Log in

goodpods headphones icon

To access all our features

Open the Goodpods app
Close icon
headphones
Business Wisdom Podcast

Business Wisdom Podcast

Clive Enever

1 Creator

1 Creator

The Business Wisdom Podcast is the space where Business Strategist Clive Enever shares his inner business wisdom with you. Each episode is packed with his experience to help you grow and develop your own business wisdom.
bookmark
Share icon

All episodes

Best episodes

Seasons

Top 10 Business Wisdom Podcast Episodes

Goodpods has curated a list of the 10 best Business Wisdom Podcast episodes, ranked by the number of listens and likes each episode have garnered from our listeners. If you are listening to Business Wisdom Podcast for the first time, there's no better place to start than with one of these standout episodes. If you are a fan of the show, vote for your favorite Business Wisdom Podcast episode by adding your comments to the episode page.

Business Wisdom Podcast - Building a Strong Pipeline and Creating Sales
play

05/08/24 • 5 min

Without sales your business simply does not exist, but there’s an art to building a strong sales pipeline and closing those deals.

In this podcast we look at the key elements that go into creating a successful sales strategy for your business, including:

  • Prospecting and identifying your ideal client
  • Qualifying your prospects and moving them through the sales process
  • Asking for the sale and closing the deal

The Foundation: Knowing Your Ideal Client

The first step towards building a successful sales pipeline is knowing your ideal client.

Not all leads are equal, and by identifying your perfect customer, you can tailor your approach to resonate with their needs and challenges.

It’s important to note, understanding your ideal client goes beyond demographic information.

It’s about having a clear comprehension of their needs, wants, and challenges, along with a thorough appreciation of how your product or service meets their requirements.

Prospecting: The Gateway to Success

There is no magic formula for generating leads, but a multi-pronged approach to prospecting is key.

Leveraging networking opportunities, offering valuable content, and engaging with potential customers through various platforms can help you attract and identify qualified leads for your pipeline.

Qualification and Moving Forward

Once you've identified potential leads, the next step is qualification.

Not every inquiry will lead to a sale, so asking the right questions and understanding the pain points of your prospects is essential in determining if they align with your offerings.

Qualifying opportunities ensures that you focus your efforts on leads that have the potential to become valuable clients.

Guiding Leads Through the Sales Process

Having a well-defined sales process in place can streamline the journey from lead to customer.

Demonstrations, proposals, and addressing objections play a crucial role in showcasing your expertise and building trust with your prospects.

Becoming a trusted advisor who offers insights and solutions is key in guiding leads through the pipeline.

Closing the Deal: The Final Step

Closing deals can be a daunting task for many, but it is the ultimate goal of any sales pipeline.

Highlighting the benefits of your product or service and confidently asking for the sale are pivotal in securing deals.

Remember, a strong close is about showing how your offering solves the customer's problems and meets their needs.

Maintaining and Refining Your Pipeline

Building a strong sales pipeline is an ongoing process that requires constant attention and refinement.

Analysing data, identifying bottlenecks, and refining your approach based on what works best are essential in ensuring the longevity and success of your pipeline.

By implementing these steps and continuously improving your strategy, you will be well on your way to creating the sales strategy that underpins your business success.

Highlights

  • 00:39 Understanding the Sales Pipeline
  • 01:26 Identifying Your Ideal Client
  • 02:10 Prospecting and Qualification Strategies
  • 03:32 Guiding Qualified Leads Through the Sales Process
  • 04:01 The Art of Closing Deals
  • 04:46 Maintaining a Strong Sales Pipeline
  • 05:06 The Journey to Sales Success

Resources

bookmark
plus icon
share episode
Business Wisdom Podcast - Mastering the Art of Negotiation and Persuasion
play

04/23/24 • 5 min

In business and in life, the ability to successfully negotiate is an important skill to master. But there’s a big difference between effective negotiation and wanting to win at all costs.

Here, we look at the art of negotiation and persuasion, the difference between them and how the best negotiation is a simple conversation that sees each party walk away with something that they value.

We discuss:

  • The subtle difference between negotiation and persuasion and how each technique is employed to achieve a positive outcome.
  • How negotiation involves a conversation that starts with building rapport.
  • Why effective negotiation and persuasion is also about knowing your limits and being prepared to walk away.

The foundation of successful negotiation

Every negotiation starts with building rapport. It’s a conversation that begins by establishing a positive connection with the other party.

This then sets the stage for a productive conversation where both sides can work towards a mutually beneficial solution.

And it’s a situation where active listening plays a crucial role, allowing you to truly understand the needs and concerns of the other party.

The dance of negotiation and persuasion

Negotiation is like a dance, a delicate balance of give and take to reach a common ground.

Meanwhile, persuasion is the art of influencing the other party to see things from your perspective.

By combining these two skills effectively, you can create persuasive arguments that resonate with the other party.

Strategies for successful negotiation

When it comes to effective negotiation, it’s important not just to see things in ‘black and white’ but instead think creatively.

Rather than focusing on a win-lose outcome, aim for a solution that benefits everyone involved. Be open to compromises and explore various options to find a middle ground that satisfies both parties.

The power of persuasion

In terms of persuasion, framing your arguments strategically is crucial.

Highlighting the benefits that the other party will receive can make a compelling case for your position.

Additionally, paying attention to nonverbal cues such as eye contact, body language, and tone of voice can help you convey confidence and trustworthiness.

Practise makes perfect

Negotiation and persuasion are skills that can be honed with practise.

By stepping outside your comfort zone and engaging in conversations with a variety of people, you can improve your ability to negotiate effectively and persuade others convincingly.

Transforming your approach to negotiation

Mastering the art of negotiation and persuasion requires self-awareness, empathy, and a strategic approach.

By incorporating the above tips, you can enhance your negotiation skills and achieve better outcomes in your business.

Highlights

  • 00:26 The essentials of negotiation and persuasion, and the key differences between them
  • 01:37 Building rapport and active listening
  • 02:51 Negotiation as collaboration, not conflict
  • 03:49 Practical tips for effective persuasion
  • 05:21 The importance of practise, self-awareness, and body language
  • 06:14 Why negotiation and persuasion are simply conversations and how they tie in with a core understanding of who you are and what your business does.

Resources

The art of listening in business

Honing your business vision and mission

Sales doesn’t have to be scary

bookmark
plus icon
share episode
Business Wisdom Podcast - From Inspiration to Action: Staying Motivated in Business
play

08/26/24 • 6 min

It’s no secret that maintaining motivation in business can occasionally be challenging. After all, there’s always someone wanting our time and attention, and it can be easy to lose sight of the things that inspired us to start the business in the first place.

Here we look at rekindling that inspiration and using it to provide the motivation and action that’s crucial to business success.

We discuss:

  • The importance of inspiration
  • How to find motivation by revisiting our business wins
  • Rekindling enthusiasm

The Importance of Inspiration

Understanding what truly inspires you is critical.

Motivation tends to fluctuate, but if you're consistently operating from a place of inspiration, it becomes much easier to stay motivated.

However, various distractions often arise. There’s always someone demanding your time and energy, which can be draining.

Balancing these demands while staying motivated is essential, especially when it comes to customer interactions. Providing energy and attention to customers ensures they remain satisfied and loyal.

Leveraging Testimonials

A simple yet powerful tool to sustain motivation is revisiting testimonials from satisfied clients. Testimonials serve as reminders of your capabilities and the positive impact of your work. They highlight your strengths and reinforce the quality of your service, which can be incredibly uplifting.

When feeling down or unmotivated, reading these positive testimonials can provide an instant morale boost. They remind you of past successes and the value you bring to your clients.

This practice can reignite your passion and motivation, enabling you to keep pushing forward.

Revisiting the SWOT Analysis

Another effective strategy for staying motivated involves conducting a SWOT analysis, which stands for Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats. This business tool helps you objectively evaluate your current standing and future prospects.

Strengths: Identify what your business excels at. Recognising your strengths can provide confidence and serve as a reminder of what you bring to the table.

Weaknesses: Acknowledge areas that need improvement. Understanding your weaknesses allows you to take steps to overcome them, which can turn these weaknesses into strengths over time.

Opportunities: Always be on the lookout for new opportunities. Contrary to the common belief that opportunities are rare, they are actually abundant if you stay alert and receptive. Taking advantage of these opportunities can propel your business forward.

Threats: Be aware of potential threats, such as new competitors or market changes. Knowing these threats allows you to devise strategies to mitigate them, turning potential setbacks into manageable challenges.

Conducting a SWOT analysis with objectivity can clarify where you stand and what actions are necessary to progress. This clarity can inspire confidence and motivation.

The Role of Enthusiasm in Business

Motivation isn't just about pushing through; it's also about enthusiasm. If you can maintain high energy and enthusiasm, it becomes contagious.

Others will be drawn to your positivity and want to be part of your journey. Enthusiasm can often make the difference between success and mediocrity.

Remember, if you're not feeling motivated, it might be better to take a break. But if you can manage to muster enthusiasm, it can lead to more frequent and meaningful business interactions.

Maintaining motivation in business is an ongoing process.

By leveraging testimonials, conducting thorough SWOT analyses, and fostering a sense of enthusiasm, entrepreneurs can keep their motivation levels high.

This, in turn, leads to better business performance and more satisfied clients. Staying motivated is essential for turning inspiration into action and achieving long-term success.

Highlights

  • 00:25 The Importance of Motivation
  • 01:14 Using Testimonials to Boost Your Confidence
  • 02:35 Understanding and Revisiting SWOT Analysis
  • 03:28 Identifying Strengths and Overcoming Weaknesses
  • 04:10 Recognising Opportunities and Managing Threats
  • 05:21 The Power of Enthusiasm
  • 05:30 Final Tips

Resources Mentioned in the Podcast

Business Wisdom Podcast - The Power of a Mission Statement

The Power of a Mission Statement

Business Wisdom Podcast

play

04/09/24 • 7 min

In business, we often talk about mission statements, but what is it about these short, sharp phrases that matter so much?

A great mission statement helps you quickly define exactly what your business does and who precisely it is suited to - which makes creating one among the most important things you can do for your business, your staff and its clientele.

Here, we take a deep dive into mission statements, including:

  • Why they matter to your business, your staff and your clients
  • How they’re created
  • The ways a mission statement is used to help propel your business forward.

The essence of a mission statement

At the core of every successful business lies a well-crafted mission statement.

It goes beyond a mere statement of purpose; it encapsulates the values, goals, and direction of an organisation. Like a guiding star, a mission statement steers decision-making and shapes the essence of a business.

Unveiling the power within

Contrary to popular belief, a mission statement isn't just a concise one-liner. Ranging from 80 to 160 words, a good mission statement comprised four to seven paragraphs.

This detailed approach ensures that every aspect of a business's purpose is clearly articulated.

Why your business needs one

A well-written mission statement serves a variety of purposes within your business. These include:

Clarity and Communication: Your mission statement crystallises your purpose and serves as a compass for both internal and external stakeholders.

It answers any question about your business, fostering clarity and communication.

Direction and decision-making: A mission statement acts as a roadmap, guiding strategic planning and ensuring that every decision aligns with your business objectives.

Employee motivation: By uniting your team towards a common goal, a mission statement instils a sense of purpose and streamlines decision-making, leading to a more productive and harmonious work environment.

A far greater impact

A compelling mission statement not only resonates with internal stakeholders but also extends its influence to customers.

It showcases your values, goals, and ideal customer profile, giving your business a competitive edge and building trust with stakeholders.

While crafting a mission statement may seem daunting, the benefits are immeasurable. This all-important statement becomes the cornerstone of your business.

By clearly articulating your purpose, you not only attract customers who resonate with your vision but also foster a motivated and aligned team. Remember, your mission statement is your guiding light in the business world.

Highlights

  • [00:00:23] A deep dive into mission statements
  • [00:01:06] The length and impact of a mission statement
  • [00:02:12] Why your business needs a mission statement
  • [00:05:41] How others have used their mission statements
  • [00:05:50] Crafting your own mission statement
  • [00:07:05] Where to from here

Resources

bookmark
plus icon
share episode
Business Wisdom Podcast - How to Deal with Difficult Customers
play

06/25/24 • 5 min

We've all encountered them—the angry caller, the rude email, the customer who seems determined to ruin your day. Even the most seasoned customer service pro can struggle to deal with difficult customers.

So how exactly can you turn a tough customer interaction around? In this episode we look at how to handle difficult customers, including:

  • Maintaining a professional demeanour and how to de-escalate a negative customer service situation
  • The art of active listening, the importance of empathy and how they both defuse difficult customer conversations
  • How to negotiate win-win outcomes that turn a negative situation back into a positive customer service outcome

Calm and Professional

As upset as a customer is, often it’s not personal but rather indicates their frustration that a business product or service didn’t result in the outcome they’d hoped for.

That’s why it’s important to stay calm and resist the urge to get swept up in the emotional intensity of the moment.

Take a deep breath, center yourself, and project a calm, professional demeanor. This is the perfect opportunity to practice your de-escalation techniques.

Let the Customer Speak

Allow the customer to vent. They have likely been rehearsing what they want to say, and now they need to express it.

Listen actively—not just waiting for your turn to speak. Make sure they feel heard. Once they've finished, invite them to elaborate if necessary, which helps them reach a place where they'll be more open to a conversation and receptive to your solutions.

Acknowledge and Empathise

Acknowledge their frustration and briefly paraphrase their concerns to show you're listening and to affirm that you're on the same page.

Use empathy by putting yourself in their shoes. What would make you feel better in their situation? Often a sincere apology, even if you're not directly to blame, can go a long way in resolving the issue.

Identify and Action the Problem

Once the customer has calmed down, it's time to identify the root of the problem. Consider your position and the customer's expectations.

Determine what action you can take to resolve the issue and avoid making promises you can't keep. Instead, offer clear options and explain the next steps.

Present the Solution

After deciding on the preferred option, present it to the customer and seek their acceptance.

Do not introduce multiple options initially, as this can create confusion and lead to further arguments. If the initial solution is not accepted, then you can offer alternatives.

Dealing with difficult customers is largely inevitable, but the right approach can de-escalate the situation and find solutions that leave everyone feeling satisfied. Customer service is about building relationships that start long before the individual becomes a customer.

Highlights

  • 00:42 Understanding Difficult Customers
  • 01:09 Staying Calm and Professional
  • 01:37 Active Listening Techniques
  • 02:46 Empathy and Problem Identification
  • 03:11 Offering Solutions and Next Steps
  • 03:53 Maintaining a Positive Attitude

Resources Mentioned in the Podcast

bookmark
plus icon
share episode
Business Wisdom Podcast - The Stages of Business Growth

The Stages of Business Growth

Business Wisdom Podcast

play

04/28/22 • 8 min

bookmark
plus icon
share episode
Business Wisdom Podcast - The art of listening in business

The art of listening in business

Business Wisdom Podcast

play

04/25/21 • 7 min

bookmark
plus icon
share episode
Business Wisdom Podcast - TAKE A BREAK - RELAX, RECHARGE; REJUVENATE
play

12/14/20 • 6 min

bookmark
plus icon
share episode
Business Wisdom Podcast - What have you done about next year?
play

12/06/20 • 7 min

bookmark
plus icon
share episode
Business Wisdom Podcast - Navigating the Challenges of Growth and Expansion
play

06/11/24 • 4 min

Whether you’re a first-time business owner or an established and experienced operator, navigating the growth and expansion of your business can be both thrilling and challenging.

On the one hand, expanding your business indicates its success, but on the other, there will be inevitable growing pains.

In this episode, we delve into the exciting yet sometimes bumpy road of business growth and expansion, looking at:

  • The most common growth and expansion challenges, and how to anticipate then overcome them
  • Why it’s imperative to educate your team in order to successfully bring them along for the ride
  • The top strategies to ensure you and your team take business growth in your stride

Embracing Change

Whether it's simply increasing the activity level or introducing something altogether different, growth always involves change.

Typically, people don't like change because they are not familiar with it. That's why it's important to educate your team so that they become a part of the process rather than feeling like bystanders.

Key challenges of growth

As exciting as growth can be, it also comes with its fair share of challenges. And long before you embark on the expansion journey, it pays to understand what these challenges may be.

They include:

Cultural Differences - One often overlooked challenge is moving into a new market without anticipating cultural differences.

These differences can throw many curveballs your way. It's essential to study and prepare for these cultural nuances to avoid stumbling blocks.

Internal adjustments - As you are ready to expand your business ask yourself: Do you need additional people? Additional physical space?

If so, have these been catered for in the budget? Understanding the needs of your expanded market is crucial. Is it the same market simply expanded, or is it altogether new? A new market might require a new message.

Planning for Expansion

Business growth requires careful planning, factoring in what you hope to achieve and also the things that will be required.

This includes:

Resource management - Consider your cash flow, staffing needs, and physical space. Communication between departments and leadership becomes essential to avoid confusion and delays as teams grow.

Market adaptability - New or changing customer bases require adaptability. Be prepared. Conduct the necessary research to ensure that if your strategy needs adjustment, you can make the changes smoothly.

The role of technology - Embrace technology to streamline your processes. Utilise project management tools, communication platforms, and automation wherever possible.

Investing in people - Training and development are vital for a growing team. Regularly solicit feedback from both employees and customers to ensure you're on the right track.

The growth journey

Remember, while growth can be tremendously rewarding, it is a journey, not a destination.

Be prepared for setbacks, learn from them, and keep moving forward. With the right strategies and a positive mindset, navigating the challenges of growth and expansion can be an incredibly rewarding experience.

Highlights

  • 00:21 Navigating Growth and Expansion
  • 01:29 Challenges in Growth
  • 02:13 Planning for Expansion
  • 02:47 Embracing Technology and Feedback
  • 03:41 Conclusion and Next Steps

Resources Mentioned in the Podcast

bookmark
plus icon
share episode

Show more best episodes

Toggle view more icon

FAQ

How many episodes does Business Wisdom Podcast have?

Business Wisdom Podcast currently has 52 episodes available.

What topics does Business Wisdom Podcast cover?

The podcast is about Business Strategy, Podcasts and Business.

What is the most popular episode on Business Wisdom Podcast?

The episode title 'Finding the Right Support for Your Business Journey' is the most popular.

What is the average episode length on Business Wisdom Podcast?

The average episode length on Business Wisdom Podcast is 7 minutes.

How often are episodes of Business Wisdom Podcast released?

Episodes of Business Wisdom Podcast are typically released every 13 days, 18 hours.

When was the first episode of Business Wisdom Podcast?

The first episode of Business Wisdom Podcast was released on Dec 6, 2020.

Show more FAQ

Toggle view more icon

Comments