How to know if emotions are running your business & what to do about it.

Moira Ní Ghallachóir, CEO, mng.ie - Helping entrepreneurs inspire the way to more clients & profits. 

I was talking to a colleague recently who had enjoyed an amazing career in the corporate world selling tech stuff, she was making really good money and living the high life. So when she thought about starting her own business, she assumed it would be just as easy and she would make all the commission instead of lining the pockets of a corporate company. I thought so too....

This should have been simple but it wasn't, the problem was she was now selling "herself" and it wasn't as easy as she thought it would be at all. Being in business is tough, and no matter what you think we are all selling ourselves and people buy from people. And yes it can feel emotional, I hear this from clients all the time. Really feckin emotional. And its not just women or men this is across the board. 

Like when a client doesn't come back to you for weeks when they said they would call on a certain date and don't and you're hanging on that sale and thinking to yourself what did I do, what did I say. Or every time a client says 'no' to working with you - it feels personal - like they're rejecting you. And then there's all the stories of everybody else out there 'killing it' and having wild success and you're thinking what am I do wrong? I'm no good at this. Sound familiar?

You see the thing is, business is not emotional but emotions can take over your business if you let them and its not a pretty sight. You're the leader of your business so take responsibility. The biggest issue I see entrepreneurs facing isn't enrolling clients or selling, or running events, or social media. It's the emotional roller coaster of running a business, now the good news this is easily fixed. 

How come we're never really taught how to deal with that?

I want to share with you some ways that have helped me breakthrough emotional business management and I hope you find them useful too:

1. Focus on the facts.

When you need to do something like lead generation or picking up the phone to connect, that can throw you into doubt and fear. Just ask yourself is this a feeling or is it a fact? The facts will support you to make decisions fast and stick to the them, the feelings will have you going round in circles and doubting yourself. The fact is if you don't do lead generation every day you won't have consistent revenue in your business and you will always be trying to make ends meet and they never will. Its a feeling that you don't like picking up the phone but its a fact that if you don't you will go bust. Nobody is coming to save you. Its a fact that its up to you to make it happen. When a business owner says to me "I don't call people, they call me" I think one thing and that's - is it you or your ego that's running your business? Your ego will run your business into the ground.

2. Stay grounded and don't let success go to your head.

Practise gratitude when you enrol a new client or win a new contract. All too often we get 'elated' and that brings a super high and with the high comes the super low. If we approach our success from a place of gratitude it helps us remain grounded and become more accustomed to enrolling clients and winning new contracts. It shouldn't feel like such a big deal every time, thats what business is about. Plus, when you come from a place of gratitude you think about your clients, they feel more valued and if they feel valued, they're more likely to stay and refer you. I hired someone recently to help me with some online work, I never once felt they valued my business and they never asked if I was happy with the service, so I didn't continue working with them. 

3. If your business is not doing well, take responsibility, don't go looking for blame, it's your fault.

Stop and ask yourself "what can I do to change this or to turn it around". Go into action - not panic. There is no better way to move through hard times than action. Pick up the phone, go to a networking event, book a speaking gig, get out there and make it happen (I've listed all the ones I'm going to below). You're responsible for everything in your business, its hard to get your head around this but when you do it sets you free to work on making it a success. If your business is not doing well, it's not something that's happening to you or that you're not good enough, or unlucky, you're simply not doing enough. What you give you get, that's not rocket science. And if you don't like sales, you're stuck doing something you don't like to build your business. Think about that for a minute. Time to change that thought pattern perhaps? Be inspired by sales by going the extra mile to make sure you help you clients get exactly what they want. If you do this, you will have more client's and that's a fact. 

4. Don't keep all your eggs in the one basket.

Too often I speak to clients who are focusing all their energy on one project or one sale - this is a sure fire way to keep you in frustration and emotional over load. Expect no consistency if you do this, expect to feel like you're going around in circles. When you have many opportunities it's a law of averages, the higher the amount of opportunities the higher the amount of closes. That's science and maths. Create these by working ON your business for a period of time every day. Lead generation is and will always be the most important part of your business. I spend at least one hour or more every day on this, every day. The more people I talk to the less emotional I feel and the luckier I feel. This a central part of my group programme - "Inspire your way to success" 

5. Don't expect your business to love you and don't expect your clients to either.

Its a business and there's always something better around the corner for our clients and sometimes you will lose clients as fast as you enrol them. Thats business. If you take this personal it will mess you up and fill your head with doubts and worries and if you go down that route, don't expect a positive outcome. I see this with clients all the time, they judge the inside of themselves on the outside of their clients. That's a recipe for disaster. It's fine to enjoy being acknowledged by our clients but don't expect validation. If you do you will find yourself on a lonely, empty journey going nowhere. Instead, love what you do, love the lifestyle it makes possible and show gratitude for what your business provides for you every day.

I don't think there's one set way to get over the emotional roller coaster of running a business but I do know that what I've listed above has kept me moving forward and consistent revenue flowing. Basically, I'm saying get out of your own way,  get over yourself. YOU are likely the one thing getting in the way of your own success, once you realise this, you will have all the business you want and more. Once I got out of my own way, clients started to roll into my business and it hasn't stopped. In fact the better I get at the facts of my business the more clients that show up - the ones that are hungry, they call when they say they will, they pay on time and they're ready to take action, you know, the good ones. And funny enough they are always the most successful. If you think emotions are running your business and its keeping you broke, lets talk I know for sure I can help. I've been there too, but once you understand that you can inspire your way to more clients and profits, you will never look back. Remember nobody is going to save you, you have to save yourself, just don't do it alone. I didn't.

Beir Bua

Moira. 

 If you want to talk to me about how I can help you go from confused and struggling to confident and profitable in 90 days or less. Lets talk! 083 123 0529 or Moira@mng.ie OR Join my group programme by clicking here "Inspire your way to Success"

Who is she and why should you listen to her? 

"Moira helps small business owners and entrepreneurs who hate sales - inspire their way to more clients, customers and profits without being salesy. So they can have the increased profits they yearn for, that fuels a life they love ... doing what they love!"

Moira Ní Ghallachóir, CEO mngDonegal

A little about my story:

“I left my 9-5 job in London 4 years ago, because I felt my soul was dying and I moved back home to Donegal to find that the place I lived was under utilised, unappreciated, with businesses closing left and right. Wildly inspired by the place and the people I was determined to do what I could to bring life back. So I began to work with business owners in the area, to use their talents, resources and abilities to attract groups to the area for adventure and culture packages. And because I helped those business owners to see a bigger vision for themselves, my own business took off. In less than a year of becoming a business coach I went from 2k months to 10k months consistently, I blew my own mind. I can help you do the same. 

Moira now brings her inspired, dynamic, successful brand of business mentoring to groups of entrepreneurs from all over the world to see a bigger vision for their own businesses, and a powerful, authentic path to inspire their way to more contacts, contracts, clients and profits!

 

Where you will find me speaking and networking in September and October:

Las Vegas - 12-15th September with Suzanne Evans Hell Yeah Inc. Business Building Intensive training

Orange County, L.A. for the The Subscription Lab with Melissa Lanz - September 15th

Letterkenny Chamber - 21st September - Talk title "5 ways to Inspire your way to more clients and profits - without being salesy

Festival of Women - Dublin - RDS 16-18th September

Belfast - 22nd September - Women in Business NI Annual Conference

Connect 16 - RDS - Dublin

Transform your life and Business - 30th September - Dublin

Chicago speaking at OurDWPN - 14th October - Talk title "5 ways to Inspire your way to more clients and profits - without being salesy

Sligo WIB - 25th October - Speaking about "5 ways to Inspire your way to more clients and profits - without being salesy

Gaye Moore The Potentialist & Moira Ní Ghallachóir - one day workshop - 'Mindset for Sales' - 16th November Galway - email with interest Moira@mng.ie

How to avoid panic in your business

Moira Ní Ghallachoir - mng Ventures Ltd Donegal 

Are you like most of the business owners I work with and hate sales? Are you worried that calling a client is being pushy or salesy? You know, sales can actually be fun and transformational - because when a client says yes they are saying yes to all sorts of changes in the their lives right? Imagine if your approach to sales became fun? Imagine how much more inspired you would be to reach out to clients? Wouldn't that make building your business easier? Let me share with you some of the ways I help my clients. 

My clients are very alike, they're all experts in their fields, they over deliver and love what they do. And they are tired of wasting time trying to work out for themselves how to be profitable and grow their business. They want to stop throwing "stuff" out there hoping something sticks. 

I walked out on my job in London four years ago and literally went from 9-5 city life with a roaring social life to rural life in Donegal, Northwest Ireland very quickly. I started my business shortly after that with no background in business, I had worked in charity work with young people and previously sales and marketing. Now I show small business owners and entrepreneurs who hate sales how to inspire their way to more clients and profits so they have panic free businesses because thats what I created for myself. Now, I can bring in as much business as I want month on month and it's not through selling my stuff but inspiring my clients to a bigger vision and being able to help them achieve that vision!

I've discovered that when you can inspire your clients and customers to a vision for what they ALREADY want, selling is easier because you're actually giving your clients exactly what they ALREADY want. Not trying to 'get them' to buy because that's contrived, it feels awful and its exactly why people don't buy. I've literally gone from 'doing ok' to 1200% more in less than 18 months and growing. I want to help you have the same breakthroughs. The good news is its not complicated but that also means the simple paths get overlooked because we think that business is complicated, its not. We make it complicated. Take it from me, business is simple, our emotions around business make it complicated. Get into the habit of asking yourself "'is this a feeling or a fact" - I base my business on facts and it works. 

Here are my three simple yet powerful strategies to inspire more clients and profits that will help you avoid panic in your business:

Talk about outcomes not the process:

Your clients don't care about your process, they care about outcomes. The results. The benefits. The problem is we believe our clients are buying what we do but they're not, they're buying solutions. Are you talking about your process when enrolling clients? If you are, I can promise that you're moving away from a sale. Inspire your clients with a vision for what you can make possible for them and watch your prospects interest and conversions sky rocket. Most business owners believe that clients are buying what they do, but they're not, they're buying the end result. Take the time to get clear on what your clients want before you even think about offering your service. If you don't know what they want how can you inspire them with a vision for what their lives or their business will look like when they get there? Ask yourself right now, what is the outcome that I deliver? Remember, when we travel we don't care about the plane, we care about the destination. Same way your clients don't care about your process so stop talking about it, its boring and they don't need to understand. 

Be consistent:

Its like anything in life, if you keep it up you see results. The problem I see with business owners is that they're not taking consistent action every day to bring in new clients or to follow up with potential clients. So you don't see consistent revenue flowing month to month, its up and down, and you're chasing your tail all the time and this leads to overwhelm, fear and panic. The solution is to take action everyday to bring in new business - I highly recommend the first hour of your day for this, it's when you're at your best and you should invest that time in you and your business. Now the type of action I am talking about is business building action and should include - reaching out to people you've met through networking to reconnect. Picking up the phone to talk, don't pick up the phone to sell because not only is that too much pressure but its also pushy. Connecting on the phone is inspiring for you and your clients and its a much more authentic approach. Build a relationship and schedule a time to have a conversation about working together. Spending time on social media and catching up on paperwork is not business building and should be in the "everything else" category. Don't hide away from this activity because it will mean panic in your business every month, learn it, own it and make a habit of it. Ask yourself how much better off will you be in your business if you take action everyday to make sure you are generating revenue? Give yourself an hour if you can but even 15 minutes can mean the difference between financial freedom and financial panic! 

Figure out what works - don't reinvent the wheel with every sale:

Find what works and master it. Once you know what works you can bring in all the business you want, it also means you don't have to wait for clients to come to you and you're leading your business to financial freedom. One of my clients was in complete overwhelm, because she was always waiting on people to contact her, where is the sense in that? Be the leader, you make the calls, you set the times and you take control. Now, she sets up times to talk and follow up, she's developing a system and its working. No overwhelm. The other problem I see is business owners don't know what steps they need to take to find and enrol a client. This is an absolute must - you have to know what works. Otherwise you're never going to move forward, you're always going to be in reactive mode, this is not sustainable. This is one of the first things I help my clients with and I'd love to help you too. Imagine how much better you would feel about your business if you knew what worked and were working towards mastering that? So instead of going on a social media course or investing in a logo, invest in learning what it is you need to do to bring in the profit you need to get your business working for you not the other way around. If you do, very soon you'll have the kind of business that fuels the kind of life you yearn for and get paid what you deserve. Isn't that why we got into business in the first place? 

Post a comment or question in the box below and tell me which of these strategies you're going to implement in your business. I'd love to hear from you and help you get you past your struggles and closer to the reasons you started your business in the first place. 

Testimonial Time:

I really do love what I do and l love that I can help make a real difference to the people I work with and when they say I helped double sales!? Music to my ears. Below is a testimonial from Lorraine O'Carroll of Peninsula Pottery, Inishowen, Donegal. Check out her website, if you're looking for a unique and world class personalised gift, this is where to get it, made with care, love and local. She turns unique landscapes into works of handcrafted art, each with a story, I love love love. http://www.peninsulapottery.com/

“Working with Moira was more than I expected, you’re skilled and clued in to what my next steps should be. You honed in to my specific needs where I had previously searched online for solutions but these were vague. You helped me change my concept of approaching customers. Making it about them and their needs and not about me needing to sell. You were reassuring, offering alternative methods for business without criticising existing approaches and you provided a practical method for organising admin giving real examples. The follow up calls were great for re- instilling what we originally discussed and my sales at fairs doubled - You didn’t just go the extra mile but the whole ‘Wild Atlantic Way!!”
— Lorraine O'Carroll, www.PeninsulaPottery.com

Would you like to talk to me about your business? Or would you like me to send you my free business guide? Click here and lets connect. 

 

 

Three simple steps to find more clients now

Moira Ní Ghallachóir aka mng Donegal

Why do we keep trying the same thing when we know its not working? I was speaking with a client yesterday who has been in business for 20 years, an expert in her field, in fact one of the only people in her industry who does what she does and yet she struggles to enrol clients - and she said to me, "nobody has any money and nobody wants to spend - I'm just going to keep trying". 

Why do we do this? Why do we keep doing what is clearly not working hoping that something will change, hoping that someone will want our services or hoping that someone tells someone how amazing you are and you get a phone call. And why do we take course after course to up skill and learn but we don't invest the same time or money into learning what will get us paid?! Where's the inspiration in waiting for people to call or waiting for a response? I've learned that selling is about inspiring. When you can inspire your clients, it doesn't matter if they say they have no money, or if its a recession or if its not the right time, if they're inspired and if its important enough - they'll find a way, because people find the money for they want. 

The problem I see with business owners is that they think that throwing enough stuff out there and hoping something sticks, is all they can do - please stop it. This is killing your business, your mindset and your bottom line. Pay attention to what works and become a master at that. When you know what works, you can have all the business you want and its actually fun. I really want to help you find more clients and have the business you've dreamed of. I listen to business owners all day and their struggles and it all boils down to one thing, you don't know what do to find and enrol clients. 

Here's three powerful and simple steps to find more clients to work with you now, don't over think this, just try it, and keep it simple. Start right now. 

1. Find out what your clients want - before you offer your service, ask your clients what they want first. Most of us don't know what our prospects really want and we don''t know how to find out so sales becomes a nightmare of trying to get them to buy. If your clients to hire you then you must listen to what they already want. If you do this, you will instantly connect more deeply and then you can position your service or product as the fastest way to get them where they want to go. If you take the time to ask what your clients want before you even open your mouth you're 60% of the way to a YES because you took the time to ask and you've positioned your service as the fastest path to what they want. Pick up the phone and connect, don't sell, connect by asking what your clients want. Make sense?

2. Stop selling what you do. Stop thinking that you have to come up with a message that really explains what you do - your clients DO NOT care what you do, they care about what do MAKES POSSIBLE for them, the outcome, the tangible results that will have an impact on their business. Trouble is we think that our clients are buying what we do, but they're not interested in that, they're buying solutions and they're also buying YOU not what you do. We're obsessed with what we do, we can't help it, but we need to get obsessed with what we make possible, thats what's going to get us hired. For example, which sounds more enticing: Work with me and I'll help you build your business, we'll meet weekly and I'll support you with all your struggles OR work with me, I'll show you how to double your income with strategies that will bring in 4 new clients every single month. See the difference? Thats what I make possible through business coaching. Start paying attention to your most successful clients, what specifically have you made possible for them? Thats what your future clients want and need to hear. 

3. Have a mindset for success - I was at a networking event recently and I asked someone did she meet any potential clients, her response was "there is nobody in this room for me and what I offer, I know them all and I know they don't have the money for my service. This is the road to NO CLIENTS, no security and no financial freedom. The truth is, in every crowd there will be a percentage of your ideal clients, and whether they have the money or not is not your decision - you cannot judge the inside of you on the outside of someone else. Its crazy. If your mindset and approach is to assume "nobody here wants my service" why even bother? This is a limiting belief that will kill your business and your ability to meet and connect with ideal clients. It's all in the approach, "if you think its no - its no, if you think its yes, its yes" - Henry Ford. Approach every opportunity from a place of yes. Attend every networking event from a place of yes. Thinking yes is a success habit that will help you find more client. 

Magheraroarty, near where we're staying for the retreat

Its up to you to inspire clients to see the impact your service will have on their bottom line and create the vision they want for their future. I've learned that inspiration is the fastest way to find more clients, and it means you get to be yourself. This is what I help my clients with and this is what I will be teaching on my next business retreat. 

I'm going to walk you through the exact same strategies I use so you can have all the business you want too. Imagine having all the clients you want that enabled you to pay yourself what you want and have the things that are important to you. Not some day, but soon? 

Imagine how your business could change if you knew how to walk into any networking event, speaking gig or work shop and walk out with clients? And what would it be like to know this wasn't just a one time thing or it wasn't you winging it and you finally had no more fear around sales? Would you be interested in that? 

The only thing that stands in your way, is you. Its always you. But if I can show you how you can stop making this about you, and more about your clients you will start enrolling more clients. One thing that has really pushed me forward, boosted my confidence about what I help with is seeing the results my clients get from implementing the strategies I show them. Thats a fact, always look at the facts because the feelings will mess you up in business, because business is not emotional. 

Click here for information on my Business Retreat - Gnó Le Croí, means business with heart, a magical day and a hlaf of business building workshops that will give you a whole new perspective on how you do business. 

Do you have any questions? Can I help you? Call me now 083 123 0529. I'd love to hear back from you.

3 secrets to keeping it simple in business that means planning for tomorrow not the next 3-5 years

How many books on business have you read? You know, I'm sure that no book will ever be able to give you the same experience as actually doing it and learning for yourself. My motto was and still is - give it a go and see what happens. All I wanted was to make a difference locally and help more people experience Donegal, so I gave it a go and very much against all the advice I got I followed my heart and it worked. Over 800 people have visited this hidden corner of Northwest Ireland for our spectacular adventure and unique culture since mng started. Although I've ran events that nobody has shown up to and others where over a 100 have shown up, I'm grateful for it all. The good, the bad and the ugly. Because of trying do something to help, other business owners started asking me what was working and if I could I help them. So I gave it a go and began working one on one with small businesses and found that I love that I love that. 

Me with Jeff Ward - Savvy navigator at Be the Change Florida 2015

I've now trained as a business coach and have a practise of private clients from all over the world that I connect with from my desk in An Crannog, Gaoth Dobhair. Now my business is 20% events and tours and 80% helping other businesses to create strategic easy to follow plans to find more customers and make more money. I love business. I love the learning, the challenge, the creativity, I love the self development and how much I learn from the people I meet and get to work with. I invested everything back into learning as much as I could about business, but business in a way that made sense to me and I really had to go searching for that. I went to the states three different times last year to intensive business training retreats and to network and learn. The pic to the left is an event I attended in 2015 - it changed my business and my life. This year the same event have invited me - mngDonegal - to be on the stage for the success panel to talk about how I've progressed in the last 12 months. In Las Vegas!! In front of 100's of other women entrepreneurs!! Pinch me will you? A year ago I still wasn't really paying myself and I know thats how it is for a lot of business owners, we're the last to get paid, but we need to be first. In the last year thats all changed dramatically, I have clarity and complete control. 

You've heard that business is simple, well it is, the complicated part is keeping it simple and I've become obsessed with keeping it simple and I want to share with you how I do that. 

So here's three of my secrets to keeping it simple:

1- Plan for tomorrow not the next three years. Take it one day at time. If you don't get it right day to day, you have no chance of reaching your goals. Three and five year plans are all and well and good but they don't pay you now. I plan no further than 3 months at a time - I learned that the hard way and its a much simpler way. If you take care of tomorrow, you bring money into your business at a faster pace and thats what you need to do in the beginning because if you're not making money, you're not in business, and if you're not in business then you must ask yourself - is this a hobby? If its hobby that's ok but if its a hobby that you're hoping will pay you, thats a problem you need to deal with now. Plan today for tomorrow. What are you going to do to bring money in to your business tomorrow? Ask yourself now. Grab a pen. Its Sunday, plan for tomorrow. 

2- Get specific - so that you make more money with less effort.  I wasn't being specific. I said I wanted to pay myself but I didn't know how much. Its like saying I want more customers - but to be specific - I want three new contracts a month. When I started getting specific my business started to grow and change almost immediately. Specificity is the mother of success and profit. It's like saying - I want to to be happy, but to be specific you would love to find someone to marry and have children with. See the difference? I have to find new business - to be specific - I must make 5 sales calls a day so I can bring in at least one new client, contract etc. Can you see how this works? I wish I knew that when I was starting out. It has without a doubt transformed my business. What can you do be more specific? Make a list. Try it out. 

3- Don't talk about what you do - your customers don't care about what 'you do' they care about you make possible for them! Your customers don't understand what you do, they understand their own problems and you need to get in front of 'their' problems and offer solutions. This realisation was huge for me and such a simple thing too. When you talk about what you make possible people are suddenly more interested in what you're saying because you're talking about what they want and need so they naturally see you as the solution to their problem. "I'm a business coach, I look at the problems in your business and work with you take a new approach etc etc - thats what I do - versus - I help people people double their client base and their time off' - thats what I make possible for people with business coaching. Can you see what I mean? Next time you're at a networking event, give it a go. Honestly people's interest will through the roof!

Thats just a snippet there's so much more I can share and if you want more I'm combining everything I've learned since walking out on my job in London to move home to Donegal 4 years ago, with mng's events and tours, my 15 years of sales and marketing and all I've learned in business into a one of a kind business retreat called - Gnó le Croí in Donegal. Business with heart and thats exactly what mng is - a business with heart. Gift yourself and your business the opportunity to come and join me and other business owners from all over Ireland for a magical day and a half business building workshops - we'll be chilling but into business at the same time and its in the most inspirational place on the planet. And leave feeling inspired, energized with a whole new perspective and ways to approach that will make a difference days and weeks after the event. I want people to walk away and say "Wow, I can't believe how much I've learned I'm going to find new customers now!". The way I see it, if women are making money the world will be a better place. This is part of my mission.

Click here for more info. And go do something to bring a new client in to your business today. 

"If you would like more content like this CLICK HERE for instant access to More of my Secrets to Business and you'll also receive a powerful series of added resources, tips and suggestions as my way of supporting you to a future business that gives you the freedom to do what you love!"

7 Crucial Keys to Inspire Your Way to More Sales (without being salesy!)

7 Crucial Keys to Inspire Your Way to More Sales (without being salesy!)

I was out having dinner with my bestie last night and we got to talking about being entrepreneurs and selling. What is it about sales that so many of us dread? I hear the words I hate sales all the time, especially from my female clients. Why is it that so many of us struggle with selling? Is it the fear of someone saying no!? 

If you want to make more sales in your business, here's my crucial keys that if used consistently will inspire your way to more customers:

 1 - Action leads to sales:

If like me, you've spent the most of January setting goals for your business in 2016 – “remember that goals are nothing without action”. Tony Robbins. Taking action is my theme for 2016. Ask yourself what are you doing now that is going to lead to more sales tomorrow? What seeds are you planting, what connections are you making, all of this this action will lead to more sales. There are an abundance of ways to make more sales, and taking action is key to each one. Ask yourself what is action do I take that always leads to a sale? Are you doing enough of that? (share what it is in the comments below)

2 - Being helpful will lead to more sales:

 I see selling as a way of inspiring. I think we forget how important the human connection is in business and for me that's key to new customers. I try to be as helpful as possible and share real stories about people who’ve benefited from my service as a way of inspiring others. Are you sharing those stories? If you do this with consistency you will never have to sell, this is your social proof. If you have to search for your social proof, then you're not making it easy for people to be inspired to work with you .  Social proof is everything according multi business owner Tony Robbins.

3 - Making a difference will lead to more sales:

Customers want more these days and I love that. Things like place, culture, associations are becoming more and more important, and understanding this really makes a difference in what you have to offer. Which would you choose? Made in China or Made in Donegal? Place matters, culture matters, beliefs, values, its all important and will lead to more customers. When I first started I was selling what I thought people wanted, and wondered why it was going just ok. Who wants a business thats just ok? Now I ask what my customers want, I take time and build a relationship and I find out if what I have to offer can make a real difference, and if the answer is yes, I offer my services, its a much more authentic approach. When you can make a difference you can make a profit. Are you using place to make a difference in how what you have to offer is perceived? This can add real value to any product or service. There's a great book by a dear friend and mentor Finbarr Bradley called The Irish Edge. A must read for any business. 

"Lámh dhéannta i nDún na nGall" - Isn't that beautiful? -It's Irish for "hand made in Donegal"

 4 - Spending your time on specific activity will lead to more sales:

I find that businesses are usually missing 3 - 4 big things that would help with sales and finding more customers – when you identify those you can grow your business. 9 times out of 10 I find that what businesses can't see what they’re missing because they're too much IN the business and not enough ON the business. Facebook posting, website management, accounts, admin doesn't count as ON your business so chances are its everything else you're doing and possibly what you do least of that will bring in more sales. A new client I just began working with made following up a priority and within the first week she got a new booking. It’s simple but powerful. Ask yourself what you're spending your time and if it will lead to working with more people? 

5 - Understanding what works leads to more sales: 

That’s what will build your business now. Ask yourself, right now, who can you follow up with right now? Really, go ahead and make a list, I bet someone is waiting on what you have to offer them. Write a list of ten ways you can bring in more business. Look back what worked for you last week, or last month, and do the same, rinse and repeat. In my opinion businesses are often looking for new ways of bringing in sales and not paying enough attention what has worked already and perfecting that. If you pay attention to this, this will lead to more sales. 

6 - Selling the process over what you make possible will NOT lead to sales:

Process is what you do and we business owners are borderline obsessed with what we do, but for our customers its what we make possible that matters to them. Process is not what's going to sell, people will buy what you make possible and you of course. For example the process of my service is business coaching and speaking, what I make possible is helping entrepreneurs and small business owners find more customers by using what they've got right now to grow their business. Ask yourself what do you or your service make possible for your clients? Ask yourself if you are making this clear with perspective customers. When we talk process, people lose interest because your process is not whats the customer is looking for, they want the outcome, what you make possible, the results. Focusing your efforts on this will treble your conversions.

7 - Working on your website and thinking that your working on your business, will NOT lead to sales:

Spending hours on functions and content and using your website as a sort of online business plan is not selling and will kill your chances of profit. Because your attention is not on serving customers, what you have to offer and if you’re not making money, I'm sorry to say, you’re not in business. I see so many business owners and entrepreneurs working endless hours on their website, trying to get it right. In my opinion, almost nobody will find your website and pay for your service straight away not without connecting with you first. So keep your website fresh and have your contact details clearly on the home page and then get out there, attend at least one networking event a week. The more people you meet the more chance of meeting new customers and inspiring them with your amazing service and products. When you have spent time on your sales, then you can spend time on your website. 

Do you know what you need to do to find more customers? If you had to find a new custimer right now, what would you do? 

Moira Ní Ghallachóír CEO & Founder mng Ventures

I specialise in helping small business owners and entrepreneurs inspire their way to more clients, customers and profits. So they can have the increased profits they love that fuels a life they love ... doing what they love! Talk to me today on +353 83 123 0529 or sign up to my mailing list and I'll send you my 7 tips on building your business click here for email. 

Interested in a Business Retreat in Donegal? A weekend of business building workshops, talks, networking combined with exhilarating outdoor adventure in the most stunning and inspiring landscape in the country. A breath of creative air for you and your business. Sign up to my monthly Ezine and be the first to hear about our next event. Click here. 

Other posts:

5 of my biggest mistakes in business and how I turned them around to

Where to find mng speaking next:

Entrepreneurs Anonymous Dublin - 23rd February

Donegal Enterprise Week - 10th March 1pm Colab Letterkenny

International Women's Day - Ionad an Machaire 3pm

April 16th Ibiza - Workshop with coaches, venue TBC

Recommended events:

Anything that Samantha Kelly does is a win for me, really admire this lady - I'm not missing the Social Media Summit. "I wanted to go to an event like this but couldn't find one, so I created one myself" - Samantha Kelly, aka Tweeting Goddess - Entrepreneurial sauce all over this. 

Click here for more about Moira Ní Ghallachóir

My Five Biggest Mistakes of 2015, and How I Turned Each of Them Into More Customers!

How fast things can happen in business? Or maybe better put how fast we can make things happen in business. What a game changing year this has been for mng. Business is all about learning and learning from mistakes is crucial and I want to share what I've learned this year. A modest sole trader business which began mid 2013 creating unique events with local services here in West Donegal has grown to 'mng Ventures Ltd. We continue to create bespoke experience tours in Ireland but now we also directly help other small business owners. I've found that most businesses are usually missing 3 or 4 big things that could help them have more successful businesses and find a lot more customers. mng helps identify those and grow their businesses. 

Here's 5 of the biggest mistakes I made in 2015 and how I turned each of them into more customers - making this the toughest but best year in business yet. 

1 -  Planning for 3 years not 3 months:

Ever get caught up in the business plan? I was so caught up in the long term plan I wasn't paying attention to the daily and monthly planning that would bring me closer to my goals. In the last year I've become meticulous in planning my daily activity right down to the hour and its worked wonders. I’m helping more people, I feel in control and have more customers now than ever before both for the tours and coaching. Focusing on a short term plan and renewing that plan every 90 days has turned my business around from some customers to lots of customers from all over the world in a short space of time. I now know exactly how many customers I need and how to attract them. Total game changer. How are you planning for your business for the next 90 days? 

2 - Talking in the third person:

We forget that people buy from people - I've learned that the human connection is everything in business, even more so nowadays in this globalised world. Talking in the third person is both impersonal and it sounds corporate. Being a small business owner is a good thing, be proud of it and don't pretend to be a massive company that doesn't have the time to speak directly to your customers. Sometimes I read BIO’s/About pages and wonder who are they speaking to? It can look as though you couldn’t be bothered to write it yourself. I find with my clients that 9 times out of ten there's an amazing personal story thats not being told, a story that will connect with customers instantly. Nobody likes to be spoken at, being yourself communicates directly with your customers and you wouldn't talk about yourself in the third person over a coffee would you? "So how are things going Moira? Yes Moira is doing fine she's working hard these days and ..... lol - you would never do that so don't do it when communicating online either. I bet you've an amazing story that you're not using in your business. A wise woman once told me, if you tell enough stories in business you never have to sell, imagine never having to sell? 

3 -  Talking about the process not the outcome the process delivers:

As business owners we're all amazing at talking about the process of what we do, we could talk about it all day long, problem is our clients don’t care about the process they care about the results - the outcomes - what’s in it for them basically. For example one of my clients, a tourism business that offers a helpful booking system for hiring bikes, aimed at holiday makers – the booking system is the process – the outcome is “Worry free travel" – how much more interesting does that sound over 'reserve your bike? Talking about outcomes attracts more customers and ultimately grows your business YEAY! When you get your head around outcomes over process customers start appearing everywhere. And this can be as simple as changing the way you talk about your business. Imagine if you were turning business away in 2016 all because you were being more authentic about what your business makes possible? Its that easy. 

4 -  Not being consistent:

Have you ever felt like you're running around doing everything but feel like nothing was getting done and it was stressing your out? Lack of consistency was huge for me, I was doing the headless chicken. In the last quarter of this year I've trebled my customer base through consistent activity. The trick was working out what my business building activities were and breaking that down into clusters. Then I was consistent daily and I promise you the results speak for themselves. The sense of relief when you figure this out is amazing, so simple but so powerful. What key activities do you need to focus on to move your business forward? 

5 -  Not being selective:

We're all guilty of saying yes to everyone who wants to work with us, especially starting out, if they're willing, they're a client. In my experience not being selective is a recipe for disaster. Finding 'just anyone' to work with is a difficult task. Think about it for a second - 'excuse me, can you tell me where I can find anyone please? It's mind bogglingly impossible yet we do it all the time. Now that I've I started finding my ideal clients everything has become easier, marketing, what to say, where to find them and furthermore I'm now learning on a deeper level what makes them tick so I can have a bigger impact. Don't get me wrong, this is challenging but it's worth it. I'm kind of kicking myself for not working it out sooner. I've stopped wasting time and money on trying to speak to everybody and won't work with everybody. "You can help anybody in the world, but you can't help everybody. You need to pick who you want to work with and who can pay you" - Suzanne Evans

So … would YOU like to start serving more people and creating a better lifestyle while you're at it? Some of the results in just the past few months include a motivational speaker who got clearer on her goals and secured her first paying client as a result of our work together. I've helped an entrepreneur with a business idea he has been struggling with for years remove the obstacles that were preventing progress and create a plan of action to get things moving now. A therapist learned about talking about less about their process and focused the outcomes their therapy provides which has resulted in a massive influx of bookings. 

If this sounds like something you’d love to explore, and be considered for the few available openings, just go to the link below to fill out the short questionnaire. After that, if I feel that we might be a fit, I will send a link to my calendar and we can get on the phone for a short chat to talk about how this will work. I have several great options to work with me depending on where you are and where you want to go with your business. And I would love for 2016 to be the turning point for your business you always remember.

Go raibh míle maith agat. 

 

Donegal, Ireland's winter wonderland

As the year draws to a close and the overall outside temperature begins to drop, county Donegal is transformed into a winter wonderland. From the frost covered mountains high above the shimmering Dunlewy lake to the warming hearth of a traditional Irish cottage. 

I often get emails asking what is there to do in Donegal in winter months. This is mng's list of things to do: 

Read More

5 Donegal experiences - Local, traditional and inspirational

Do you find inspiration around every corner here in Donegal? It's everywhere I go, with the people I meet and the businesses I'm getting to know too! I love to learn about local people, their crafts and experiences, so here's 5 I'd like to share with you, they're also some great gift ideas. 

1 - Kathleen Meehan - is the mighty woman behind 'Authentic Aran Handknit Sweaters', Kilcar, Donegal. Have you ever seen signs around Kilcar for handknit sweaters? It doesn't get more local than this, with the wool comes from the local mill, you can choose any design and colour and it will be sent lovingly in the post to any where in the world. OR you can choose a design and your wool over a cup of tea by the fire in Kathleens house, stunningly located in Muckross.

Kathleen literally puts the 't' in authenticity.

Rooted in tradition and so Donegal, for me its the perfect example of using place and tradition to create a wildly unique experience - served up with a cup of tea and biscuits! You have to go and experience this for yourself. Agus go leor gaeilge sa teach seo fosta. I've a gorgeous hand knitted scarf ordered, picking it up next week. Donnchadh Meehan & Kathleen Meehan don't care that Sarah Jessica Parker is their neighbour "she does a good job and I do a good job, says Kathleen no airs or graces in this house, but always a fire and a good cup of tae! If you're looking for a local handcrafted work of art this Christmas, get your orders in now. Kathleen's unisex designs include, sweaters, cardigans, headbands, scarves, gloves, hell she even knits wedding dresses. Check out her website.

Me with Tristan, what a gentleman and my new Studio Donegal beanie. 

2 - Tristan Donaghy, Studio Donegal: How much do you love tweed? If you're like me, you'll be in awe of the set up at Studio Donegal. Every single step from sheep to shoulder takes place under one roof in the Gaeltacht village of Kilcar. The collection is superb, I loved the styling. I got a full tour of the place. I was pissed off I didn't have my own Donegal Tweed jacket on, its an heirloom at this stage but I treasure it. Watching people working at this craft is an art in itself, I met John, an employee of Studio Donegal who's been weaving happily all his life. This family business is founded on tradition, inspired by place and is is so much more than a shop, its an authentic experience. Love love love. Tristan mentioned looking for people to learn this craft Go visit Studio Donegal. Treat yourself. Tweed would be the most awesome Christmas gift ever! Dear Santa..... 

A peak inside the cutting room at Studio Donegal - love love love

Louise Flannagan and her girls 

3 - Have you ever checked out the note book selection in TK Maxx Letterkenny, it's pretty cool right? I was looking for a new note book for me and my bff when I heard "this notebook doesn't have any quotes in it", I thought 'who else is into notebooks with quotes' - I turned and saw a little girl with her mum and I said 'I thought that was the little girl who said that, mum said it was! And thats how I met this lovely family - Louise Flannagan and her daughters. Ellie - her eldest was also buying a note book. So we got to talking. Turns out this this is one creative crew. Yummy mummy, nurse and entrepreneur Louise, designs handcrafted works of inspirational art and Ellie is an aspiring blogger and my guess - a future sensation. Ellie asked me about blogging - I heard myself tell her that blogging is about whatever inspires you and it's also about everyone who reads it. Our wee chat inspired me to write this blogpost on the people and places that are inspiring me at the moment.

"Thanks Ellie for reminding me to write about the inspiration that is everywhere, especially little you, full of promise and magical possibilities, happy blogging, I'm here for you anytime if you need a bit of guidance".  

Check out these handcrafted personalised gifts by Louise Flannagan, OurLittle Buttons. 

Diane Cannon, buaiteor An Oireachtas 2015

4 - Ever see someones smile when their dream comes true? There's nothing like it, and thats the thing about dreams, you work hard to make them come true and they do. Bhain Diane Cannon, Falcarragh an chéad duais/first place ag An Oireachtas 2015 sa comórtas ceol Sean Nós. 

Diane does workshops and singing lessons. An amazing experience. Great Gift! She's a beautiful singer. Fáigh amach an bhfuil Diane saor fa choinne ceardlann ceoil sa sean nós. Beidh tú gnoitheach anois! Maithiú Diane! Hup!

Diane's father is John Cannon, landlord at the Gweedore bar Falcarragh - this is a man with vision. He's running a campaign to bring a family home for Christmas from Australia, America or Canada. He's raised the funds through picking up the phone to contractors in London who have a connection with Donegal and asking humbly for their help. He has raised a whopping12k! You see John understands that the 100's and 1000's that are working in London and further afield want to come home more often but can't because of the time and the distance. If Aer Lingus would run a flight from Donegal to London it would BE A HUGE boost to the local economy. More could come home at weekends and spend their money locally in Donegal. "These lads have girlfriends and eventually the girls will move there too because it's just too difficult to keep travelling, that will crush this place altogether". For the last two years the Gweedore bar have been running a night called "Oiche an Immirce" - Immigrants night, it's a night to acknowledge all the immigrants who can't come home and want to, but this year have. This year the event will be filmed by Irish TV in a documentary about immigration. John's an almighty inspiration - give the Gweedore bar a like on Facebook to support their work in the community. Buail isteach acú am ar bith fosta!

5- I saved the best for last:

mng and me have had an amazing year in business and to celebrate, I'm inviting you to a very special Christmas event on the 12th December in West Donegal. This is for anyone who has an interest in community and business and want to wrap up 2015 in a day filled with inspirational talks and amazing content you can use in your business and community projects. Our special guest Finbarr Bradley acclaimed author of The Irish Edge will talk about how "place" and "culture" can create value and authenticity. I will be giving practical tools on how to do this as part of your business or community inspired project. And we will be hearing how whats on our doorstep can create amazing opportunities. This event will inspire you to think deeper about place and culture and how we can use this to attract more visitors to Donegal either through community or business. 

Come and join local people from all over Donegal, expect mulled wine, music and mince pies by an open fire as well as a warm céad míle fáilte. and of course. Tonnes of useful practical content. The day is bilingual, head pieces are provided for English translation. No official openings, no speeches. Come as you are. I chose Sean Teach Niall O Domhnaill because it's rural location, recently refurbished it's a filled with possibility and potential. This event is a dream come true for me, Finbarr is one of my mentors and has inspired me to think deeper about business, and how having a sense of purpose, and place can create value. You will love him too I am sure. Be part of this, I'd love to have your support. For more information click the Book Now button below. Bí linn. 

This special event is complimentary to all of mng's clients, a nominal fee of €30 for other guests & €15 if you're unemployed or in start up.