BUSINESS BOOK IN BRIEF
PUTTING THE HEART BACK
INTO YOUR BUSINESS
I must admit it was the book’s striking cover and the title that caught my attention. Although I doubted it possible to increase the level of heart I apply to my business, I decided to read the book to test the theory. Words beginning with “C” are a theme for every Chapter Concept (see what I did there?) Let’s have a look at the fundamentals of this publication.
Clarity
Not much new in the way of concept here. Vision and values, mission, and purpose. Even the old S.W.O.T. (strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and strengths) analysis gets a look in. For someone starting, or wanting to turn their passion project into a business, this chapter will be useful. If you’re already in business, the “Taking stock: a three-minute business review” is a great little exercise, and a good one to run through every quarter.
Courage
Running your own business certainly does take courage. No argument here. This section encourages mentors and virtual mentors to guide you along the journey. The highlight of this section is “The attitude of an athlete” in comparison to running a business, outlining the importance of a great coach and team, focus, rest, and other requirements for success.
Customers
“Build a business they will love,” is how this chapter is headed. As expected, it covers customer profiling and mapping. I sweet adjunct to the subject is the “in sight, in mind, in heart” concept, being the three stages customers much reach to be entrenched in your business or brand. Rather than just covering the touchy-feely. the “know the numbers” section is useful. It encourages you to look at your bottom line, and how many customers you need each month to keep the doors open.
Cooperation
The section illustrates how to boost your business through relationships. It provides practical advice on how to map the cooperation you need, including people, opportunities, and expertise. Also good advice on identifying and utilising your existing network to grow your business.
Conversations
Right product + right time + right conversation = sale. This is my favourite chapter as it discusses the psychology involved in sales conversations and covers the topic from both the sales and the marketing viewpoint.
Creativity
The magic mix of inspiration and action. This section is about creating your dream business and being clear on what it will look like. It then looks at how you can use your time and energy wisely, giving yourself the time and space you need to think creatively about your trade.
Compassion
This is very touchy-feely and discusses the impact personal emotional growth has on your business and the importance of feeling the love for what you do.
Change
How to face, shape, and embrace it. Given the year we’ve all lived through, the impact of the dreaded virus on all of us, this is a poignant chapter. It’s a short but sweet reminder that you need to be mindful of external impacts, and learn to grow with the flow!
