Are my networking days dead
February 7th 2019 by
It’s called ‘In the Middle’ and you can find it right in the middle of Corbridge, Northumberland. It’s our friends’ new sandwich, snacks and coffee shop and it opened this week. Sublime chicken, pesto and mozzarella toastie – but I’m not writing to you about that. I’m writing to you about Jerry. I was waiting […][...]
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Why Our Retailers Must Step Up
October 31st 2018 by
I’ve presented at several retailer conferences this year. The atmosphere has been buoyant at some and desperate at others. Sometimes, when I’m giving a keynote, I use fear as a motivator to give the audience a whack on the side of the head. For retailers, I used to name the shops which no longer exist […][...]
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Happy Birthday to ……
October 1st 2018 by
20 years ago, October 1st 1998, I started a new job. Founder of Michael Heppell Ltd. I was stoked. Totally clueless … but stoked. My own business, first day of trading and loads of people said they would book me. But, as many entrepreneurs know, someone saying they will buy your services and someone actually buying […][...]
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Unsexy Business
September 12th 2018 by
We all love a bit of tech – the latest gizmo or gadget. Investors love it too. Do you remember the dot com bubble? But while the headlines are being grabbed by sexy flash-in-the-pan start-ups, it’s the grafters who are the real backbone of any economy. Unsexy Businesses JR Cleaning services is owned by a […][...]
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Why We Offer a 100% Total Satisfaction Guarantee
March 7th 2018 by
‘That’s ballsy’, said my potential client. ‘I know’, I responded, ‘but it does two things…’ A response I received recently when I informed a new customer that we give a ‘100% total satisfaction guarantee’. It’s not a gimmick – it’s a brand promise. And one we’re proud of. I just wish more companies would do […][...]
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Why Most Ideas Are Worthless
November 29th 2017 by
Everyone likes to think their idea could make a million. But very few will. When you do find something that is truly innovative, disruptive and exciting you can’t help but get a buzz. The trick is turning the idea into a reality. I had an idea in 2001 to offer online discount vouchers. This was […][...]
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How To Brainstorm
October 25th 2017 by
Everyone claims to know how to brainstorm. The rules are universal: Be open Listen Explore all ideas Actively contribute Make connections Write everything down Never say NO! You know it, I know it, everyone knows it. So why do most brainstorms fail? Because of the (often) unsaid rules. Leave ego at the door Be fascinated […][...]
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Be what is missing
October 3rd 2017 by
Every so often you hear an idea* which is so simple, yet so brilliant, you have to share it. This is one such idea. And it’s especially brilliant for anyone aiming to be a great leader. Be the person who is missing from the room. That’s your job as a leader. Here are a few […][...]
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Intuition vs FOMO
May 30th 2017 by
You’re told to follow your intuition. It’s a classic coach to student challenge. The problem, is really following your intuition means you are sometimes going to have to say ‘no’. ‘No’ to opportunities. ‘No’ to temptations. ‘No’ to requests. And that’s tough. Especially, if like most people, you have a bit of FOMO. Fear Of […][...]
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How To Get The Best Seats In The House – Lesson 3 from Ronnie Scotts
March 17th 2017 by
You don’t book a specific seat at Ronnie Scott’s. You buy your ticket and the Maître D’ will show you to a table. Don’t get me wrong, there are no bad seats in Ronnie Scott’s, but there are some that are better than others. And here’s how to get them. Ask. That’s it. Be pleasant […][...]
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