In the late 1870s, A Dublin-based shoe company sent 2 salespeople from their head office to a new territory in rural Africa. The two salespeople, Willy and Jimmy, travelled out on boat, trains and foot to reach the rural African areas that was to be their new sales area. 2 months later, 2 telegrams arrived … Read more
How do I become a better listener? Become aware of what level you are listening at. There are 5 levels of listening: not listening hearing the noise, waiting for silence hearing the words, preparing my response hearing the meaning from my point of view hearing the emotion, meaning and point of view of the other … Read more
Good business has been done the same way for centuries. The medium does not change the rules for success. Question 1: Who exactly do you help? Who do you help? What problem do you solve for them? How can you make that pain tangible for the listener? Effective sales is about helping a customer understand … Read more
Warren Buffett, when asked: “what is the biggest mistake you have made?” has an interesting answer. He says that he has taken many poor decisions in his life, but these errors are nothing in comparison to the decisions that he did not take. It is the investment opportunities that passed by and he didn’t pay … Read more
Alfred J. Moran gives 5 steps to turnaround bankrupt or deeply troubled companies. He has turned around companies for 25 years. Here are his 5 steps: Grab the Cash. Freeze the Expenses. Interview Everyone (all the information about what is wrong and what should be done is already there). Set a strategy (a half-right strategy now … Read more
“Cheaper” is never a deep human life goal. I don’t often hear people say “I wish my life was cheaper”. We never buy because something is cheaper. We buy because of the story we can tell ourself and others when we buy cheaper… I am a smart person because I get good deals. But, Apple … Read more
“How do you create a happy environment?”“Simple. I removed all the unhappy people.” I can’t remember who said this, but it rings true to me. To get the hot air balloon higher, it is simpler to remove the lead weights than to pump more hot air into the balloon canopy. Single most important aspect: Remove … Read more
Here are 7 critical elements of an effective entrepreneur “Pitch” that works (video here on the blog): The 7 elements of a good entrepreneurial elevator pitch A good entrepreneurial elevator pitch will contain these 7 elements: description of the problem you solve the individuals or groups that will benefit the specific product or service you … Read more
What are the first ten words of your next pitch, speech or presentation? Participants of Wayra Week Barcelona 2012 I was at Wayra Week Barcelona this week working with 30 selected startup businesses to prepare their companies for growth and investment. All were looking to raise a round of venture capital financing for their businesses. I spent … Read more
This is a resource page for the session at Wayra Week Barcelona on 20th February 2012. Event Hashtag: #wwbcnOrganiser: @Wayra Wayra.org Follow Today’s Speakers (Bios here) @rfauria @chemaalonso @ferranadria @rhuguet @cuchullainn Preparing a Pitch The 7 elements of a Pitch to Investors How much should I practice? Improve your Speaking email course: http://bit.ly/practicespeak Video Lessons: 4 Steps to Great speaking 5 Aspects … Read more