Business Essentials

After 30 years of experience, one of Australia’s best real estate agents knows exactly how to navigate the "fee reduction?" question. If you can explain why your service is better than your competitors, you shouldn’t have to compromise on price. James Tostevin’s passion for his job and disciplined work ethic helps explain why he is so good at what he does, which translates into phenomenal success. And the lessons he gives to Business Essentials can be applied to any business.

Business Essentials Daily is produced by:

SoundCartel
soundcartel.com.au
+61 3 9882 8333

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Preparation is so important to telephone sales – have a script, write down key objections, but most importantly "master your mindset".

That's the advice from Ashleigh Hoult, founder and director of The PromoDonna. These days a lot of businesses are reluctant to do cold-calling as a business strategy and have lost the art of speaking on the phone. That paves the way for others who understand the benefits of cold-calling, so long as they know the tricks to get to the decision-maker and make a compelling case for your business.

Business Essentials Daily is produced by:

SoundCartel
soundcartel.com.au
+61 3 9882 8333

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Show humility, be open and transparent, and be comfortable within your own skin. Those are some of the qualities of good leadership.

Tony Gattari, Founder and Managing Director of Achievers Group, says charisma isn't necessarily the way to achieve great leadership – instead it's making yourself vulnerable and open with your team, and having brutally honest and fearless conversations to build mutual respect.

Business Essentials Daily is produced by:

SoundCartel
soundcartel.com.au
+61 3 9882 8333

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A little doubt can be a good thing, but too much can stop growth and cripple your business. Coach and keynote speaker, Terry Barridge, says confidence comes from doing things you’re familiar with, but if you’re taken out of your comfort zone, do you lose all confidence? In a changing business environment, future leaders need to move out of their comfort zone more often and learn to handle their doubts. Terry has some tricks on how to battle the negative self-talk, build confidence and exorcise those doubt-driven demons.

Business Essentials Daily is produced by:

SoundCartel
soundcartel.com.au
+61 3 9882 8333

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The frontline of business is customer service. That's where we engage with customers and – hopefully – persuade people to buy.  But, why do some frontline staff fail?

It comes down to a lack of empowerment, according to customer service expert, Michael Carrick. When people feel empowered, they're much better at helping others. When we take care of our own people, Michael insists, our people will take care of our business.

Business Essentials Daily is produced by:

SoundCartel
soundcartel.com.au
+61 3 9882 8333

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Don’t give up - do it regularly and consistently and you'll reap the benefits. Just like an exercise regimen, prospecting for clients can be daunting - particularly the cold-calling side. But prospecting is more than just cold-calling, and if done properly it can bring real benefits to your business. Ingrid Maynard knows - she’s had more than 25 years' experience in sales and she advises businesses on lead generation through her company, The Sales Doctor. Ingrid explains what it takes to be a great prospector.

 

Business Essentials Daily is produced by:

SoundCartel
soundcartel.com.au
+61 3 9882 8333

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A few years ago, Australian Rules football legend, Rodney Eade, changed his coaching boots for the corporate sector, offering businesses lessons in leadership, especially around the area of change.

Rodney's venture is called Facing Change – a timely initiative as the world of business transforms as never before. Like team sport, he's found building a strong culture in the workplace helps bring the best out of everyone and improves the bottom line.

Business Essentials Daily is produced by:

SoundCartel
soundcartel.com.au
+61 3 9882 8333

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Mandy Holloway isn't a fan of your typical performance management appraisals which allow managers to hide behind a system. Instead, she says, managers should talk with their staff more often and in a meaningful way. Mandy outlines the seven types of conversations you should have with your team members on a regular basis to help motivate them and ultimately increase the business's performance.

Business Essentials Daily is produced by:

SoundCartel
soundcartel.com.au
+61 3 9882 8333

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Many "new" ideas already exist in some form or other — does yours bring something better to the market? Business Adviser and Author, Alan Hargreaves, has three rules to test a new idea for success: Is it needed? Does it work? Can it be done better? Alan insists if your idea provides more convenience for consumers, it might be a winner.

Business Essentials Daily is produced by:

SoundCartel
soundcartel.com.au
+61 3 9882 8333

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It’s a fine line: having the perseverance and grit to constantly manage a business, without succumbing to burnout. Andrew May, CEO of StriveStronger, recognises the challenge businesses face and says looking after your physical and psychological wellbeing is paramount to a healthy business. He says you shouldn’t ignore the signs that your body and mind might be suffering.

Business Essentials Daily is produced by:

SoundCartel
soundcartel.com.au
+61 3 9882 8333

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.