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The Coolfidence Arsenal

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Business Challenge
Starting a New Business
You don't need an incredible idea to start a business. Sure, it helps if you invent something the world needs, but by simply doing something better than others has resulted in some extraordinary success stories. More importantly, you need good people. You also need to be able to explain what you are offering simply and clearly. Keep your costs tight, and stay focused. Study the market and understand the space you are in. But don't get bogged down with analysis - there is no substitute for action...
Business Challenge
People
Ideas don't move mountains - people do. Yes, ideas are important, but people are fundamental. Surround yourself with good people. Building a company is about people developing and nurturing a culture. Motivating the people around you is a never ending mission – it requires you to set the pace and to be creative and inspire those around you. Identify future leaders and nurture them. Learn to delegate and establish trust with the people around you. Invest in people and treat everyone with respect....
Business Challenge
Finding Customers
Selling, selling and more selling – this is what entrepreneurs do, internally and of course, externally. Inspiring people and exciting those around you is a constant activity. When you love what you do, and you do what you love, then it comes more naturally, and should not be a hustle. Capturing people’s imaginations and breaking through all the digital noise is a real challenge in today’s wired world – everyone is glued to their mobile phones and getting people to give you their full attention...
Business Challenge
Competition
There will always be competition – embrace it. The competition keeps us on our toes. It compels us to push the envelopes and to innovate and try harder. Know the lay of the land and never dismiss the competitors. Respect them and always be professional. Adapt and change and differentiate. Pricing should never be what makes you better. You can be more expensive if you are delivering a premium service. Growing your market share is always an imperative, but so is growing the entire market. Invest i...
Business Challenge
Re-invention / Staying Relevant
Complacency will kill any business. Comfort zones are dangerous places to be in. Re-invention is a must in this fast paced world. Staying relevant is fundamental. Invest, listen, and make bold moves. Your people are your greatest asset – make sure they are skilled up and on the ball. Innovate and take risk. Celebrate victories and learn from mistakes, but don’t stand still. Remember that insanity is doing the same thing over and over and expecting a different result. Embrace change and break new...
Business Challenge
Failure Does Not Mean It Is Over
Don’t be afraid to start – just don’t get analysis paralysis. Be agile, and try things, even if they are not perfect. And if you fail, then learn from the mistakes and try again, Or, call it a day, and try something totally different. It all boils down to people and character. The strong survive – if someone has backed you once before then there is a good chance they will back you again. If you work hard, and are humble and resourceful, then people will follow your next move. People don’t mind w...
Business Challenge
Growing Pains
No pain, no gain. That is the truth. When you start to grow you will have new challenges and lots of struggles. Scaling up is never easy. Change is a constant and rising to the challenge is the only way to keep going. Invest in better systems and try not to get too bogged down with process. Layers of complexity need to be avoided at all costs, although in reality this is never easy. It all comes down to people and that fact that we all grow at different rates. Some people are going to be left be...
Business Challenge
Marketing & Selling
Marketing is a bottomless pit, but don’t let it bleed you dry. Get clever with your marketing mission. There are many ways to create buzz and to get people excited. Your staff and your customers are your best marketing weapons – tap into this. Selling is about persuading people and marketing requires you to capture imaginations and inspire. Have fun, and consider light hearted antics. We all need to smile more – spread some cheer and don’t be afraid to think outside of the box. Embrace creativit...
Business Challenge
Finances
A business needs capital so make sure you have the right skills in place to get your numbers in order. A good financial person is always key. The numbers may never lie, but they also don’t add up, unless someone is on top of that. Don’t throw good money after bad and don’t be scared to switch off the tap and pull the plug if something is not working. Look for bad debt and don’t be sad to see bad customers go. Cashflow is fundamental so make sure you are on top of the numbers. Staying in the blac...
Icebreaker
Nosey Business
Nosey Business
Nothing gets attention like a punch in the face. Or a broken nose. The nose can play for more than an olfactory function when it comes to breaking the ice. There are many expressions and anecdotes that relate to the nose. The nosey parker comes to mind, as does that old saying "don't go sticking your nose where it does not belong". The nose needs to get a better deal. When you really want to get someone's attention then the Nosey Business icebreaker could work wonders.
Icebreaker
Some Respect
Some Respect
Many wise souls have said “risk everything in life but your reputation”. Respect is everything. When is the last time you showed someone some respect? And when is the last time someone showed you some respect? Well, the tables are about to turn. This one never fails to get people smiling, and talking. Use it wisely, and respect the Coolfidence.
Items 1-20 of 248