When your customers think about holidays they probably just need a break. They’ve been working hard and they want some rest and relaxation along with a change of scenery.
Who can blame them? When Britain is wet and windy even in August we all want some guaranteed sunshine.
But what if there’s more to it? Why should you be thinking about ways to leave your customers educated and entertained?
I know, it’s an odd question. Why would a sinking ship help you to reach more customers and sell them holidays? Surely the last thing you want to remind them of is death and disaster?
Read on and all will be revealed…
I know you’ve probably heard it a thousand times (at least). Video is an amazing marketing tool. Facebook loves video so you’re more likely to get into people’s news feeds. It gets you in front of your customers like nothing else. They can see you and hear your voice so they get to know you.
But that’s the problem, isn’t it? I know, because I’ve told myself the same things you have. My hair’s a mess, I don’t have any make up on, I need to lose weight, etc., etc., etc. So here’s how to grasp the nettle and get yourself in front of a camera.
I always used to think that people who started their own business must be naturally confident. They must be natural entrepreneurs with the communication skills to match. I reasoned that anyone with the confidence to start their own business must have the confidence to talk to anyone.
Then I started my own business. I didn’t do it because I want to take over the world. I don’t even mind if I never become a millionaire. Although it would be nice. The real reason I started my own business is because I want to earn my living doing the thing I love best. Most of the other business owners I’ve met in that time are exactly the same.
I’m not quite at the point where I can talk to anyone, but I’m getting there. Here’s how
We all have those times when we sit at a computer staring at a blank screen and wondering what to write. Even me. Or we write an opening sentence seventeen times because it doesn’t sound right. It’s tempting to just give up on the whole blogging thing altogether, right?
Wrong. If you’re even attempting to write a blog it’s because you know it’s a good idea. It helps you to communicate with people who need you and will love what you do. So how do you do it? The truth is, if you write to entertain your customers you can’t go far wrong.
Here’s how to do it.
When I ask people what they struggle with when it comes to producing content for their business, I usually get one of two answers. Some people have ideas but when they put them down on paper it just sounds wrong. There is a solution to that, but that’s for another blog.
Far and away the most common problem is that people don’t know what to write about. They like the idea of writing a blog but don’t know where to start when it comes to topics.
There are loads of strategies available for coming up with blog post topics. I’ll probably write about them all at some point but for now I’m going to share my favourite. Write about what you love.
There’s a part of me that really looks forward to the school holidays, especially in the summer. My eldest son is still quite little so is usually exhausted by the end of term. During term time I’m constantly rushing them out of the house or shouting because their shoes have mysteriously vanished. During the school holidays we can do pretty much what we like.
Of course, it’s never quite that simple. We all need to make a living and every business needs a bit of attention over the summer months. How do we balance family and work so that the school holidays don’t spell disaster?
Going on holiday is generally a good idea. If you aren’t convinced by that have a read of my last blog – hopefully it will change your mind. When you have a family going away, or at least having a few days off, is practically compulsory.
Of course, knowing that you’re going to take a break is one thing. Making the time to take a break is quite another. That pre-holiday cramming period is all too familiar to many of us.
How will you make it work? How can you take a break without spending your whole holiday worrying about what’s happening to your business?
Have you organised your holiday yet? The kids are about to finish school and the weather is, well, British. You might be reading this in the midst of a heatwave or longing to fly off to avoid the rain.
Taking time off when you run your own business, or even if you have a key role in someone else’s, can feel difficult. When I was still practicing law we used to get emails reminding us to use our holiday. I didn’t usually need reminding but plenty of my colleagues did.
I understand the feeling of not wanting to take time away from your business. If you offer a service that exchanges time for money, a week away can put quite a dent in your monthly income.
If you’re contemplating staying behind your desk this summer, don’t. There are some very good reasons for taking a break.
Everyone has challenges in business. If you’re not being challenged, you’re not growing. The thing is, everyone faces challenges differently. Some treat them as an obstacle to be overcome, others as an excuse. We’ve all had those moments when we throw their hands up and say ‘I can’t do it’ when you could if you asked for help. Sometimes you just need to get out of your own way.
I’ve been lucky enough to meet some truly inspiring people. They’ve overcome enormous challenges, from childhood abuse to homelessness and divorce. What’s more, they’ve thrived and now help others to succeed.
But how do you get out of your own way? Whatever the challenge, there is a way to move forward with confidence. Let’s look at some of the most common culprits…