Branding Blog

10 things I've learnt about business

1. Truth is the most important value. If you’re having problems, admit them. Sure paint a positive tale but be honest. Colleagues, suppliers and clients will reward your sincerity.
2. You make your own luck. If you don't blame your bad luck on others, and take it on the chin as self created in some way, then you can also claim your good fortune all for yourself.
3. Bank on dollars, not percentages. Cash and cash-flow are more important than high margins. Don’t star gaze over great GP% when its dollars that you bank.
4. Measure everything of significance. Anything that is measured and watched, improves – sales, profits, employees and relationships.
5. Narrow the focus to build the brand. This is a principle focus of our Brandmapping techniques. Don't try to be all things to all people. Own a simple idea in your clients mind. Wasabi Advertising is the only agency that provides a degrees of focus Brandmap.
6. Differientiate. Our brains are programmed to notice things that are different.
7. Get out of your comfort zone. Not much happens of any significance when we're in your comfort zone. Continually push your barriers. Constantly strive for more innovation, more differentiation and more edge.
8. If you’re not moving forward you’re going backwards. Never stop looking for improvements and new ways of doing things. Never stop trying something new. Small daily improvements eventually result in huge advantages.
9. It’s better to be almost right, than perfectly wrong. A good plan executed today is far and away better than a perfect plan tomorrow.
10. They can’t eat you. No matter how bad it gets you still have you. You’re lucky to be alive. We're not here for a long time; we're here for a good time.

Influenced by Bob Parsons, Go Daddy

Coach Yourself Happy: Five Questions with Grant Thorpe

I've had Grant Thorpe mentoring me for 3 years now and he has constantly inspired me to reach higher. Grant's coached me through tough times, like a client liquidating owing us $120k, and the great times, like bringing on new clients or developing our brand map workshops. For me, having a business coach is like having a conscience on my shoulder; I'm still in charge but it encourages me to think outside my skin, focus on our business brand, and remember that there's life after work. Grant's now spreading his word with speaking engagements as well. Check him out at www.grantthorpe.com

1. Question: From a successful career in real estate, what made you get in to coaching and mentoring?
   Answer: I had always given my time to others, and was constantly asked to speak, coach or train both new people as well as the tall poppies of the industry. In an 'Ahaa' moment, I realised it was my destiny and that I had in fact already made most of the journey across to this side. It didn't take much to complete the trip.
2. Question: Do you have a mentor? Who inspires you?
   Answer: Yes, it would be a bit hypocritical if I didn't! I have had the same mentor and coach for the past 10 years. I am inspired by successful people, not just successful in business but in life. I love dealing with people who have a dream, and believe despite the influence of all those around them, that it is absolutely possible!
3. Question: What issue do you come up against the most and what advice do you give to overcome it?
   Answer: The major obstacle that my clients have to overcome is their current belief system! Most people quickly recognise that the main thing in their way, between where they are now and 'success', is themselves?
4. Question: What does the brand 'Grant Thorpe.com' stand for and what's your brand mana?
   Answer: It's my personal brand, where I can show case the different areas that I enjoy working in, like my public speaking and coaching. What flows from within that is the different segments I cover, like my goal setting www.100thingstotrybeforeyoudie.com , my real estate coaching www.realestatesalessecrets.com and my 'Coach yourself Happy' program at www.secretstoawonderfullife.com  My Brand Mana is taking successful people and making them truly amazing.
5. Question: What's the secret to success?
   Answer: '80% of success is turning up', and I truly believe as you start a journey and look to influences within that sphere that you ensure you remain 'a first rate version of yourself, not a second rate version of someone else'?