of that fact and ensure that you always leave the best impression possible.

Don’t be afraid to ask for referrals, or to be referred, either. Pride and ego aside, it will be far more cost-effective if you can manage to land clients based on referrals, especially compared to the money you spend going through sales tactics and marketing.

The Best Customer You Can Get 

If the customer or client ends up taking on your product or service through referrals, then you would’ve saved time, money and effort. You end up with a client that will also be more likely to do the same and spread your brand and awesome service through word-of-mouth.

By building out multiple networks of these diamond-shaped structures and putting them together (with the bottom points all intersecting), a flower will begin to form and that flower represents a powerful network that your business is at the centre of.

One of the most important things to remember is that you need to give thanks and show appreciation to the clients that share and spread your brand.

Whenever you land a new client through this process, ensure that you find out who referred you to them and make it your mission to reach out and thank them for it. Sending a gift, giving a discount, or even a simple “thank you” could suffice. Just make sure that you give them the recognition that they deserve. It might also help motivate them to keep referring you to others.

One of the greatest things about working with a business coach like me is that your network will expand exponentially.

Turning your business into something profound and remarkable is one thing, but I’ve been around the block many times and as part of my promise to bring value, growth and development to your brand – I will introduce and refer you to powerful new clients that could make a huge difference in the way that you do business.

Have a chat with me and let’s determine the steps that you’re going to take to become the best:

+2783 253 3339

brent@spillly.com

 

 

 

Dec 15
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6 Reasons Why You NEED A Business Coach TODAY

By Business Coaching Entrepreneur Motivation No Comments

It certainly isn’t easy to start a business, run it successfully and become the ideal entrepreneur that you know you’re capable of becoming. Our ever-changing world can be unpredictable, often demanding time, effort and energy – which all need proper allocation to ensure that you remain efficient in every aspect of running your business.

One thing that is certain – an unavoidable truth that every business owner is aware of – is that improvements can be made in your business, social and personal life with the help of a business coach. No bullshit.

And you know that a business coach will make all the difference in the world if:

  1. You Feel Like You Could Develop And Grow As A Leader and are in need of powerful tools and techniques to improve your relations and ability to motivate staff, as well as yourself.

I’ve been there before and it isn’t always easy to grow without proper nourishment. Being that it is lonely at the top, you find yourself in a situation where you don’t know who to look to for new ways to grow and evolve. It can be hard to juggle the many things that you find yourself wrapped up in, so finding new techniques and methods to turn you into a better leader is often the last thing on your mind.

That’s why I come prepared with modern, relatable and easily digestible advice, bringing speed and nourishment to your development. I have the experience, tools, knowledge and techniques to bring you closer to your staff and to that status of an impactful and proud leader.

  1. You Need Someone To Push You And Make You More Accountable as you would feel more driven and find comfort in having somebody around to keep you on the right track.

It’s not uncommon to find that having a friend or partner around with the same interests helps to extract the drive to accomplish more. It’s sometimes hard to be in a position where you feel stagnant and have the final say. I have people that I do running with that push me to try harder and create a sense of accountability if I dare to be lazy or feel like giving up.

You’re certainly not alone if that’s how you prefer to operate. Yes, it can be difficult to find somebody that truly understands your position, that you know you can trust and relate to, but there is a silver-lining. As someone that knows the importance of an exemplar, I can do exactly that for you, while pushing you to excel and take responsibility for your actions or inaction.

  1. The Struggle Of Work-Life Balance Is Real and you’re struggling to find that perfect ratio in order to keep you from tearing at the seams.

Time acts as a commodity when running a business and it can be difficult to figure out when to take a break or to keep pushing. I’ve made the mistake of pushing myself too hard when I was a business owner, literally to the extent of causing harm to my mental well-being.

Therapy helped with that and I now know how valuable creating the right balance is when dealing with that stress. I can relate in many ways. Don’t wear yourself thin and let someone like me help you make sense of the pressure that you feel yourself dealing with. I’ll help you understand your goals and ambitions, offering a course of action to help you achieve them.

  1. You Have Plenty Of Ideas And Great Vision, but need an objective soundboard to give you critical feedback and constructive criticism, because when you’re all the way at the top, it becomes harder to find people without ulterior motives to bounce ideas off of.

Whether it’s an employee that you think you can trust, or even a family member, the sad truth is that most people act in their own best interest. You’re in a position of power and people are aware of that, so they tend to stroke your ego, instead of being authentic.

Having to deal with sycophants can be a real pain in the ass. I know it all too well. That’s why I prefer to be blunt and avoid sugar-coating my feedback to clients. At the end of the day, we all deserve transparency and the truth. It can be refreshing to receive clarity instead of an arse kissing at every corner.

  1. It’s Hard To Determine What’s Really Important in your daily activities, what you need to focus on and what to do next.

Keeping your finger on the pulse at all times can prove to be difficult. As a business owner, it’s hard to rely on your staff to keep all of the different verticals in check, so you need to be aware of and involved in everything that goes on at all times.

Finding order within that chaos can be challenging, especially when you’ve taken on such a tremendous responsibility. That’s where I come in. I’m fully aware of every aspect of your business that needs attention, so I create and implement processes in an organised and uncomplicated manner that gives you the relief that you’ve been craving.

  1. Your Motivation Is Starting To Dwindle and you need a catalyst to give you more clarity, joy and hope in what you do.

As time progresses, you find yourself with less and less motivation, enjoyment and interest in what you do. You might not know what the next step to take is and require a change of pace or direction to keep you hooked. I know that feeling all too well. It took me years of doing the same routine until I snapped and my motivation shattered.

Finding new and interesting ways to make things exciting is something that I have also struggled with in the past and it’s something that I’m always helping clients deal with. Sometimes a refreshing new perspective, strategy or change in pace is needed and I can bring you that energy and relief.

By refreshing your perspective and re-igniting your passion, I bring new perspectives and approaches to catalyse your personal development. You’ll see and feel business through a shiny, new lens.

Bonus Reason #7:

+ Your Company Lacks A Differentiating Factor that will advance your growth and separate you from the pack.

Everything that you do has the chance of reaching a point where it becomes stale and sometimes it can feel like there’s an expiration date looming in the near distance. You find that everything is coming to a stage of mediocrity and your business feels boring and needs a certain something to help it stand out from the competition.

It may seem like your business is similar to milk at this stage; it was delicious, full of promise and packed with nutrients, but all milk spoils and begins to stink after a while. And I can change that. I’m not saying that I’m Jesus or anything, but I can certainly change your business from bitter milk to a fine wine; even tastier, far more beneficial, sought after and on a path of maturation, rather than expiration.

If you seek moments of greatness, sparks of excitement and enthusiasm, a fresh perspective, and more enjoyment around running your business – then I think it’s time…

… It’s time to get off your ass and mount that stallion; take charge and embrace the speed, comfort and strength that you know you deserve.

I’m certain that you could do with some real coaching, from a real business coach that knows how to keep it real. Make sure you get in touch – you know I’m what you need:

+2783 253 3339

brent@spillly.com

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Dec 01
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Death Or Disability – Don’t Be Selfish.

By Consulting Motivation No Comments

We all try to avoid the inevitable. And even if it’s just a case of thinking about it – death will always deal with a grimace. Although the decision to retire and comfortably wither away with age is one that we all keep close to us – you never truly know what life might have in store for you.

With the world that we live in, it would be naive to assume that being invincible is an option. At any given moment, unforeseen circumstances might take control of the steering wheel and change your life in ways that you could never have predicted.

So, being that life is short and unpredictable, have you taken the necessary steps to ensure that your family, loved ones and those dearest to you are financially and legally secure, should something happen to you?

If not, then it’s time to start gathering your documents and compile your death checklist.

Time Waits For Nobody. So Why Would It Wait For You? 

One of the very first questions that I make sure to ask new clients is whether or not they have access to all of their necessary legal documentation, should something fatal or life-changing happen to them.

And being a business coach, I’ve come to find that a significant portion of large business owners tend to avoid consideration of their personal risks – solely focusing their time and energy on business risks, instead.

But if something had to happen to them, what would happen to their family?

As a business owner, it’s extremely important to know whether or not you have your last will and testament on standby; if you have shareholder certificates between partners (provided you have partners); and if you have insurance for things like income protection and product liability.

Witnessing, first-hand, how so many successful entrepreneurs ignore the importance of having access to that documentation is quite shocking (and irresponsible), to say the least.

It not only puts your business at risk, but your family, as well.

If you don’t have a written will upon death, then you run the risk of your business being terminated and the assets liquidated to settle any debts, with little left for your family; your profits and losses are transferred according to the decision of the country/state you live in; and shares are given to either a spouse, children or valid family member with the responsibility to pay inheritance tax.

This could lead to issues for partners that now find themselves in business with people that they don’t know, whether experienced or inexperienced, and can cause problems between families and shareholders with regards to the valuation of the business.

While it’s essential to have the correct documentation on standby, should something go wrong, it becomes necessary to know which documents you need to have access to. So I’ve developed a checklist of those documents you need as a business owner:

Copy of Your Will –

Where is your will? Is it up-to-date? Does your lawyer have a copy? As I mentioned above, there are certain risks that come without having an updated will ready.

Unabridged Birth Certificate –

Is a birth certificate with the names and identity information of both parents or legal guardians. It becomes important if you have children that might want to travel overseas or if you’re planning to send them for schooling or to relocate.

ID –

Having a copy of your ID or at least making your family aware of its whereabouts is helpful for any legal situations that might arise. It will be used to prove who you are when dealing with the registration of your death, funeral matters and handling your estate.

Marriage Certificate –

Similar to the points made for the requirement of an ID – it’s highly important for when dealing with your will, estate, funeral and registration of death.

Marriage Contract –

This can affect your will and the distribution of assets to your spouse. Depending on whether or not you sign an antenuptial agreement, the marriage contract will help in determining how your assets and debts are shared.

Death Certificate –

Will come to affect certain legal processes if you are to pass away. It serves as the necessary proof for your family to claim life insurance, settle estates and even arrange the funeral

Recent Tax Assessment –

To help define the amount in taxes that need to be paid for that final tax year. There are generally two forms of tax that apply to the deceased: Estate Duty and Capital Gains Tax. The Estate Duty is a tax that applies to the deceased individual’s property and Capital Gains Tax applies to any profit made from selling an asset.

Passwords for banking and devices –

Passing away means that your passwords also get buried with you. In order to give your family access to any money in your bank account(s), they need your security information. And in the case that you have all of the necessary documentation on the death checklist, and it sits on the cloud or in a safe – there needs to be a place to get access to it. Your passwords and pin codes are important.

Bank Details –

If you haven’t set your account(s) as Payable on Death to a beneficiary, the legal process behind it can become difficult. Your account can ultimately be drained through paying debts and fees, preventing any family from ever seeing or using it. It’s wise to keep them informed, or leave information for them to access those accounts, should anything happen.

List of monthly debit orders –

Nobody wants to be surprised when dealing with monthly notifications of gym memberships, purchases or anything else that might be charged from your account(s) if you should pass away or become disabled. This can be a painful reminder or even a hassle – so keep a list and avoid surprises.

List of insurance, investments and funds –

if you’ve made any investments or have any funds or insurance that might be helpful when dealing with the handling of your estate, then keep a list of them that can be kept together with all of your other important information.

Copies of insurance and funeral policies –

The same applies to the legal procedures taken to deal with your estate. It’s important to help prove what insurance policies you’ve taken out. It will also help with arranging and paying out your funeral costs. Remember to leave a contact name and number behind of the person that handles everything.

Lease Agreement –

To determine the terms of your lease. Landlords are able to keep charging rental fees depending on the length and terms that you’ve signed, so keeping that agreement with the rest of your documents can be helpful for your family to either pay it off or to take legal action.

Proof of Medical Aid and Gap Cover –

In the case that you become disabled or deal with a crippling event, then both medical aid and gap cover documents are absolutely essential. If it’s a case of death, then providing proof of those policies will help your family with making a claim from the medical aid.

Title Deeds for Properties –

Should you pass away, then having your title deeds collected and kept in an accessible place will be helpful to your family when you leave them property(ies). It also helps to avoid transfer duty costs if you’ve left your property to an heir.

Partnership Agreements –

If you die without a legal agreement between your partners to keep operating, then the business will usually cease to operate and dissolve. Unless you’ve stated that your partner(s) must maintain operation of the company, then you forfeit the hard work that you would’ve put into the business for your family.

Although it might be scary (or crappy) to think about, it’s your responsibility to ensure that all of the important documentation is readily accessible, should something happen.

Get it all sorted. Make the effort. Your family and partners deserve it.

It took me quite some time to compile this important list and I’d appreciate it if you took the time to gather and accumulate all of those documents.

If you need any advice regarding the list, running your business or making good decisions – then give me a call, send me an email, drop a message [before you drop dead]:

+2783 253 3339

brent@spillly.com

Nov 15
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Why Outsourcing Is The Right Choice For Your Business

By Agency Business Coaching Freelance Strategy No Comments

It’s been a good few years since the release of my book What The Freelance, where I take a deep dive into the benefits that come with outsourcing the right talent for your business.

Since then, the riveting content in my book has been turned into course material for tertiary institutions and made a positive, and noticeable, impact on those that have implemented this approach to improving their companies.

And now, with the pandemic, we’ve seen an even greater surge in the desire for freelancers to help save companies from crumbling to the ground, especially with so many of them having to either shut down completely or retrench significant portions of their staff just to survive.

It has certainly become more important than ever to acclimate to this way of doing things.

That being said, let me clarify how this approach works and why.

So Why Outsource?

Great question.

While outsourcing certainly isn’t a new concept, it’s gained a considerable amount of traction over the last 10 years, especially since Covid came into the picture. It’s also been proven to be a great option for both smaller and larger businesses – whether in their infancy or in their prime.

If implemented correctly, outsourcing can be highly beneficial to businesses that are struggling with revenues and tight budgets, stuck with very little staff and too much responsibility, or handling tasks that might be infrequent (marketing campaigns, blog posts, etc.)

It’s a proven approach that works, and has worked, for businesses for a long time now – especially for greater flexibility and reduced operational costs.

By using freelancers to fill more of the production roles in your business, you’re able to save a lot of extra time, resources and hassle that you would have to deal with when using a more traditional business model.

The 85/15 Rule

Traditionally, most businesses, agencies and consultancies use a core team of permanent staff that usually make up 85-90% of a company, while the remaining 10-15% of capacity was left for the occasional ad-hoc freelancer to fill any gaps.

Over time, a lot of smaller businesses have come to realise that they’d prefer to avoid relying on permanent staff and the costs associated with training, educating and retaining them and would rather opt for a far more flexible and agile overhead.

With the success rates that come with outsourcing, businesses are now swapping those ratios around, instead looking at around 85-90% of outsourced, freelance staff and leaving the remaining 10-15% as the core team to fill the most important roles within the company.

While freelancers are primarily used for production purposes (the product or creative output), the core team consists of roles in sales, account management, client liaison, product management (to also manage the freelancers), bookkeeping and project management.

As a business owner, it’s highly beneficial to focus on doing the jobs that you’re already skilled at, instead of wasting energy and productivity on things like filling out paperwork or dealing with other gruelling tasks that often take up too much time.

This usually results in you spending far more energy on the core processes of the business, getting much more done, while saving precious resources, time, effort and money.

The Benefits Of Outsourcing

Taking this approach to business means that you’ll have far more advantages, especially in the early stages of starting it out.

Firstly, you’re given far more flexibility where staff are concerned, as you’re able to make huge savings on picking freelancers as opposed to permanent employees. The cost of time and money to educate and train, as well as pay salaries, benefits and bonuses to staff (when you might not always require them) can be a major disadvantage.

So if demand dries up for whatever period of time, then you don’t need to keep too many permanent employees on the payroll – which leaves your cash reserves far more protected and readily available for other important and fruitful investments.

Secondly, it can be a huge advantage to your clients. Without the need to solely rely on internal staff to produce the best possible results for a particular client, you’re given far more access to experts and professionals in any field, at any given time.

Say a client requires someone to work on advertising or branding for a niche operation, but your current staff are trained, experienced and only used to handling one area of expertise – you’re given the opportunity to outsource someone that is already great at producing work for that particular niche and who would be capable of providing superb results for that client.

It also allows for the use of a pure strategy that doesn’t have your business making promises to fulfil client requests, regardless of whether or not your staff are capable of doing the job correctly.

It’s a win-win situation for both your business and the client.

Your business might offer to have the right people for the job but aren’t necessarily equipped to handle it in the best way, whereas with freelancers, you can find the ideal person/team to do the work and produce results according to what the client needs.

There are a number of other valuable benefits that come with this approach to business, such as access to world-class experience and expertise, the freeing up of resources that can be used in other areas to make more money, the reduction of risks that come with retrenchments and lay-offs and help in dealing with difficult operations and processes.

By implementing a similar approach to your business, you’re bound to reap far more rewards and opportunities that would be difficult to achieve if you kept to the traditional way of doing things.

Take a hard look at your business and figure out whether there’s room to outsource and find the right type of freelancer to fulfil certain roles far better than a permanent staff member might be able to.

If you need some more advice or guidance to go about implementing this in the best possible way, feel free to contact me.

I mean, I wrote the book after all. 🙂

My coaching expertise is ideal for ANY business owner that has an unrelenting desire for success, comfort and progress.

 

You know what to do:

Pick up the phone, save my number and email address, and make contact.

+2783 253 3339

brent@spillly.com

 

 

 

 

Oct 15
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Watch Your Assumptions! Why Assuming Can Harm Your Business

By Business Coaching Coaching Leadership No Comments

Playing guessing games can be a dangerous way to go about running your business. It allows for bias to creep in and can affect how you handle certain situations, often bringing about more harm than good.

When you make assumptions, you don’t always take the necessary time to get the full picture, nor the data and insight required to make the right decisions. This can result in taking the wrong actions and end up damaging either a promising business deal, your business strategy or even relationships.

In summing it up quite succinctly, Hannibal from the The A Team, reminds us that “Assumption is the mother of all fuck-ups”.

Why Do We Assume Anything, Anyway?

I’m guilty of it, you’re guilty of it and everybody has, in some shape or form, made assumptions. It’s an innate function built within all of us to either protect ourselves or to find shortcuts around our predictions and estimations (in other words, to be safe or to be lazy).

Sociology reminds us that we all have a frame of reference that navigates our decision-making, communication and behaviours; we all have biases that affect our perspective, which opens the way to prejudice and subjectivity. This ultimately shapes our assumptions.

The problem lies in the fact that those assumptions are further linked to our emotions and thus affect the way that we perceive and engage with others – even in making the right predictions around business strategy and the business, as a whole.

Sometimes cognitive bias won’t allow us to see the truth, because protecting our sanity is a priority for the subconscious mind; when something could fail, backfire or cause any mental distress, we often choose to turn away from the truth in order to maintain a semblance of control over difficult circumstances.

What Are Some Of The Common Assumptions In Business?

One of the most important things to remember in business is that objectivity is crucial and that being subjective can be dangerous when engaging with others and dealing with the day-to-day operations of your company.

As a business owner, there are loads of situations and scenarios that you have to encounter and deal with on a daily basis and so the risk of making the wrong assumptions becomes far greater.

When coaching my clients, I sometimes find that a lack of research and data is the culprit behind making inaccurate predictions around business strategy.

Some of these presumptions include the viability of a product or service and believing that there’s a market out there for it; the longevity or shelf-life of a solution, thinking that it can never go out of fashion or become outdated; customer behaviours and ignoring the extent of their interest or disinterest; and competitive forces being perceived as harmless and non-threatening.

Doing thorough research becomes a vital process in order to understand your market, how long your solution will remain relevant, whether or not customers enjoy your product and how intense the competition is. The amount of external factors that will end up shaping your business are far too many to be relying on assumptions, alone.

Some of the most common assumptions found in businesses tend to include ideas around finances, resources, economy and politics, and competition.

Every business owner needs to understand that it takes time to become profitable and that it can take years to produce returns from your product or service; that it isn’t easy to retain skilled employees and talent, as the culture that you provide, as well as the incentives matter; that the political and economic landscape you’re in constantly changes and affects your entire strategy; and that competitors are capable of altering market conditions and redefining entire industries.

By giving awareness and seeking knowledge around the assumptions found in business, it will shape your decision-making and help you work towards better solutions, while giving you enough clarity around the risks that come with making the wrong predictions.

This way of thinking doesn’t only cover the broader components that I’ve mentioned, but also some of the more intimate and personal beliefs that business owners hold.

Assumptions can lead to bad interactions with clients, staff and those that could potentially benefit your business further down the line. Preconceived notions can end up damaging your reputation – burning bridges and losing out on precious opportunities to grow.

On a personal level, especially as a leader and entrepreneur, you need to be a great listener and pay attention to everybody that you interact with. Allowing bias to dictate your assumptions of people can create uncomfortable working environments or awkward interactions that could quickly spread through word-of-mouth. Your reputation is on the line.

Employees, clients and even outsiders could see you as bigoted, which could shape the way that people see your brand. You end up becoming a role-model and ambassador for your business, constantly shaping the beliefs and ideas of your customers and staff.

How Can We Improve Our Assumptions?

Without the correct data, you run a high risk of jumping to the wrong conclusions and making poor decisions for your business.

I understand that certain assumptions will always be made, especially when faced with accurate facts and figures. There can be sufficient data to motivate your assumptions and push you towards action, but you need to constantly be testing those thoughts, as opposed to relying on them.

Remember that no strategy is bulletproof and constantly needs to be re-evaluated to ensure that it’s still effective. The same applies with assumptions, as they can be affected by external factors at any given time.

In terms of personal biases and prejudice, we need to learn to listen more effectively and avoid jumping to conclusions when facing and engaging with people.

Regulating your emotions and thoughts will come in handy when dealing with people; learning to clear your thoughts and mind when interacting with staff, clients and others, asking questions to ensure that you understand what’s being said, and making sure that you find something positive in every situation will go a long way.

In business, you need to differentiate between belief in your product or service and what the data presents to you; customers decide whether or not your solution is necessary, and you need to be aware of how they feel, competitors exist in every space and you need to know how to compete effectively, understanding that the economy and political environment determine laws and regulations, which in turn affect your business, is just as important.

Don’t assume and always follow the facts.

I’m going to go off of a hunch here and assume that, since you’ve made it this far, there’s some value that you’ve taken from this.

And if you’re somebody that seeks value, appreciates and enjoys the insight gained from material like the piece that you’ve read – then I’ve got just the thing for you:

One-on-one coaching with a professional, upbeat and experienced business coach that isn’t afraid of sharing his knowledge, network and novel approach to business growth.

Contact me today and let’s transform your business:

+2783 253 3339

brent@spillly.com

Aug 24
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6 Great Models To Attract Recurring Revenues

By Business Management Sales Strategy No Comments

Too many entrepreneurs think long and hard about finding the simplest ways to generate money through their product or service. But what they often fail to realise is that the way in which they package their solution will ultimately determine how sticky, profitable and attractive their product/service is to the customer.

And one of the smartest ways to package your product more effectively is through the pricing and revenue model that you choose to offer.

That being said, here are a few of the top revenue models that could transform your business into a gold mine.

Why Your Choice of Revenue Models Is So Important 

A revenue model is the approach your business takes to earn revenues. After establishing your value proposition and the set price(s) of your product or service, the next step is to figure out how your client or customer is going to pay for it.

That’s why having a good revenue model ensures that your business is able to make long-term projections based on current and future profit potential. This will aid you in extracting the best possible returns for your company, while retaining clients through the use of subscriptions, contracts and the sunk cost fallacy.

Sunk cost what?

The sunk cost fallacy (or sunk cost bias) refers to the justification we give ourselves when buying an expensive dinner, finishing a movie that we don’t necessarily enjoy, or remaining a loyal customer to a brand that we’ve already been with for years (even if there are better options out there).

Putting money, energy or time into something means that we inherently develop a bias towards it and are willing to ignore any pitfalls or failures that could motivate us to change our minds.

While it might sometimes be unfortunate for us as consumers, clients or customers, it certainly works in the favour of any business owner. Conversion rates can be increased, contractual obligation can maintain profits, upselling can be amplified, and client retention can be improved by simply being aware of this cognitive bias.

So choosing the ideal revenue model for your company will enable more consistent profits and a far more loyal customer base.

And the great part is that there are a number of promising options to choose from.

As a business coach that cares so much about your success, I’ve taken the time to sift through some of the best models out there and rank them from the least beneficial to the most.

Let’s check them out:

The Top 6 Revenue Models

1. Consumables:

These are your typical consumables (whether a product or service) that generally get purchased once, twice or three times a month or even every few months.

Think of products like coffee, milk and bread, or services like electricity, gardening or cleaning; these ‘consumables’ work well once you’ve established customer loyalty, which will ensure that you’re bringing in a recurring revenue.

2. Sunk-Money Consumables:

By making use of the sunk cost fallacy, this model is based on offering a product or service that requires an additional item or clause in order for that product or service to  operate or function effectively.

Basically, you offer a base product/service that’s quite affordable (a Gillette razor handle, gaming console, or a dating site) and then provide additional items or functions that the base product needs for it to be of any use (Gillette razor blades, games, or in-app currency for extra purchases).

With this type of model, you ensure recurring revenue based on customers’ reluctance to give up on something that they’ve already invested in. You wouldn’t buy that gaming console without feeling the need to buy games for it; or sign-up for a dating service and be limited to one message per day, when you can pay to receive more messages.

3. Renewable Subscriptions:

One of the most common and effective recurring revenue models would be through the use of renewable subscriptions. By incurring a monthly fee (a subscription), you ensure that the client or customer is bringing in revenue on a monthly basis and has the opportunity to renew their subscription at the end of a certain period.

This model is usually a win-win, as the customer perceivably pays less to own a product or use a service, while the business owner has a more stable and predictable source of revenues (especially when compared to consumables).

A great example could be a cell phone contract or streaming platform like Netflix.

4. Sunk-Money Renewable Subscriptions:

This model has the customer invest in a base product or service that has additional premium features that are offered on a subscription basis.

By taking renewable subscriptions and adding an element of sunk-costing to it, you guarantee more recurring revenue options. When you purchase a device (e.g. an Apple TV) or a service platform (e.g. a Bloomberg terminal), you’ve already sunk money into it, so you’re more likely to purchase exclusive additions for it, such as an Apple One subscription for the TV or a business publication subscription for the Bloomberg terminal.

It takes advantage of the sunk-cost bias and blends it with renewable subscriptions.

5. Automatic-Renewal Subscriptions:

By taking renewals into your own hands and making the process automatic, you allow for a much better recurring revenue.

Instead of letting the customer renew their subscription after a period of time (say, a year), you automatically renew it until they choose to end it. This way, customers are more likely to stay, as they don’t bother looking at competitive prices and you make the renewal process easier for them.

Think about gym memberships or insurance firms that keep renewing your subscription until you’ve made the decision to terminate the agreement.

6. Contracts:

Long-term contracts are highly beneficial for maintaining a recurring revenue that can’t be challenged or disputed. It ensures an ethical agreement between both parties that a certain amount will be paid within a particular period of time in exchange for goods or services.

This model is a great choice, especially if you’re able to get customers to come on board for a long period of time. If you’re planning to sell your business, then ensuring that a survival clause is present will help keep customers from leaving after a change of ownership takes place.

*Bonus Model: “Rundles” 

This new approach coined by NYU professor, Scott Galloway, takes a recurring revenue model like renewable subscriptions and blends it together with bundling.

Bundling basically entails putting multiple services or products together and selling them at a ‘better price’. This extends to products/services that might not be very popular and putting them together with more favourable ones, then selling them as a package.

With “rundling”, you take those two concepts and form an approach that has seen huge returns. I’m talking billions of dollars in revenues and millions of customers migrating to platforms that offer recurring revenue bundles or “rundles”.

A great example of this is the way in which Apple has offered services like iCloud and Apple Care, then bundled them with entertainment services (Apple Entertainment and Music) under one affordable subscription model.

Companies like Adobe and Walmart are also jumping on this lucrative bandwagon to bring in the big bucks. It’s most certainly one of the best recurring revenue models taking over many industries and I’d highly recommend looking into it.

If you’re looking at your product or service and thinking, “how do I apply one of these models to best suit my business?”, then I’ll let you in on a little secret:

Taking me on as a business coach means that I can help you identify exactly what will work best for you and your company.

It takes DICE (determination, interest, compassion and experience) to move a company forward, both on a micro- and macro-level.

And I’ve got all the DICE you need!

So do yourself a huge favour and start communicating with me as soon as you’re ready for a better future:

+2783 253 3339

brent@spillly.com

Aug 17
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Growth Is More Than Just Profit!

By Business Coaching Consulting Leadership Motivation No Comments

Morihei Ueshiba, founder of the martial art Aikido, once said: “Life is growth. If we stop growing, technically and spiritually, we are as good as dead.”

And I couldn’t agree more.

Growth is fundamental to our existence as human beings and even more so as business owners. It takes discipline, focus and ambition to initiate growth in not one, but all of the many facets in our lives.

Seeking challenges and development on a personal level strengthens us in many ways; it moulds our understanding and sharpens our intellect, it builds our intuitions and perspectives, it breaks down barriers and gives way to opportunities, and it brightens our pathway to an often opaque future.

While business owners are hard-wired and driven to achieve growth in profits and revenues, seeking growth in other crucial areas of business and life is just as important.

So what other areas should every one of us be nurturing and focusing on?

Let’s take a look.

Five Important Areas That Should Always Be Growing 

As a business coach, I engage with many different clients that have a staunch focus on growing their businesses mostly towards a better top-line and profits but find that not enough interest is placed on personal growth, staff growth, networking and credibility, and the processes that drive success within their business.

Businesses should inherently be on a journey of growth, while also providing value for their shareholders. It’s important for many different areas to constantly be in a state of growth and development for not only the staff, the clients and the entrepreneur, but the owners, too.

It’s so important for every business owner to constantly be challenging him/herself, building on new and existing areas that are always in need of progress.

So what areas should we work on growing and improving?

Personal Growth:

The number one investment that anybody can make is in themselves. Putting in the energy, time and effort to enhance and develop yourself is one of the greatest things that you can do for your business and for your life.

We all determine what personal growth means for us on an individual level and what I might deem important for my growth might differ from the next person.

Whether it’s spending money on education, learning and exploring new skills, reading more to better your understanding, or spending time with interesting people that you don’t generally interact with – each and every one of us should constantly be striving for personal progress.

There are different areas of personal growth that you should always look at improving and enhancing, such as expanding your network and engaging with other entrepreneurs, or specialists in different fields to build beneficial relationships; taking courses or lessons to advance your existing skill set and any other interests that you might have; and working on your lifestyle to either spend time discovering or enjoying your passions and interests, as well as taking care of your health in terms of diet and exercise.

One of the absolute best ways to develop yourself and your business is by having a business coach, so keep that in mind when you’re looking for a place to start.

Your People: 

Taking the time to grow and develop the people that work for, and with, you is just as important. Your employees are absolutely critical to the success of your business and investing in them shouldn’t be considered an expense.

If your staff are constantly growing in terms of their skills, network and knowledge, then your business will become far more efficient and productive.Giving promotions or raises isn’t necessarily enough to motivate them to get the most out of their roles, but educating, training and exposing them to new areas of growth will go much further in creating a far more enjoyable and powerful work culture.

It’s important to realise that supervisors, managers and other staff members also need to develop their approach to leadership to get the absolute best out of their team, as well as themselves. Take good care of your people and they will do the same for you.

Processes and Policies:

Having outdated processes and policies can slow down your business and the functionality of your staff and your returns. Seeking new ways to improve your processes through the use of technology and other tested strategies will enhance productivity, employee and customer satisfaction, as well as reduce risks.

Tasks and processes that often require a lot of repetition waste plenty of time and effort. If certain processes can be automated or approached more effectively, then looking into modern methods should be prioritised to get the best out of your staff.

The same applies to the satisfaction levels of your employees and your client-base; if employees are able to focus on more important processes within your business, then they can produce much better results for your company and for clients.

By avoiding outdated technology and processes, you also avoid far more risk. Human error, fraud and slow information transfer can be harmful to your business in terms of both security and revenue. Growth in this area should be a high priority for you, as it will make operations far safer and smoother for everybody involved.

Clients:

Spending the time to grow your relationships and interactions with clients is highly beneficial for any business.

The experience that your clients have with you will either make or break your brand identity. Evaluating which of them you love and which of them you hate can help tremendously in your approach to growing the relationships that you have with them.

Loads of research and literature exists to prove just how important customer/client satisfaction is for any business and ensuring that you constantly strengthen your interactions with them is absolutely essential.

Remember that existing clients are more likely to spend more with you and that word of mouth is a powerful marketing tool in this day and age, so treating them in remarkable and unforgettable ways will go far in the development and growth of your business.

Exposure and Credibility:

Making the effort to develop your credibility and the perspective that outsiders have of you and your business is a very important facet of being an entrepreneur.

If people are to see you as unreliable, inconsistent, or unremarkable, then you’re sure to have problems. The first thing that comes to anyone’s mind when talking about your business can ultimately shape its success.

You need to constantly be building your credibility and exposing yourself to different audiences in strategic and impressionable ways. Leaving a good and lasting impression on anybody that you interact with, whether staff, clients or strangers, will strengthen your position in their minds and improve the perspective people have of you and your brand.

Growth in this area can come in the form of achievements that your business has made, through positive and impressive testimonials, as well as your ability to be authentic, reliable and consistent.

Seeking growth in areas other than just profit will make you a much better business owner at the end of the day.

So make sure that you focus on these different aspects of your business and embrace the benefits that come with the nourishment and care that you provide to your clients, staff, processes and yourself.

My role as a business coach is to give you all of the necessary tools, supplements and nutrients that are essential for your growth as a business owner. Let me be the person to bring about those improvements in your business, as well as your life and I’ll see to it that you attract success in everything that you do.

When you’re ready to bloom, then be sure to get in touch:

+2783 253 3339

brent@spillly.com

 

 

 

Jul 30
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5 Reasons (Other Than Money) Why Entrepreneurs Work So Hard

By Business Coaching Entrepreneur Motivation psychology No Comments

I rarely find entrepreneurs that don’t work incredibly hard in their businesses. They often make major sacrifices by spending loads of time away from family and friends, neglecting their health and giving up on moments of leisure (holidays, gatherings, etc.), in order to be the best at what they do.

Working hard to become successful and run a great business is generally for one major reason: making profit. Usually, making as much money as possible to have the freedom, security and comfort that financial stability can bring you is a huge motivator.

But I feel that it’s not always quite as simple as that.

I’ve come to discover that there are 5 more reasons (other than cash) that motivate entrepreneurs.

Let me enlighten you:

5.A Sense Of Guilt

Some business owners feel that if they’re not working, then they are being lazy, unproductive and aren’t making a valid contribution to society. People that deal with guilt generally have an internal narrative that reminds them of their obligation to work harder for themselves or for someone else (be it for family or to keep a promise).

There are many people that use guilt to drive their ambition for success and quite often do very well in running a business or in developing a strong career path.

And although it certainly does motivate them to do things, or at least get things done – it’s not exactly a healthy reason to work harder. Guilt often creates a sense of shame, especially if something doesn’t get done or get done right. Yes, we all need to be responsible and hold ourselves accountable, but shame can end up bad for your health and negatively affect your output.

4.High Levels Of Competitiveness 

Some people are highly competitive and absolutely love to win. Losing is never an option, so doing whatever it takes to be the best at what they do is a huge motivating factor. While competing for profits is one thing, competitive business owners see a challenge in almost anything.

Winning can be subjective, though; it’s relative to each individual and will differ from person-to-person. But the highly competitive entrepreneur is often never satisfied with one metric of success, rather they constantly seek out new benchmarks to measure achievement.

When you interact with someone that loves competition, you come across questions like, “How many people do you have in your business? What are your profits like? Who are your biggest clients?”. And usually, questions like these are aimed at gauging the level of success a person has, so that they’re able to determine the best route to take in order to become the better leader.

Being competitive can be great and help you in reaping many rewards, but there are a few disadvantages that come with the desire to always come out on top. There’s a fine line between the enjoyment of playing the game to win and negative motivators like jealousy, envy, and obsession. Sometimes being overly competitive can also mean that you secretly want others to fail, that you don’t want others to be on the same level as you, and that you don’t care who you hurt to get what you want.

3.Being A Perfectionist

Some people are addicted to perfectionism. Obsessive Compulsive Disorder can sometimes play a role, but certain individuals can’t progress until they believe a product, service or task has reached the point of perfection.

The thing is that it takes a lot of hard-work, energy and time to try and attempt perfecting something. I’m not saying that being mediocre in everything that you do is alright, but putting too much effort into a product or service can sometimes do more harm than good. While causing you heaps of stress, which can lead to emotional outbursts, perfection is highly subjective and not always worth the attention that you give to it.

While it might seem admirable to give everything your all, it’s not always effective. Sometimes giving a product or service that is too polished can be off-putting. Also, by trying to make something perfect, you put yourself at greater risk of taking criticisms too seriously which might end up in feelings of failure and resentment.

2.Being A Control-Freak

I’ve come to find that plenty of business owners are driven to do the important work themselves in order to have complete control of the outcome(s). They love either being in control or take complete joy in controlling others. If they aren’t actively involved in the business (pulling the levers, engaging with the work) then they feel pained by a lack of control.

While I often suggest that giving clear briefings, delegating the work that needs to be done and evaluating it afterwards can give you just as much control – there are some absolute control freaks that simply can’t give up that sense of power. This insatiable need to be in control all of the time can be traced to the desire of being right all the time. It creates discomfort in others and displays deep-seated issues of trust.

It might seem like doing the work yourself would be a better approach and your pride might tell you that your involvement is crucial to the success of a product, service, process or operation, but there are plenty of disadvantages that come with being overly controlling. If there’s one way to annoy the living shits out of your employees, then revising their work over and over again is certainly a great option. You end up making people feel inferior and like they aren’t good enough. It can also create resentment and diminish the respect that people have for you.

1.An Addiction To Dopamine & Adrenaline 

This one has become more and more apparent, especially in business owners that work from home. These people are often motivated by the stress of getting work done – they thrive under pressure and quite often produce excellent results. Working hard and through long hours, they function well on the adrenaline and dopamine that comes with the pressure that they deal with.

The idea of producing great results under pressure is called eustress. Eustress is often associated with growth, productivity and skill development – but with any form of stress (whether good or bad), there is a chemical/hormonal reaction that takes place within the brain and body. When dealing with situations that involve pressure, there’s a release of adrenaline, dopamine and cortisol (to name a few) into our bloodstream and it’s not always healthy.

Dopamine is usually released upon achievement of a goal and leaves you feeling great – like a drug, this can become addictive. With adrenaline and cortisol – the two negative hormones that are associated with stress (and eustress) – you end up doing more harm than good. Adrenaline, our fight or flight hormone, causes the body to react to these situations (sweaty palms, frustration, mood shifts) and can have negative effects in the long-term. Cortisol, the stress hormone, is a slow-releasing chemical that can negatively affect our immune systems, blood pressure and digestion (along with others).

With a cocktail of hormones coursing through your veins, it can inevitably have negative effects. And one of the biggest issues is that of depression. Long-term, these chemicals will bring harm to the mind and body; short-term, you can be left with feelings of sadness and hopelessness.

Being that addiction plays a role, when you do end-up taking a break or vacation, then the lack of hormones will affect your mood and energy-levels; you’re basically going cold turkey and it will take up to 2 weeks for your body to stabilise.

Motivators Come In Clusters

Most business owners that are motivated by these different factors usually relate to two or more of the reasons listed above. Some people are driven by guilt and perfection, some by control and competition – each person has more than one motivator.

As a business coach that comes into contact with so many different personalities, I recognise some of these traits in some of the entrepreneurs that I assist.

Making them aware of what motivates them is crucial for self-awareness and understanding why they do the things that they do. In helping them realise these things, I’m able to advise and guide them towards better thinking, reasoning and action.

Knowing how these reasons affect you and why they might be unhealthy will push you towards becoming a better business owner, leader and human being.

As the saying goes: “Check yourself before you wreck yourself.”

Being a business coach means that I not only want what’s best for your business, but for you, as well.

I’m driven by the desire to make your life better, your business better and your approach far more effective.

You deserve a coach that takes every single thing into consideration and not one that is purely motivated by profits, control, competition, guilt, stress or perfection.

You deserve compassion, strength, wisdom and guidance.

So take what you deserve:

+2783 253 3339

brent@spillly.com