Hi,

Took my beautiful boys (Casper and Beasley) for their quarterly haircuts this week. Beasley had to have the long hair around his ears trimmed right back, that's why he looks a bit weird (he's on the left). I've considered purchasing a special dog grooming kit to do it myself and was reminded why I only 'considered' it and had taken no action. Our dog groomer is so knowledgeable, it's like taking the boys for a check up with the vet and the haircuts are a bonus. She has years of experience with animals and provides far more than the actual haircut. Suzie will let me know if either of them has any particular symptoms or potential problems that need to be addressed. On one visit she said that one of Beasley's muscles was extremely tight and it hindered his mobility. It's not something obvious to the untrained person but it could have caused other problems for him down the track. Anyhow the point I'm trying to make is it wasn't worthwhile for me to purchase the grooming kit and do it myself. Going to the groomer to me is an investment in the well-being of my boys. How often do you try and do everything yourself so that you save money? Don't get me wrong here, it's good to save money, but be careful where and when you do it. I know many business owners will spend money on everything else, except themselves.

Lorraine Pirihi
Australia's No. 1 Productivity Coach

"Committed to helping small business owners and
entrepreneurs work less, earn more and have a life!"

PS: Check out our blog to receive your free copy of "How to Get Organized, Focussed and On-Track" e-book.

'Look After Your Clients and They Will Look After You'

By Lorraine Pirihi

Why are you in business? Hopefully you enjoy what you do, however is it because you want to make money so that you can have, be and do more in your life?

Who pays you? Your clients do and never forget that. Unfortunately many business owners do. They take your money and then vanish off the face of the earth. And if you do hear from them you know they are only trying to sell something or business is not going well. The silly thing is, if you look after the hand that feeds you, they will look after you.

Keep in regular contact with your clients, particularly the top 20% (both current and past) who have provided you with the most income.

Still keep in touch with the others via newsletters etc. However the top 20% of very special clients need extra attention.

A monthly "how's things?" call. Find out how life is treating them, without expecting to sell anything.

Send the occasional gift ... a book, CD, movie tickets. Thank them for their business.

When special times of the year occur send them a Christmas Hamper, New Year's Calendar, Easter eggs at Easter. Little things which show you care.

Whatever you do don't send an invoice in a card... this is exactly what I received one Christmas from a printer whom I had spent thousands of dollars with. I immediately took my business elsewere.

When you get referrals, reward the referee with a thank you card or gift.

Do what most people in business don't do. You will be amazed that if you consistently (that is the key word here) make the extra effort, you will continue to get repeat business or more referrals.

And to do all of this you need to learn how to get organised, manage your time and yourself as effectively as possible. You must have systems so you can streamline your processes.

The Final Word

There is plenty of business around, however most people spend heaps of time chasing it, take the money and run off to the next person. Yet it would be so much easier to look after what you already have. (And the same applies to your personal life.)

By Lorraine Pirihi

© Copyright 2008 The Office Organiser

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Lorraine Pirihi is Australia's No. 1 Productivity Coach. She's a dynamic, motivational and powerful speaker, author and leading business coach. Lorraine specialises in helping small business owners and entrepreneurs have more time, make more money and have a life!

For more information on how to increase your productivity and your profits in your small business, subscribe to Lorraine's widely read ezine ‘The Organised Times'. Go to: http://www.office-organiser.com.au

About Lorraine

Lorraine Pirihi, Australia's No. 1 Productivity Coach is creator of a range of powerful tools and resources to help small business owner and entrepreneurs earn more and work less.

Lorraine also offers FREE productivity tips, powerful products, workshops and coaching . Learn more now at www.office-organiser.com.au

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© Copyright 2008 The Office Organiser. All rights reserved.

Lorraine Pirihi, The Office Organiser
PO Box 2062, Hampton East  Vic Australia 3188
Tel:(613) 9532 5497  Fax: (613) 9532 3398
admin@office-organiser.com.au
www.office-organiser.com.au
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