We're Back! A Key to Business Success: Work Less & Play More & Proven Tips to Get Customers

Hi guys,

Firstly, apologies for the long delay. I'm sure many of you were wondering what happenned and have been waiting for some news.

Well, everything's hunky dory. We just got caught up with work on some very critical projects. We also broke new ground -- growing our videography and animation business with new clients and are getting closer to them big accounts. It's a learning curve all the way...challenging but just exhillaratingly fun!

But apart from work, we've also been busy with a very important business element -- partying. Some of these shots were taken from our recent WordUp gathering held last month. :-)

Yes, I think a successful business involves a lot and lot of partying or at the very least networking and meeting new people. When I was in Mesiniaga, the sales people called it coverage, others prefer social mingling to build relationships. Some people call it business development.

Speaking from experience, a big part of running a successful business or even your own life (I think everyone's life should be run like a personal services corporation, which you are the CEO), is showing your face, telling people about yourself and just interacting with them. This is free brand building. Not just awareness, cos if you do it right, you can go all the way to brand embrace and belief.

I mean..take your favourite business idols -- Bill Gates, Steve Jobs, Donald Trump, Tony Fernandez, etc. Yes, they do get their hands dirty (or used to) in the business execution. But now a bulk of their time is playing ambassadors for their brands and companies.

So you got to do the same if you wanna get big fast.

And often the best business relationships are formed in social settings. For me, I got many clients at business networking meetings. BUT I GOT MORE from the people I met when playing futsal, having beers and at gigs (when I was still in the band).

You see, it's not always about hard sell. It's about having fun. Generally, people open to those whom they can have fun with. If you can party together, the automatic response is perhaps, they can trust you too. Also, you're in the minds cos they recall you because you connected with them through the meeting, interaction or relationship.



This is all part or relationship building, which any good salesperson or successful person will tell you, is so so important in being a winner in life...regardless of who or what you do.

Some gurus say that business is business and leisure is leisure and you shouldn't mix' they forgot that life as a whole IS MIXED. Everywhere we go and do and function, business and pleasure is mixed. So you have to get into that mix too cos you already are.

So balance out work with play. Play more. Here are some proven tips that I personally use (and have used with great results)in playing more.



1. Attend social events with your clients. Don't just look for business events. If you're in the events business, parties and social functions should be part of your agenda. If you don't like these events, it can be tough for you. I'd admit it's a problem. But if you wanna be noticed, you got be playing in the same arena.

2. Attend forums and client related events. If your client is having a function of sorts, be there. If it's a talk, be there. The important thing, be there. And make sure they notice you -- introduce yourself, talk to them before or after the event, etc. Strike that match while the chemistry is hot!

3. Eat with your clients. Invite them for lunch and do it sincerely. Clients know you're looking for a business relationship in the long run, but during the meal, show genuine care and interest in their lives, problems, kids, etc. Care for the person and the client cares for you. Plus, you can always claim the meal as entertainment allowance for a tax rebate or incentive (ask me how to do this if you're really interested).

For me, I even sometimes, forget about the business element. It's just fun to chill out with someone and have a meal. You know what happens then? Friendships form and either way, that's a good thing. I once had a meal with a client who became a close friend. We didn't do any business, but after 18 months, she recommended me to someone else who is now Words Wizards major account. See how that works?

3. Spend at least three days a month for relationship building. On these days, you do nothing but just be with your clients -- playing tennis, golf, having lunch, chilling out, etc. Make time for them, so they'll have time for you.

4. Phonecalls and emails. Stay in touch with "quiet clients" -- people whom you haven't heard of in a long while. By jogging their memory, you're back in the radar scope. I can remember at least five times when I spoke to a quiet client and within a week, they suddenly had business for us. It works, try it and see!

5. If you can't network yourself, get someone to do it for you. It's best that you do it yourself, but the next best thing is having one of your staff do it for you. At times, if I'm out of the country or indisposed, my staff (who are great networkers) go see clients and take an interest in them.

For more tips and personalised advice to your business or personal services corporation, email me at josh@wordswizards.com. I'd be happy to chat with you. It's great to help and hey...this is also working less and playing more.

My personal playing more strategies:

1. Futsal sessions (come and join us every Saturday at 6PM)
2. Cheers and Beers or teh tarik :-)
3. Starbucks (I'm normally free on Saturday mornings for a bit if you wanna cuppa)
4. Winners and Dinners :-)
5. Events and networking sessions
6. Parties.
7. Get involved in parties. Be the organiser, not just the attendee. Makes a big difference.

Next week: It's the little things that count big -- how small, inexpensive and even free gestures can be rewarding for you!