Persuasion-the fundamentals

Persuasion is not about manipulation. It is about leading the other to arrive at a decision which they recognise as beneficial for them, or at least the right decision in the circumstances. Aristotle wrote a seminal work about persuasion and identified three elements to persuade: I have written previously about Aristotle and persuasion.

Marketing with bread

I get a great kick out of the clients I generate through my bread making hobby, which I share online in my YouTube videos, on Facebook, Instagram and elsewhere. When you think about marketing a professional services business such as mine you would not immediately think about sharing bread making videos. Or any videos or… Continue reading Marketing with bread

What this great con artist can teach you about negotiations

Victor Lustig was one of the great con artists of the 20th century. He managed to sell the Eiffel Tower not once, but twice, to two different sets of investors. He identified 10 steps to being a great con artist. And one of the most important was the ability to listen. He claimed, rightly, that… Continue reading What this great con artist can teach you about negotiations

2 rules for investing or starting your own business

The 2 most important rules when starting your own business or investing your money are Shrewd investors and entrepreneurs are not concerned with dreams of how much money they might make with the business or investment. Not at first. First, they look around and ask themselves the question, “how can I lose my money here?”… Continue reading 2 rules for investing or starting your own business

The most valuable lesson I have learned about management over 37 years

I have been self-employed since 1986. And I have been running businesses in a wide range of industries such as retailing, building/construction, investment and development, and the law business. One thing I have noticed looking at others operating in the same industry is the importance and value of good, basic, management. I am not talking… Continue reading The most valuable lesson I have learned about management over 37 years