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 | Kevin Chong recently interviewed Rodika about using feng shui in the business of real estate. Read the article "Wind, Water, Money" in the current issue of Vancouver magazine. Available on the newsstands now. |
| There is a very wise German saying that goes like this: "The main things it to keep the main thing the main thing." Sound like a funny riddle, but it is clear, concise and very effective. Are you keeping the main thing the main thing? And what is the main thing for your business? I work with many small business owners and the issue of business success comes up a lot, especially when we go over the marketing materials (and if you have visitors coming to your business space, then your space is a big part of your marketing, too, along with the website and all your other efforts!) How does success come to you, from who and why? Are you being clear with who you are and what is it that you are offering? What do you want to be known for? |
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| What you see is what you get: it is a simple as that. What do you see when you come into your business space and what do your clients see? Does that resemble what you are getting? I bet it does, but maybe you did not always make the connection. Just like with people, your space does not get a second chance for the first impression and research shows that it takes 20 (!) more interactions to change the very powerful initial impression (the one based on the first 3-5 seconds!) Think about it.
I am currently working with a very talented lady, Jane Carstens, a matchmaker in charge of the Vancouver office of Hearts Canada, who recently moved her business into a new space. Among the many changes that are being implemented, one of the very first suggestion to activate the new office was to focus on two priorities: # 1 - Show the Results she brings to her clients - THE FEELING element; and # 2 - Show How Good is She at What She Does - THE TRUST element. Jane's clients are people who are looking for a life partner (not a small task!), and the space has to speak to them in the first couple of seconds. In Jane's case, she needed to bring happy images of people in love, couples enjoying a great date, getting married, etc, so that the space clearly and tastefully shows the results of doing business with her (THE FEELING element). To fulfill # 2 requirement we focused on visually presenting all the media publicity Jane received (and she did receive a lot, being so passionate about her work!) This way the second element, THE TRUST one, is being taken care of. You do not want to hide who you are, or your success will also hide from you! Focus on visually fulfilling these two basic requirements (in your physical space, as well as on your website, print materials, etc) and be ready for much more success flowing into your life :: | |
Based on the successful 5 day workshop at Hollyhock, Canada's Leading Educational Retreat Center. Full day of functional feng shui basics, and its practical applications to improve your health, family harmony and success in life. Bring your floor plan. October 21, Saturday, 9.30am to 3.30pm. Pre-registration required. Wedgewood Hotel, 845 Hornby street, Vancouver, Canada. Space limited. Full day class, $115 CAD Sign up now. |
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Have you noticed that money always come from people? I mean, that check has to be signed by a real person, that on-line payment authorized by a real person, or the training approved by the person who is in charge of it. Now put yourself in the shoes of your customers, clients or partners and see what would they expect from you in order to freely and joyfully pay you for what you offer. What would you expect from somebody who is in a similar business? |
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When you meet somebody new, somebody you are really interested in, what would you try to remember first? Besides the look (of course!), you will certainly make an effort to remember their name. I mean, it will be plain embarrassing to repeatedly meet the one you are really interested in (personally or business-wise) and have no name for them! Well, here comes the big "faux paux" I repeatedly see in many small (and not so small) businesses: the "no-name" syndrome, or the name in a very insignificant, weak spot. Another great client of mine for both feng shui and marketing work is Dure Perold, who owns Dure Luxury Bed Linens in White Rock. One of the first suggestions was to re-design and re-place the company signage outside the showroom - it had to go into a much more powerful and highly visible spot. Dure also needed to have the name inside her space, so that as you come in, you see it bright and clear and have no questions as to the identity of the business. When I come into your business (in her case a beautiful, elegant showroom) I want to know YOUR NAME! Subconsciously, when a customer sees the business name up and high, well-lit, he or she develops more respect and trust for the company. It happens on a level that we are often not consciously aware of, which makes it even more powerful. One other mega factor in deciding if people will do business with you (pay you) is the CLARITY, or ease that you provide about you/your services. We are bombarded with choices on a daily basis, so by giving clear, easy info on who you are and what you do, you will provide a huge service to your customers and earn their loyalty. How would that apply to your physical space? Directly. Let me give you two examples with two business owners who are very passionate, knowledgeable and experienced in their field. One is the above mentioned Dure, whose company produces some of the finest luxury linens with beautiful customized embroidery. She also makes lifestyle accessories, luxury corporate gifts and promotional products, all very attractive and caring the same special energy she invests in each and every product - be it her inspiring paintings or her new lines. Now, even though Dure's showroom looks beautiful and elegant, on an energy level it was very passive, a bit confusing and not encouraging sales. It was hard to know what is it exactly that I am "supposed to do" as a client as way too many choices were scattered throughout the showroom. We worked with clear categories and priorities, arranging and displaying items so that there is an easy flow from one category to the other, as well as moments of respite in between. The other example is a new retailer in the trendy Yaletown district of Vancouver - REVOLUCION: A Men's Lifestyle Store (as Dictated by Women!). The owner, Paulo Agelidis, has created a tasteful space that reflects his own bright and charismatic personality. Paulo carries fine cigars & accessories, high quality leather goods, Lampe Berger room fragrances, men's skin care products and more. In other words, a variety of high-quality products but all a bit overwhelming at the first look. During the time I spent in his store analysing the space there were many potential customers "picking in", but not actually coming into the store. It was obvious to me why. Visually, the first impression was of way too much, and not very clearly presented, so on a subconscious level potential customers were getting the message: "Too many choices, sorry, not in the mood!" The truth is, we rarely are in the mood of making decisions, especially when it comes to a new/rare or unusual product. Do make an effort to show care for your clients and customers and very clearly define your services into categories, be it benefits, fees, age group, whatever denominator is the one more relevant to your target market. Make it VISUAL, and make it CLEAR. The energy of money needs to know your name:) as well as have "clear pathways" to make it happen for you. Sounds pretty simple, doesn't it? Now here comes the hard part - to actually take the time to apply it in your business and see the money gratefully flowing in! :: | ||
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