Chantal

Having just sent out a press release about the fact that I?m writing a book, to celebrate ten successful years in business, we had a request from a local journalist for more information. She wanted to know some of the lessons I?ve learnt and the mistakes I?ve made over the last ten years. Here?s some of the more positive things I told her!

• Let go of clients if they?re not ideal. I had a client who wanted to send email newsletters to people he hadn?t met at networking events. I advised against it and he went ahead and did it anyway, doing damage to his business reputation. He was paying for my advice and didn?t take it, so I decided I couldn?t work with him anymore and let him go. This gave me room to take on more ideal clients who value my expertise.
• Always be positive and generous in business. When you go to a networking meeting and you?re not feeling 100% or business is a bit slow, look for the positive aspects to talk about. No one wants to hear you complain about business. Offer as much help as you can to people you meet, without trying to sell to them and they will come back to you when they are ready to pay for your advice and expertise.
• Keep going! I go networking all round this area and often meet the same people in different places. The more times you meet someone, the more they will get to know about what you do. It?s also important to use the same message and branding, so that no matter where people meet you, they recognise you and your business.

What are the key lessons you?ve learnt from being in business?