Too Busy to Keep Busy?

Normally for me the year starts and ends quietly but this year right out of the block it has been busy. This is fantastic of course, but usually I reserve this time to do most of my business development. Things like improving the website, writing blog material for year. Coming up with various talks and brochures and what not, and of course there's a big focus on developing pipeline.

Naturally because i've been busy/ill all of these things have been taking a back seat. This is not unlike most of my clients that I deal with, when you get busy it's hard to sign off on your video or approve a script, its easy to see these things as extras to your business, but of course this is a double edged sword.

One TV programme that I recommend is Alex Polizzi's The Fixer. (should be available on BBC i player if you're in the UK)She visits a series of family run businesses in trouble and helps turn them around. The process for most of them is very similar. It's normally about identifying where the true issue is, and then a rebranding and relaunch exercise.

One of the key things I've noticed with the show is that almost all of the businesses were busy once, and then when things suddenly nose dive they wonder why only to realise that now their offering/branding/practices are out of date.

Business development is crucial to the long term success of any company and even though you may be rammed, you have to find a way to include it. Whether that's getting outside help to work on your material whilst you work on your clients, or just adding an hour onto your working day, to ensure future busy-ness you can't afford to take your eye off the ball.