Greetings!
Welcome to the February issue of CHAKRA. In this bumper issue we announce the launch of our new website, :www.thirdeyemanagement.com and review an exciting new product which is taking home monitoring systems to a whole new level - MyEnviro Messenger. Mr. Bevan and I share some of our ideas to help you 'get behind the eight ball'. We take a look at some interesting statistics and predictions in the HR department and go fishing with entrepreneurial hopefuls as they try to raise money in the Shark Tank!
Well, what are you waiting for? Get reading! |
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New Look Third Eye |
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www.thirdeyemanagement.com |
 We are pleased to announce our new-look website designed by Third Eye client Todd C. Withrow
and the team at NicheLabs.
We have introduced a whole host of new goodies and we plan to add even more business-related stuff to help you run your business. So take a look and tell us what you think. If you like what you see and want to chat to Todd to explore how he can help your business here are his contact details:
Todd C. Withrow
NicheLabs, LLC Office: 678.765.7421
Cell: 678.361.0519
Fax: 678.668.7472
Email: twithrow@nichelabs.com
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Great New Gizmo
Don't leave your home without one! |
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Fact: your air conditioner or water system is going to fail!
The question is: When would you like to know about it?
The answer is now here - MyEnviro.com Messenger
Today's cars let you know when it's time to change the oil, put air in the tires, even how to get to your destination. But who's monitoring your home's vital signs? Now, with MyEnviro.com Messenger, there's no need to worry about your home while you're away for the weekend or on vacation. This unique technology monitors your premises and keeps it safe from extensive damage brought on by extreme temperatures, excessive humidity, flooding or power failure.
The MyEnviro.com Messenger is the next generation in internet enabled environmental monitoring devices that provides the vital system link to ensure that your home (s) or office is maintaining the proper air temperature and humidity conditions - 1,440 times a day, 365 days a year. Plugging directly into your existing internet connection, the MyEnviiro.com Messenger notifies you by email and text of any unacceptable conditions immediately when they occur.
This exciting new product was designed and developed by Third Eye clients Michelle Borders and her husband Kevin. The My Enviro.com Messenger is based on state-of-the-art technology that is used in large corporate computer server rooms, museums and art galleries and has been modified by the Borders to be used in the home/office environment.
"The MyEnviro.com Messenger is fitted and activated in minutes  and is the perfect system to enable anyone the opportunity to monitor all of their properties wherever they are located and could save them thousands of dollars in clean-up, repair and insurance costs," said Kevin. "MyEnviro.com will give homeowners peace of mind for pennies a day - and cost is something everyone is concerned about today," says Michelle.
Not content with storming the market with the Messenger .the Borders have now developed and introduced the MyEnviro Water Sensor that verifies the humidity in your home 1,440 times per day and is plugged right into the temperature monitor. 
The MyEnviro products have been launched via a two-pronged marketing strategy - firstly,B2C via local talk radio. Secondly B2B, via strategic alliances with businesses like air conditioning service engineers and property managers who could offer the MyEnviro product to their existing clients to enhance their product and service.
or call Michelle on (239) 963 5703. |
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Eight Strategies for Small-Business Owners
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Adrian and I spend a lot of time talking to small business owners and start-ups. It's something we both enjoy because we like hearing their stories, their successes and the challenges they're facing.
Through talking with people, we've found there are common factors in the start-ups and businesses that do well compared to those that struggle. Here are eight stratergies we think small business owners should strive to do or remember when working on (notice we did not say in) their business.
Think Niche
Don't set out trying to solve every problem that your industry has ever experienced. Instead, focus on one problem, the smallest problem that you can solve in order to be helpful to someone. Once you've conquered that one, work out until you're able to solve more and more problems without straining yourself or your resources. Remember, it's not the biggest ideas that do well, it's the most simple.
Serve Your Needs First
If the idea is to serve one need really well, how do you know what need to focus on first? It's easy. Focus on yours. What do you wish existed to help make your life easier? What process could be made simpler or broken down? Whatever would help make YOU more productive/happier/content in your day, that's where you should begin.
Stand Out
Call it a point of difference, call it an angle or call it creating experiences. Whatever term resonates with you the most, the point is you have to find a way to stand out in your market. Regardless of what you do, there are going to be plenty of similar-minded companies trying to do the same. In order to do well and to be successful you need to have something about you that makes you different, and it's probably not going to be price!Whatever it is, identify it and then market it. Embody it.
Craft a Story
Research tells us what we already knew - people like sharing articles that inspired awe. We are affected by stories and we seek out companies and peoples with compelling ones. Craft a story that represents your brand. Something that is real and authentic and sharable. The more personal you get with your audience, the more connected they'll feel to you and the more invested they'll be in your brand.
Don't Fear Technology
Every SME owner is going to have a different comfort level when it comes to technology. Some will struggle with the idea of creating a Web site, others will fear entering the waters of social media, and some will have a hard time selling without seeing someone face-to-face. Whatever obstacles you face, find ways to incorporate technology into your business and everyday life. Refusing to evolve and insisting on doing things 'the way they've always been done' can often hold your business back and prevent you from reaching the next level.
Delegate
You cannot do everything by yourself. I know. The idea of delegating tasks to employees, virtual assistants or even partners often sounds like a horrifying concept. However, it's important. It's simply impractical to think that you have enough time in your day to become an expert in everything. If you try to do everything you're going to burn out on frustration and limit business growth.
Learn Everything You Can
Never, stop learning. Soak up everything you can about your industry and what it takes to run a business. There are always new and improved ways of doing something, areas where technology has changed, and new books or conferences that will inspire new ideas. Read everything you can get your hands on to help your business continue to grow and evolve.
Be a Work In Progress
Or perhaps just realize that you are a work in progress and that you need to be agile. Early assumptions and beginning business plans are never perfect. Things will come up that you never could have expected and the market will change to expose new holes for you to dip into and take advantage of. Be fluid enough to take advantage of natural opportunities that will arise. Successful companies are exceptionally good at this.
What do you think is necessary for small businesses to become successful? Email us and let us know! |
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Well.......did you enjoy it? Was it helpful? Please email and let us know. We are always pleased to hear from you especially if you found something in the CHAKRA that's prompted you or your client to try a new approach or adopt a new idea in business.
Tell us about your challenges and successes - we are always looking for interesting articles and guest writers to feature in upcoming issues of CHAKRA.
Make it happen!
Regards,
Karl M. Gibbons & Adrian M. Bevan
Third Eye Management |
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| Shark Tank TV |
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ABC TV's Shark Tank is the US version of the original BBC TV series called Dragons Den. Understandably both programs are a little 'over the top' so as to make good viewing, but the basic concept of presenting to potential investors or venture capitalists is right on the mark.
You get between 30 and 60 seconds to make an impression and to sell yourself, the concept and why someone should invest. When you watch either show one thing stands out - successful entrepreneurs know their numbers $$$$$$$$$$$$!
The first ten episodes of Shark Tank gave budding entrepreneurs representing 45 different companies or products the chance to make their dreams come true. Their job was to convince five self-made, multi-millionaires (the Sharks) to part with their hard-earned money.
Who are the Sharks? They are:
Real estate mogul - Barbara Corcoran
Infomercial pioneer - Kevin Harrington
Technology innovator Robert Herjavec
Fashion icon - Daymond John
Financial expert - Kevin O'Leary
The Sharks made 20 deals with investments totaling over $4 million. Using their expertise and contacts along with their own money, the Sharks teamed up with enthusiastic entrepreneurs and turned their businesses and products into household names.
Some entrepreneurs have been laboring on their ideas for years. They've invested large amounts of their own money and are sometimes pressured by friends and family to throw in the towel. Their dreams often die because they don't have the access they need to those who can help. Shark Tank has changed all that.
Some of the business ideas pitched to the Sharks in the upcoming episodes are very intriguing, while others tend to be beyond bizarre (those are our favorites). Here's a little nibble of what's to come:
- A re-invention of the umbrella
- A liquid llama fertilizer
- A mail order business that sends balls with messages on them
- A portable golf ball cleaner
- And, finally, if you want to see an example of a business concept which has not been thought through, and a train wreck of a presentation, look out for the self-proclaimed "Shoe Professor" who brings her brand (joke) of mobile shoe parties to the Shark Tank and watch her get eaten alive.
Will the Sharks take the bait on any of these ideas? Your guess is a good as ours. The only thing we do know is that if there's money to be made, the deal will get done. So stay strong all you brave entrepreneurs because, as you already know, sharks can smell fear! |
| HR Trends in 2010 |
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According to Dr David Hooten in his seminar lecture entitled 'Driving Employee Engagement in 2010':
50% of Employees believe top management fails to provide good leadership.
35% of HR Staff have confidence in their business leaders. Only 35%!
75% of Executives want solutions put in place for better leader development.
67% of small business leaders believe changes to leadership & management approaches must be made to fully recover from the economic downturn.
30% of Business leaders either fail or move away from leader positions.
55% of the workforce are not satisfied with their jobs.
51% of employees see their future with their current company (ergo, 49% don't!).
70& of employees are only somewhat or not at all engaged.
87% of employees are less likely to leave if they are fully engaged.
30% is the average loss of Operating Income due to dis and partially engaged workers.
91% of best performers and HiPos are actively and passively (e.g. LinkedIn profile) looking for jobs elsewhere.
70% of businesses don't have Talent Retention on their radar.
Dr. Hooten's findings came from a large national survey carried out recently across multiple companies of all sizes.
Your most expensive cost and your most important asset is your people! |
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Great Management Quotes |
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"However beautiful the strategy, you should occasionally look at the results".
Sir Winston Churchill
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| Events & Happenings |
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February 18, 2010 N.A.P.L.E.S. meeting - Shula's - Naples Hilton, FL
 
Topic: "Small Business Marketers Must Unlearn Traditional PR"
Presenter: Newt Barrett author of "Get Content, Get Customers," and founder of Content Marketing Strategies & Cindy Dobyns from Above Water PR & Marketing |
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A Final Thought |
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In business, as in all walks of life, you should remember the Scouts' Moto "Be Prepared". Be prepared for what, you may ask. Well, anything and everything that comes at you! The better prepared you are the more likely you are to get that new customer, or order, or to respond to their needs. In being prepared, take a leaf out of Winston Churchill's book - he said "I'm just preparing my impromptu remarks". However, unlike a certain ex Governor of Alaska, don't get caught with them written on your hand! | |
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