Johannesburg - As a budding entrepreneur entering the business world, it can be daunting to engage with the established players. All too often, it's who you know rather than what you know that leads to success. Which behaviours can new business owners adopt to help them become successful?
Godfrey Madanhire is a professional motivational speaker, life coach and successful entrepreneur. Starting his company in 2006, he now employs over 100 employees. These are his tips to help you achieve success.
Know who you're talking to
When you're engaging with a potential client, make sure you know who they are. Do research via their LinkedIn profile or a Google search. Take note of their interests. Developing some common ground when in a meeting with these individuals, will not only build stronger relationships, but cement future dealings with them.
Make sure to use the right language
Communication is key in establishing new relationships. A major problem is misunderstanding each other. Make sure when you're in conversation, to you use plain and simple language. After time you may develop a relationship where you'll be able to use more casual language, but this takes time. So remember to keep it simple and professional.
Network-network-network
For success you need to create connections. Knowing how to network properly is a vital skill. Identifying opportunities and chasing them down quickly is also key to building networks. Remember that time is not your friend, so when you meet a potential contact, follow up with them quickly. Keeping channels of communication open is important, so always drop an extra email or phone call during business hours to keep relationships healthy.
Listen to learn and to build
Listening effectively is an essential building block for professional relationships. Not only is it a form of flattery, but it will help you to gain insights you can use. If they mention that they love a certain coffee shop, remember to schedule your next meeting there. Picking up on subtle hints and clues in conversations will only help build stronger ties.
Be confident
“What ifs” and “maybes” are not welcomed in business. Definitive and assured responses are what business people are looking for. Do your research about your offering and know all the answers when in a meeting. Knowing the answers to all potential questions will give you confidence. Self-assured owners attract like-minded people, which will only mean good things.
Take some hard advice
A confident individual is one that can take harsh criticism. Knowing how to dissect feedback will only make your company stronger. Remember nothing is perfect, evolving and adopting new angles to approach issues will ensure that people remain interested in your offering.
Be brave
A leader needs to be brave and tackle issues head on, and is sometimes required to make a gut call. You're an entrepreneur so you've already proven to the world you're capable taking risks. Exhibiting this characteristic will open more doors for your company. An attitude of “just do it” is exactly what is needed.
IOL
Adapted from a press release.