Tag Archives: growth

Growth through change

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Australia_Day

It’s been a few weeks since I have written anything here because it’s been a time of big change. I’m now writing this from Sydney, Australia after moving here one week ago and the lead up to this change has been very hectic. House rented, belongings packed, plane tickets bought and accommodation secured does make it all sound very simple but I can assure you it isn’t!

Anyway, this time of change is also a big opportunity for growth in many ways. A new country – well, I was here 20 years ago and it has changed a lot since then – that is so far from the culture, weather and lifestyle that we had when in the UK will take some getting used to but that is part of its attraction.

I’m looking at getting back into employment so doing lots of research and adapting my mindset to being part of team again, even leading one if the opportunity presents itself. I’ve also got some time to think about doing some fresh learning in a new area and I haven’t drawn any conclusions from this yet.

Basically, every option is still open and this time of change is going to give some amazing opportunities for growth that will be fabulous as time goes by. There’s a lot to be very grateful for.

As a sidenote – current reading:
Chaos Monkeys – inside the Silicon Valley money machine, Antonio Garcia Martinez
The Inner Game of Golf – W. Timothy Gallwey
Homicide, David Simon

Race schedule for running:
Bay Run 7km this Sunday
City2Surf (CBD to Bondi Beach) on 14 August
Western Sydney half marathon on 1 October

Pursuing growth

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Making things happen in business and getting ideas off the ground is something that takes courage, effort and a decent level of ability no matter what you are doing. But pursuing and actually achieving growth is another step requiring a few different skills.
I attended a dinner this week where creative agency leaders discussed how to get more business from existing clients as one method and the ideas generated were very interesting. The talk was led by Louisa Pau – built and ran her own creative agency with a partner and sold it a few years back – and her insights were extremely useful.
The first was to create the actual/notional role of Head of Retention – this is a role that anyone can take but be sure that someone fulfills the requirement and delivers the goods in this area. Client visits, listening to their needs and ensuring that the basic question – can we help you in any other areas? – is always asked.
The importance of positive marketing messages and attention to detail in this area came next. Does your own website match those that you produce for your clients? Maybe not in the case of all creative agencies and in the rush to deliver this can often be forgotten – be sure to get it up to scratch.
And finally, construct contracts that consider not only the financial terms but the terms of the overall relationship with your client. Keep these updated regularly and it will keep you front of mind when new projects are on the table.