That old chestnut... the 'Glass Ceiling'

I've been planning to pen something about this topic for quite some time now... and it just happens that in the last week, I've had several reminders!

To quote Forbes Magazine's Moira Forbes "If you rewind a year, two years, pick a number in the past decade, doesn’t it feel like we’ve already had the very same conversations, quoting the very same bleak statistics, sharing the very same frustrations?" - I couldn't agree more. What are we doing to change this fact? Not much. There is an unfortunate sense of acquiescence about the whole debate; those involved (and I include myself) seem to just continue on in the face of the obstacles we come up against and not actually do anything to ameliorate the situation.

I have had difficulty with 'getting out of my own way' on several occasions recently, and it seems that this is an involuntary state we women often find ourselves in. Why, I wonder, do we stymie our own progress? Is it genetic? Would someone please do a study and find out for us?

In addition to our own in-build obstacle-factory, we tend to create issues for one another 'in the sisterhood'. Again, some genetic research is required here!

In the last week I had the distinct pleasure of hearing the wonderful Mary Davis (M.D. Special Olympics Europe and Eurasia). During her talk, Mary made reference to the fact that us ladies have a tendency towards being unnecessarily nasty to our fellow womenfolk. Not the most sporting way to behave, it has to be said.

So, while we have the notorious 'glass ceiling' to contend with, we're also quite capable of impeding our own successes...

Perhaps the next tranche of investigation or commentary on the subject should really review the way we women act, and betimes, how we collaborate with and facilitate the constraints in our lives.

Just do it!

(Logo copyright - Nike.com)

You'd be forgiven for thinking that this blog-posting was about branding...

However, this post is centred on the importance of, yes, 'just doing it' in business. Prevarication and procrastination are staunch enemies of creativity and growth in small business - and sadly, they can be the very things small business owners vie with, and moreover, fail to overcome.

Nike's slogan clearly expresses their brand's philosophy (and business identity) which speaks to their prospective or current customer - however their strategy is far more complex and specific - wise for an organisation of its size and reputation!

Small businesses should be mindful of the need for strategy - but most importantly - they need to 'go for' the things they feel will benefit them and grow their business.

Thinking back to a wonderful talk I was involved in organising last year with Molly Harvey (www.corporatesoulwoman.com) - amongst the great tips and hints, Molly pointed to one clear instruction - to 'go with the gut'. I can't tell you just how relevant that point is, especially when the two 'p's' come along!

Always listen to your instincts, they're seldom wrong - and be conscious of when you're straying away from the truth of the matter... then, just do it!

Doesn't this just say it all?!

... I felt I should share this with you, blog-readers...

New Year - What's New?

Happy New Year, loyal blog readers!

Traditionally, a new year brings resolutions, plans, hopes and a whole host of other 'things' for us to shackle ourselves to and then beat ourselves around the place with by the end of the year, when it's likely we haven't achieved them.

My thinking on the subject: be realistic, but don't be lazy... be constructive, but not over-arching... help yourself to change the things you want to, without becoming an incredible pain to those around you.

Now, on a slightly related note, I must say how thrilled I was to see some recognition given to country's lacklustre management skills, which are not restricted to government, I must add! The IMI has recently reported that Ireland's SMEs must 'limber up' and develop their management expertise in order to improve competitiveness (care of IRISHTIMES.com 21/12/10 http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/finance/2010/1221/1224285992887.html).

A fine piece of research, I'm sure (I have downloaded said report for digestion later). However, what does it actually mean for small business? A change in mindset for starters - the 'it'll be grand' mentality will no longer suffice. In addition, a clearer sense of purpose, communication and professionalism must come to the fore for many Irish SMEs, who have long been lulled into the sense of profitability through (slightly grubby) flesh-pressing as opposed to ethics and clarity.

Perhaps I am being a little too optimistic, but there is a chance that this 'economic climate' may in fact generate a real chance for change in how Irish business operates.

Yours, in rant,

Olwen

Mindset Management... Make it your New Years' Resolution

Though it may sound a little ‘fluffy’ for some entrepreneurs, managing your mindset is hugely important in coping with the day-to-day challenges of self-employment. Unproductive or negative, catastrophic thinking doesn’t promote growth or development and instead stymies your progress.

Here are three key pointers to help keep your mindset in check:

1. Be conscious

Know what you’re thinking – don’t allow background ‘noise’ – if you’re having a ‘down’ day, it’s probably because your thoughts aren’t of the most positive variety. Feeling negative? Ask yourself why – tease out those thoughts and deal with them.

2. Write it down

Whatever’s bothering you – write it down. Is it that bad? Remember, there’s a solution or options in dealing with whatever it is. Don’t run away from it.

3. Test the reality

Is this issue really possible? Have you left it to fester for so long that it seems insurmountable? Give yourself a ‘worst-case-scenario’ and remind yourself that even that can be dealt with efficiently. How do you feel now?

Remember that you are responsible for how you feel – things happen around us however it’s how we deal with them that directly impacts our mood – in turn our mood impacts how well we cope. Be mindset savvy!

Marketing Online - Get the Know-How

Popular business commentary would have it that absolutely everyone should have some sort of presence online...

There is a definite truth in the philosophy, however no business should venture into the online 'realm' without a plan.

Think about it this way: would you put an advert in a paper without first looking at its content?

I am afraid that some of you may answer 'yes' to that question, in which case, you should a) wise up, b) contact me or c) do both.

For those sane people who would review copy and content - phew - there was a reason for that analogy. Going blinkered into any marketing forum is not a good idea; you must know your stuff. By this, I mean it is important to have a 'mini' strategy for your foray into online-land.

Websites, social media pages and Google campaigns should all be created with the following in mind:

1. Who do we want to reach? (Audience)
2. What do we want to tell them? (Messaging / Content)
3. What's the purpose of our message? (Call to action - objective)

For more information on the marketing planning services IBI offer - email us.

Your Consultant: Finding the Right Combination

SMEs frequently reach flash-points, or impasses where they require expertise not within their own remit. Don't panic! This is part of the entrepreneurial life-cycle.

What should you do? Simple: look at your area of shortfall.

Are you about to launch a new product-line? Feel your business needs a marketing / branding face-lift? Look at what you need, what specialisms you require and go on the look-out.

Needless to say, there is an abundance of consultants available to every business, however, you will know (it's instinct, believe me!) whether you can work with someone after the first meeting.

Every consultant has a different methodology or way of working - find the one that works for you.

Finally - there are three key attributes your consultant should exhibit:

• Attention to your ideas and implementation;
• Listens to you and answers your questions;
• Keeps you in check: ensures you stick to your actions and commitments.