It's not often that I attend conferences where I'm not due to speak, but something urged me to get along to the Chain Reaction event - all about international social leadership - yesterday at London's South Bank.
The attraction for me was a session entitled 'Can Entrepreneurs Change the World?' (to which the answer is of course 'YES WE CAN!') - but I was intrigued to know what the line up of Peter Jones, James Caan and Sir Richard Branson (albeit by video) amongst others made of the debate.
I often make the joke in my after-dinner speeches that Peter Jones rarely bothers to show up at enterprise events unless Gordon Brown is speaking - and true to form an unexpected bonus was the appearance on stage of our very own PM Gordon Brown.
And so we had them. Peter Jones swept in no doubt by his chauffeur driven Maybach to tell us that 'Scarcity is a real driver of innovation' and 'Am I the only one on the positivity bandwagon here?'; James Caan telling us that making money is brilliant because then you have lots to give away to charity like Bill Gates does; and then Sir Richard Branson beamed in via a pre-recorded satellite link where he was clearly sitting on the sun-drenched terrace of his holiday home on Necker Island, telling us how wonderful it is to encourage enterprise.
Finally Gordon Brown joined the debate, who reminded me of a Finance Director I used to have who arrived at every Board Meeting looking a bit shabby and crumpled, so busy scribbling notes on to a bit of a paper during the debate that he didn't really seem to be paying attention to much of what was going on, whose every bit of body language seemed to scream 'No you can't!', only to get up and tell us with as much gusto as he could muster that the UK economy was due to double in the next 20 years and that NOW REALLY IS a great time to be in business.
Meanwhile, back over here in the real world, before I set off for London yesterday morning I opened three emails all about entrepreneurs absolutely on the knife edge brink of bankruptcy, about to lose their homes, and in desperate need of my help (or anybody's help for that matter) while meantime at the weekend my own husband received a letter from his company stating that one person in his team of three at work would be made redundant this week, as a result of the tightening economy. By the way, I don't have an army of PAs handling all my correspondence, plus I go and talk to entrepreneurs around the country at business events every week, so I really do feel that I am at the sharp end of what is really going on.
Maybe I should reassure all of these people that, not to worry, in 20 years' time everything will be OK?
The only speaker who really captured the imagination of the audience yesterday was the fabulous Tim Smit, founder of the Eden Project, who spoke with passion about the ability of business to deliver so much more than the constricted City-lead profit expectation of big corporates, whose CSR initiatives are nothing more than a few marketing frills to attract extra shoppers. In other words the current system of capitalism and 'much to few' isn't working - not for business, not for individuals and certainly not for the environment. He would be my vote for PM (or at minimum Minister for Business) any day.
It was a great event and I'm glad I went but all of this left me a bit angry.
Real businesses currently on a knife edge don't need this patronising happy clappy rhetoric from those living in a fur lined sunshine bubble any more.
Firstly we need an urgent law which will suspend the ability of any UK citizen to lose their home until the economy has recovered. And we also need an emergency fund which can intervene to help struggling businesses re-finance in the short term as well as give them advice to help them to restructure and adapt their businesses to get back towards profitability in the long term.
And if I were involved in 'restructuring the global financial architecture' I would start with the premise that capitalism as we knew it cannot be the basis for generating future prosperity for our planet and its people.
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75 comments:
First off, I always thought Gordon Brown was a bit of a prat, I think you have just confirmed that to me thanks!
With regards to the others, well, full of good advice, yeah right, while sitting on a sun drenched beach/island, where are they to help the ones struggling, hmm. I think the only one up to now doing anything worthwhile is you Rachel, always prepared to help others with your wisdom and knowledge.
Easy to say don't worry cos in 20yrs we will all be OK, those you speak of ie, Branson, Jones, and the like have probably got enough money, wether it be cash or property to withstand the meltdown, some of us though have not got that sort of finance/back up.
On a note of sychronicity though we happen to print for the Project Managers of the Eden Project.
Sorry to hear about your Husband' possible redundancy, I truly hope he is not the one.
And lastly, going off on a tangent, I am in a really foul mood today, and when I say foul, I mean foul. God help any one who gets in my way today. Sorry to all to end this post on a negative note, but perhaps it is the way to get this out of me.
A very very foul moody DLOG
Hi DLOG
OK here's a simple anger buster to help increase your vibration...
Take yourself off into a quiet room or even better take a walk to the nearest park or green space. Sit down, close your eyes and focus on your breathing for a couple of minutes - nice long deep breaths.
Then think about 5 things in your life which you are absolutely grateful for. It could be people you love or something as simple as your health or even having me as your friend :-)
Sit and focus on these 5 great things for a little while and remember how lucky you are, in the grand scheme of things.
That should raise your vibration.
And if all else fails give me a call and I will tell you a joke or two!
I'd also like to let everyone know I am reading a really fab book at the moment by Deepak Chopra called 'Synchrodestiny'. It is the best explanation I have read of how this Universe of ours truly works at a quantum/spiritual level - and he emphasises the point in there that when you are in a place of fear and anger you cut yourself off for the Universal flow of all great stuff.
That's why I bang on so much about raising the vibration...
R
Thanks a lot Rachel, (The Diamond), have not really got time at the mo to walk round to parks and sit and contemplate. Would give you a ring but, feel guilty to do that, you can always ring me though.
Have tried to think of the good things, yeah, yeah, OK and you with your words of wisdom and philosophy but sorry I am in a really foul mood, and even if I did go round to the park I might end up killing some one the way round!
Why am I posting this?
The extremely angry DLOG
A journalist once interviewed Gandhi and was shocked to learn that he spent an hour every single day meditating.
'But what do you do on those days when you're really under pressure and busy?' the journalist asked.
'On those days I meditate for two hours' was Gandhi's reply.
The point being is that when you are vibrating with anger you will attract conflict, stress and other angry people into your life.
So, 10 minutes invested in restoring your equilibrium right now will help you have a much more productive day.
OK I'm going to call you.
R
I met Gordon Brown when he was Chancellor and he's certainly no prat. Sadly he's no great leader either but even though I probably disagree with most of his policies he is a decent man trying to do a very difficult job.
I agree with Rachel's stress tips. when I worked in the City there was a tiny green space opposite the office I used to sit in to put things in perspective. There is nothing like the odd squirrel to put derivative trading in its place!
Cheer up DLOG its simply not worth being glum.
C
I have met a few from the Labour Party also, in fact the man that got Tony Blair to where he got is a very good friend of mine, I actually do a fair bit of printing for Ben Bradshaw, (Exeter Labour Party) and a little for Cambridge Labour Party.
With regard to sitting in a park, yes there is one just round the corner from me in Vauxhall, but the problem I have (if one can call it a problem) is far deeper than that, which I must say Rachel is well aware of now, God Bless her heart.
Feeling somewhat more level now.
DLOG
Going back to Rachel's post I think most people see the irrelevance in the mutual back slapping that takes place at these events.
The problem we have is that we put 'successful' people on a pedestal without questioning whether they really have anything insightful to say. These people, because they are successful and are constantly told they are, believe their own press. Success after all is a poor teacher.
As for changing the system, I agree that a more balanced system is required. One that still rewards people who take risks but provides a basic level of protection at the same time. You should read 'Natural Capitalism' for insight into a possible model.
C
Good day to you all!
I am back.
Apologies for my absence, I have had other parishoners that required my help.
I can see that much work is still to be done here, as the heady aroma of sychophantism hangs in the air yet again.
Stop worrying about what the super rich (or even the quite rich) are saying they are as irrelavant to us as we are to them.
And no, we will never have an emergency fund to bail out failing businesses, it wouldnt work.
As I have said many times its a Jungle out there.
Believing we will have this is like believing that the people whose incompetence lead to the torture and death of Baby P will have justice served on them.
The storm is no more when it loses its power over you
Yet deep rage and justice still lies deep within my heart
When the time comes the bourgeoisie celebrity will be hunted down and cut to the ground
This culling will not done by knife or gun
This culling will not be done by fear nor might
They will lose everything when the profits from their game are redirected away from them.
21st Century Entrepreneur
Mr A Dragon, I thought it is was to see you back again, then read your comment, I personally can't see the problem with I, myself or others agreeing with Rachel, and flattering her, she is truly deserved of this, well, in my eyes anyway. And besides C does not always agree with Rachel, but, his comments are always well received by all, well apart from the thread going back a little.
Any way aside from that, nice that you posted something of value further down. I wait in anticipation for more valued and constructive comments!!
"Believing we will have this is like believing that the people whose incompetence lead to the torture and death of Baby P will have justice served on them".
But we must believe and at wworst attempt to right these wrongs of the world, if we don't who will?
I doubt some of the super rich will, as yes they give to charity, (and so do a lot of us), but then they go and exploit those with nothing, as some one pointed out to me earlier on today.
DLOG
"Fur lined sunshine bubble"
Thanks for that great description Rachel - it's the funniest thing I've read all day!
Rachel
I am back. Amazing why you have never responded to my posting. Why do you have such an issue with the Dragons? Why do you hate Peter Jones sooooo much? Please respond as you always seem to disappear when the going gets tough!
When i hear Peter Jones speak he reminds me of someone pretending to be something. To have style and bucket loads of empathy.
I reckon a guy like that would fold under pressure. I reckon he'd wet his pants if ever he had to overcome things that others had overcome.
He isn't the real deal and neither are people like Theo and D.Meaden.
I reckon Bannatyne is a real animal when you put his back to the wall and isn't anybodies poodle. But i reckon the rest of them would fold if they ever came up against real odds. I talk in terms of having to survive a crises where you are totally alone - with nothing but your will to bail you out!
Time, I don't think Rachel bears grudges against any one, she comes over as a very forgiving person, I think the issue is more to do with rejection. The likes of Peter Jones & Co are yours friends when things are all well, as soon as one has misfortune some how they disappear and don't want to know anymore. Wrong attitude, as far as I am concerned, sometimes in life we all need a little help in one way or another, and my opinion is they should have been there for Rachel then, now and forever, but hey, at the end of the day, those people don't give a shit, they are just there to exploit the weak and less fortunate people of the world for their own financial gain.
Any way I think Rachel is doing a grand job on her own, keep up the good work Rachel, perhaps one day those Dragons and others may learn a lesson or two from you......
And yes, I am in a brilliant mood today guys!!
DLOG
Time
Don't forget I knew Peter Jones before he became famous, before he became addicted to the drug of fame.
My comments about him are in response to the icon he represents which is the Alpha Male - one driven by money, power & ego.
For example, I don't think true altruism lies at the heart of his Enterprise Academy, I think he is doing it primarily because he wants a knighthood.
My personal view is that business needs to change because capitalism is unsustainable. It is a system which relies on creating scarcity and the illusion of lack in a world of abundance.
If we wish to change the way business is done we must also tear down its old, outdated icons.
Rachel
Absolutely Rachel, he maybe after a Knighthood, but you deserve it.
Dame Rachel Elnaugh, has a certain ring don't you think.
DLOG
"tear down old outdated icons"
Couldn't agree more Rachel.
I include people like Alan Sugar in that and his apprentice show - where darleks rule and children learn that nasty and shifty means good business acumen.
The message the BBC are really sending out to the young people with this programme is:
"sell your soul to the devil"
"learn to live without conscience"
"or you just won't make it"
"be aggressive and nasty"
"evil is good"
I caught the best bit of Eastenders last night - "the credits".
At the end the presenter said..
" if you have been affected by one of the scenes in this programme please call this number..."
You give yourself too much credit BBC.
All the ones who claim to help others, here is an extract from Theo Pahitis' PA,
"Unfortunately we do not give individual advice or comments but we would like to wish you every success for the future".
So much for helping others eh!
And Stephen, the BBC, by the time you press 1 for this 3 for that 4 for this 2 for that...... you would have forgotton why you rang, so everything will be OK then ha.
DLOG
Hi Rachel..
I managed to come along to the Business show you attended at Bolton, on a very wet and windy day...Very interesting to read about what your thoughts were on "The Chain Reaction" I remember being told about a speech which was being given by Mother Terasa, many celebrities/politicians came on to give her an introduction, and built up the expectation of her speech. When she stood up to speak, she produced a slice of bread, broke it into a number of pieces, and gave one to each person who was with her on the stage. She returned to the lectern and said into the microphone, whilst looking and the others on stage, "Go and do likewise" She then sat down...When I am having a bad day, I try to remember this, it always makes me feel thankful for exactly just what we have got, and gives my sprit just a little lift...If you think about it, it is probably the most powerful speech you might ever hear, maybe even ranks with Barak Obamas "Yes we can" victory speech..
Very sorry to hear of your husband's news, Rachel, Hope everyone will be OK in his company.
Hope you will be back in the North West soon, and maybe a masterclass??
Absolutely, there is nothing more rewarding than giving and to see so many thankful happy people receiving that great inspiration, that they may also go give that inspiration, to make that Chain Reaction happen.
Yes Rachel, that is you, the one who makes so many dreams come true, through your words of inspiration and sincerity.
A LADY TO BE TRULY ADMIRED BY ALL.
We Thank You
DLOG
Who hears the silent whisper of wisdom - in a world so full of self-interest and valueless noise?
DLOG knows why I am in a bad mood today but despite that I will share with you a story my hairdresser told me today...
He recently went to Zanzibar on holiday, for those of you who don't know that is in North East Africa, an area of extreme poverty except for certain resorts which are beautiful and security controlled.
On the way to the resort their car needed to stop and Calvin got out; a little girl spotted he had a bottle of half drunk water and rushed up to him and held out her hand to ask for it.
He gave it to her, and immediately she was surrounded by another four young children all wanting a sip. But instead of snatching it away and saying 'No it's mine' (as I'm sure my children would!) she willingly shared it with all the children present.
I think the story shows that when you live in gratitude for even the smallest blessing your approach to life is very different.
When you work from a place of joy you want everyone to feel that too.
Not that I am feeling a whole heap of joy right now (as DLOG knows) but at least it puts things in perspective.
R
PS If I could get away with charging £3k for a 'breaking the bread' speech I'd gladly do it !!!
Rachel,
This is taken from Gill Fieldings newsletter and it reminded me of you.
'At this time we need free thinkers, creators, people prepared to challenge and make a difference and come out of the standard box'.
You are both wonderful people.
All good wishes to your husband, hope it is the outcome he wants.
Rachel, I agree.
They all live in a very different world from us.
And I do not think from his speeches, gordon has ever lived in the world I do!!
I am networking with so many who are right on the edge now....
So maybe this isnt the right place...but a thought for those who are struggling...
A 5 point plan for a 50% increase in sales...
(a) Get 10% more to come to your advert, website or premises..
(b) Get 10% more to read your message
(c) Get 10% more to buy..
(d) Get them to buy 10% more
(e) Get them to come back 10% more often...
Approached like that it is not so daunting...
Start with (b).. as copywriters know or anyone who has used adwords, a change in headline can even DOUBLE sales - most never read past the headline.- so those who arent testing headlines are throwing money away...
Then (c) A simple formula..
Big promise...irresistible offer..prove value, credibility give a reason why now!!!
And there are 101 tiny details that can up website and copy conversion.
Just a guarantee presented as an image of a certificate can up sales by 6%
(d)Mcdonalds make billions out of a single question....Can I supersize that? Upsells make an extra 10% easy!!
(e) What can you offer free to get people to sign up on your list....a list breaks the link between traffic and money... and then build a relationship and special promotions
ANd (a)??
Well too many people just focus on traffic..but there are hundreds of ways to get 10%...from joint ventures with people who have lists, to social media...articles ...ppc ..and in almost every market you can find at least a couple of easy long tail expressions to get to the top of google...
Mmmm, very interesting reading Mike,I shall start doing some investigation into what you said, thnaks for the advice.
DLOG
Oops, should learn to spell properly first though shouldn't I, mind you that would make interesting advertising, people would have to ring me to find out what the hell I was advertising!!
DLOG
BTW ...rachel if you are reading this.... Just read your book.
Great book.
I know exactly how you feel with the section when you discover half the directors in your own boardroom are plotting how to profit out of trying to crash your company, rather than doing what they are paid to do which is ensure it survives!!!
I was right there in 1992 ...and powerless to stop an investor ganging up with non exec
When we refused to sell out/merge with another company our VC ganged up with the non execs to sack the staff, with a view to reemploying them in that company....
It was a surreal experience!!
Talking about about gratuitous rudeness on 'humiliation TV', as a welcome contrast I quite like the demeanour of Geoff Burch (BBC2 'All over the shop').
OK, there's some of the behind-the-scenes activity for the small business makeovers that I'd like to know more about, such as the costs, but he's got a sympathetic approach and a sense of humour likely to stimulate rather than crush.
Top bloke !
Dave.
Ok at the risk of sounding like a pedant to Mike B's very positive email, his 50% increase is actually 11% if you follow his logic.
Also, I hate to say it but supersizing doesn't actually add much to MacDonalds bottom line. Like many businesses the obvious product is not what makes them the money.
C
C, perhaps I should not be part and parcel to running a business, but, could you please explain;
"obvious product is not what makes them the money".
If their burgers do not make them money then what does?
Obviously a very stupid DLOG!!
DLOG
There is an immediacy to what has just been unleashed on the small business community and general public. The BBC is talking about all of us wearing tin hats for the next year or so - when the fat cats have just consumed most of the available pie in one Gordon Brown bailout/blackmail gulp.
I am sorry, but i can only see many small businesses going down with guns blazing - so it doesn't really matter what long-tail keywords you apply to your site or how much money you throw at Googles PPC's campaigns.
At the end of the day, these extraordinary circumstances require the government to do a lot more than say - "well it wasn't our fault" and the BBC to promote "getting ready for the credit crunch". I actually threw my radio out of the window yesterday when someone said "well - we have all been greedy". Speak for your fucking self. So we are gotta dig in whilst the bastards who made this shit are on the beach.
You are probably right Mike to try and help the small business man - but they just switched the tables and they're now playing a very different game now.
I say, shut up shop and run for the hills. Its not worth the struggle. Then when they got 10million unemployed we'll see how they like that.
Perhaps we should all shut up shop Stephen, that would definately throw a spanner in the works, cos it would then only leave the 'bigwigs' ie, Paphitis, Jones, Branson, and the politicians etc, then they would have no one to buy there products, that would be fun to see what happens to them, you never know, they might come knocking on our tent for a place of dryness, then we can tell them to F... off, where were you we needed help!!
DLOG
DLOG
MacDonalds make most of their money from renting property to franchise holders. Sure they make some money on the burgers too but the majority of the income is rent. The extra revenue from supersizing is mostly captured by the franchisee not MacDonalds.
There are loads of businesses out there like this. Another example are petrol stations. The vast majority of the turnover is fuel sales but the vast majority of the profit comes from ancillary sales (i.e. the shop, car washes etc.). I almost bought some petrol stations once and was constantly told it would be a great business if they didn't have to sell the fuel!
C
yea, thats it DLOG.
Its all purely hypothetical, but someones gotta work these fat clowns out one day. We cannot keep taking the fall for these fucking puppetiers.
I'm fed up to the back teeth listening to the mumbo jumbo crap that comes out of most entrepreneurs mouths these days.
Don't these guys get it!!!! They've been totally stitched up and no amount of gurus are going to help!
People can read as many books as they like. Attend as many authoritative speeches as they like.
The truth is - we are all playing someone else's game.
And its time we all woke up and realized that!
If they can take us into false wars against sovereign nations, you can be sure that they can turn the money on and off at will whenever they like.
DLOG
I believe Macdonalds make their money from all their real estate, burgers are just what they happen to sell there.
Sorry c,
Just noticed you have already answered this question in full
C, yeah, yeah, yeah, I see where you are coming from now, silly old me, forgot that they were franchises, actual MacDonalds do not sell the hamburgers to the end user so to speak, and the amount of profit they make on the hamburger is pretty much irrelevant.
Perhaps I should sell up and run to the hills before I make an even further prat of myself, just not sharp enough at times, any one else like to come with me?
DLOG
PS Yep I am back to my happy old self today, well and yesterday, heehee!!
Perhaps I should sell up and run to the hills before I make an even further prat of myself, just not sharp enough at times, any one else like to come with me?
Already ahead of you there DLOG. Sometimes retreat is the best policy. You can stand back watch the BS unfold and then hit back when the time is right. Why stand and suffocate in the mire, when you can lick your wounds and live to fight another day.
Conserve your resources and energy. Don't expel them on this bullshit game the government are playing.
DLOG
Glad to see you are happy again.
The MacDonalds thing isn't obvious unless you know how their model works, so no shame in not knowing.
Now if only we could make Stephen happy it would be truly a great day.
C
Two things
(a) You are completely missing the point. I was using mcdonalds as an example of an upsell, and mcdonalds franchisees/franchior as a whole has raked in billions from that question. ...upsells work! The moment someone has takent he decision to buy, they will be receptive to any complementary product or service you offer. And 10% is not uncommon.
Test it!!
And if they buy the first upsell, offer another, and another on the thank you page etc etc...
(b) The 10% are compound all the way. If you get 10% more to the site AND 10% more of all visitors read, there are 20% more reading your copy. And if of those you make your conversion 10% better, 30% more buy etc etc
Try it works!!!
Now if only we could make Stephen happy it would be truly a great day.
There's a point DLOG.
I'm not quite sure how this might occur, under the circumstances.
Perspective shot, i guess.
all the best,
Stephen, I'll send you some of my pills, but don't tell any one else, or they will all want some heehee
DLOG
I had lunch with a friend of mine earlier this week, very well connected in the legal/financial world.
They told me that all the major insolvency lawyers have already been block booked by the banks for January because they anticipate putting so many companies out of business after Christmas.
This of course means if you are one of the companies involved you won't be able to get yourself a good insolvency lawyer.
Personally I think it is disgusting.
Rachel
Actually Rachel, it is F...ing disgusting, seems like the banks have the upper hand once again. Where is all the help from the so called government, pushing billions of pounds into the banks, oh yeah, just realised they do not give a shit about the general public as long as they, the government and banks are OK.
But they seem to forget, without the general public, which is the majority I hasten to add, there is no economy.
And just to add a little more, I pulled this comment off ITN news, "Latest repossession figures are expected to show that 130 families a day are losing their homes."
It is an absolute disgrace, come on Brown and your cronies start helping those that really need it, all the others have enough to keep themselves in the lap of luxury.
DLOG
Did you know that it would suit the powers that be to incite anarchy?
Its much easier to steal your soul and control you when chaos reins.
Why would they worry if UK went up in flames - when they were sitting on some sun drenched beach somewhere?
The bourgeoisie are opportunists and vampires.
http://tinyurl.com/anarchy-777
Forgot, there is another company around, they are absolutely brilliant,
www.nicholassolicitors.com
DLOG
Rachel
For someone who espouses positive vibrations your posts are far from it at times.
Even assuming your friend was right it doesn't mean that banks have cornered the market to the exclusion of everyone else. Nor does it mean the banks are about to take action against everyone either.
Of course rationalism isn't as exciting as sensationalism. That's fine in the confines of a blog but sensationalism in the real world gets people hurt.
C
"For someone who espouses positive vibrations your posts are far from it at times."
C, do you expect Rachel to make out everything is rosey then, I think what Rachel is doing is giving the actual state of affairs in reality/the real world. But she is sending out the positive vibes on how we can change things for the better of everyone concerned. Making the less fortunate positive and to see that there is a future for all. She always gives an answer/idea of how we should be going about things to make a better world for all, that in it's self is a positive vibe, don't you think?
It can be very hard at times, and, in some cases very demoralising for Rachel to be constantly helping others, and keeping up the positive attitude, give her a break she is doing more than most of those that could be giving help to others, and I might add for free at times, if only there were more like her around giving the inspiration and help to those who need it.
Unlike the Paphitis' and Caans of the world, who simply just email back comments, like "sorry I can't help, but good luck". Hardly inspirational is it.
DLOG
PS. Rachel keep up the good work and positive vibes, you are doing a GRAND job, even if others don't think so, don't let them beat you down.
Oh, and by the way C, when are you up for meeting, so that you may give your positive vibes and valued inspiration? ha.
DLOG
DLOG...Is that hearsay, or the result of your contacts to caan and paphitis??
BTW...I hate recruitment consultants with a passion...they really are leeches on the business world!!So JC does not impress me one bit!
Mike B, that is actual contacts to Paphitis and Caan, but must admit that Caan did actually reply personally, unlike Paphitis who gets his PA to do it, that says it all don't you think, and yeah another plug for Rachel, she actually replies personally to requests of help and inspiration.
DLOG
DLOG
I love Rachel. I don't agree with her much, I think she is a little hypocritical, I think she is still in denial and I think she is prone to sensationalism but that's fine. I don't hang on her every word, nor do I think she is some latter day saint come to rescue the oppressed.
She is someone who has crammed more business experience (good and bad) into her life than many experience in a lifetime. It has given he a unique perspective even if she possibly hasn't accepted all the lessons just yet.
I admire Rachel not so much for what she achieved but for having the balls to not hide away after RLD but to come back fighting. I cannot imagine many people having that much courage.
Now I am sure that Rachel loves the sycophancy but I think she is big and tough enough to argue her corner. I doubt that she takes little notice of anything I say anyway.
C
Oh and Mike b, your maths is still wrong.
C
Actually C. I suspect she takes much of what she hears and sees in life on board.
Including what you have to say!
That's why people are attracted to her.
C, you love Rachel, hmm, looks there is a duel to be had, just name the time and place!!
"but I think she is big and tough enough to argue her corner", yep she is big enough to fight her corner, but I am sure she does not mind that I fight for her also, do you?
I do not think Rachel is in denial, she is just putting across all of experiences, and probably the biggest life changing experience was that of RLD, so perhaps we should all take that experienced knowledge on board so that we do not succumb to the evil leeches out there also, being that she has been open and kind enough to divulge to us the more personal details of her misfortune, by way of book and Blog.
DLOG
C, "A sycophant (from the Greek συκοφάντης sykophántēs) is a servile person who, acting in his or her own self interest, attempts to win favor by flattering one or more influential persons, with an undertone that these actions are executed at the cost of his or her own personal pride, principles, and peer respect."
I hope you are not suggesting that I am a sycophant.
Any way even if you are I am sure Rachel and/or others will put you right on that score.
And by the way are you sure you aren't Rachel's husband?
DLOG
This of course means if you are one of the companies involved you won't be able to get yourself a good insolvency lawyer.
Never actually ever met a
"Good Lawyer".
I suppose there must be a few around somewhere!!!!!
Most of the ones i met were either useless and/or conniving arseholes.
Yep, there are Stephen, I did put a link for one firm earlier on.
DLOG
C re maths...
Why are all your contributions so negative?
Sure .. 1.1 power 5 is more..who cares? since the listbuilding is actually an integral of traffic, so worth %millions in time. And I have seen simple headline change has achieved 3000% in sales... and I know at least 20 small changes to websites that often increase conversion by 10% or more.
You can get bursts of traffic of 10000s from a single JV or social media
So C
Stop nit picking and accept the message to business I intended
They can fight back with sales..
Businesses can achiveve massive jumps in sales by making a lot of small changes .... which was the point of the post.
So I am suggesting to struggling businesses they look at each of the 5 areas to find a 10% increase in each.
BTW DLOG...dont know if any of the above is any use to you...but happy to help if an hour on the phone can make a difference.
Anonymous, any advice is worthwhile, the problem is I do not know who you are, perhaps you would like to email me with your details and we can go from there, all you have to do is click on the blog TheDLOG logo, on this thread.
I look forward to hearing from you!
DLOG
"Stop nit picking and accept the message to business I intended"
Ok, I accept that picking you up on your maths was a cheap shot.
"They can fight back with sales.."
I am sure all the businesses out there are grateful for this piece of insightful advice. A tad patronising but insightful nevertheless.
"Businesses can achiveve massive jumps in sales by making a lot of small changes"
I agree with you on this one. In my experience its the small changes that often yield the biggest results.
"Why are all your contributions so negative?"
Its a matter of perspective I guess.
C
Stephen, i think i will take your advice and get out quick.
I have to say though that you knock what you call the bourgeoisie, but if you are who i think you are, then you were/are part of it.
So why have you turned against some of these people? Take it easy.
D.Marsh
Not sure what you're on about there D.Marsh.
Did you know that anxiety generated cognitive distortions create the best conditions for detecting false flags?
Its amazing what you can see from up there. Bit like taking DLOG's pills i expect.
I mean who wants to talk all that conventional business BS anyway?
Small business victim like states dancing to the fat incompetent capitalist tune.
Gosh....another gross cynic is born.
My job is to try and build the media sector up here in North East England. I am constantly struck by how we in the public sector manage to miss the important stuff, much like Gordon Brown, scribbling away with new plans and important strategic notes and failing to take in any of the texture infront of him in the room.
Creative companies are battling with the day to day struggle of finding and servicing clients, getting commissions and finding new markets. Meanwhile, we in the public sector, spend millions consulting them on what kind of skills they feel they need in the future or paying for them to have a graduate placement.
We now even have public sector venture capital funds that are created to solve the 'access to finance' issue. Trouble is they have little specific expertise in the sectors in which they are investing, are unable to provide any access to new clients, networks or markets and to rub salt into the wounds they tend to overvalue the companies they invest in. Nine times out of ten this results in the companies still struggling to do business, cushined a bit from the real market with some public sector 'R&D' investment which gets spent all too fast, leaving them in the same place as when they started but with the addition of debt or with less equity.
There must be a better way of the public sector utilising the skills, expertise and networks of the private sector to ensure much more effective investment of public money in building commercial creative businesses.
I'm starting my campaign in the North East.
Hi Tom,
What opportunity is there for great leaders to flourish in todays commercial hysteria?
I think the time is coming though!
Mike b Said "A 5 point plan for a 50% increase in sales...
(a) Get 10% more to come to your advert, website or premises..
(b) Get 10% more to read your message
(c) Get 10% more to buy..
(d) Get them to buy 10% more
(e) Get them to come back 10% more often...
Approached like that it is not so daunting..."
And the say a little knowledge is a dangerous thing..here's the proof.
A piece of "advice" so riddled with naivety and lack of knowledge (never mind the maths) it scares me - Mike b, dont give up your day job!
This is exactly the reason why so many businesses in the Uk fail.. Just because you have read a book, doesnt make you a good business person.
But Mr A Dragon how do you know that Mike B is not already running a business and using his method as listed out previously on this thread?
DLOG
Dear DLOG - Your question is a fair one.
However, to me, this so-called advice is so formulaic and lacking in any underlying knowledge I would expect a business person to have, that I made my assumption with total confidence.
I have studied marketing to post grad level, but like most things the theory and the real world are 2 seperate beasts!
Tom
By coincidence I am currently using a graphic design company in the North East of England. I have been absolutely staggered by how cheap they are compared to companies I have used in the South. Now I know why!
I don't envy you your job. In my experience businesses cluster because it is advantageous to do so. Trying to create such a cluster in the NE means you need to overcome the advantage of clustering where they do now. That advantage may have little to do with money (it rarely does in my experience).
C
Hi C
Yes the North East is 'competitive', not just because of public subsidy. People seem able to live on very little here, I suspect balanced by the quality of life stuff.
I interested in why people and companies 'cluster'. You are right that it's not just money. We are able to bring super fast connectivity into the area we are trying to get companies to move to. Though I suspect this may be outweighed by the fact its hard to even get a bus to the place. What wins in a battle of virtual connectivity versus real connectiviy I wonder...?
Tom
There are a myriad of reasons for clustering I think. The available talent pool, proximity to customers and local amenities probably feature high on the list. Trying to attract a particular business type to an area is a difficult task but the good news is that once you get to a critical mass the cluster will become self-fulfilling.
C
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