The Eaten Trifles...

Is your business fit enough to take on the competition…?

When the Jam released the single The Eton Rifles in 1979, they were singing about the Right to Work Protesters who in 1978 while in marching through Slough, thought it would be a good idea to attack the students of Eton College – as they represented the social elite against which the protest was aimed…

Thinking that a large group of protesters would easily beat up a smaller group of “posh” students seemed to make sense, however, the fitter, stronger and better disciplined group of Eton College Officer Training Corps won the fight and sent the marchers “beaten and bloody and sick down their shirts…” on their way…

How was this possible…?

How did a small group of “posh” students beat a mob of angry protesters, who on paper at least, were more suited to street fighting and brawling…?

What can we learn from them so that in business we win against the odds and effectively fight above our weight…

Fitness – “sup up your beer and collect your fags…” Beer and Fags are never a good idea. Getting your business into peak condition will mean that you will be able to consistently outperform your competitors.

In business as in life, fitness means training; it is not good enough anymore to simply be good technicians in the business. We are in the Customer Service business, and our activities should reflect this; Profitable Sales, Service, Relationships and Added Value must be the focus of everyone in your company.

Don’t let your company develop a Beer and Fags mentality; you simply won’t keep up…

Differentiation – “you didn’t take a peep at their artillery room…” Make sure you are better equipped than your competitors. What is your USP; how good are you at what you do, what is the experience of working with you like…?

If I was to line you and 6 of your competitors up against a wall, how would I choose between you all…? If prospects can’t sense a difference that is valuable to them then they will simply differentiate on price, and go for the cheapest.

Your Unique Sales Proposition is the most powerful weapon you have in your “artillery room” and one that will enable you to blow the competition away…  

Belief – “what chance have you got against a tie and a crest…?” Rallying around the flag will do wonders for morale, spirits and performance. Does your team believe in what you stand for; are they proud to be associated with you..?

Your team will be either your greatest liability or greatest asset; it really depends on you and your levels of leadership. Is your Vision and Purpose clear to everyone…?

Does everyone actually believe in the Mission and Values of your company..? If they have as much passion for the business as you do, having the camaraderie and team spirit that shines through – they will be unbeatable – and make your life easier too…

Team – “all that rugby puts hairs on your chest…" As times get hard, you need the best people to jump into the fray with you. Playing as a team is the best way to build spirit, resilience and results that will keep your clients coming back again and again.

Business can be tough, you have to have a team that will fight with you and support each other regardless of the challenges you face. Encourage your people to play at a higher level, allow them to make mistakes and develop their levels of experience. Battle proven troops are the hardest to manage, but they are also the most effective.

If you train them well at some point they may leave you – but imagine if you don’t train them and they stay…

So keep your business fit, lay off the Trifles and forget the Beer and Fags – it’s time to get your business in shape and make a new START!

Take a look at the Jam HERE

And you can check our website out at www.resultsrulesok.com