Sales won't save your business. Here's why.

There are a lot of motivational quotes floating around Instagram. And some of them I love. Others...not so much.

Frankly, there are pieces of advice floating around via Instaquote that are dangerous in their simplicity.

Granted, those lil graphics demand brevity, and who on earth knows what the original context was when the All-Star businessperson said it the first time. But still – for the legions of IGers who are double-clicking or screen-capping those knowledge bombs, following them could turn out to be a disaster.

Here's my take on why the advice 'Sales Cures All' could be doing you more harm than good.

How Much Is Not Negotiating Costing You?

I hear ya.

There’s a lot to do these days. To Do lists are full and designer day planners are a booming industry. You don’t have time to add something else to that list – especially when; frankly, you’re not entirely sure it’s worth the effort.

Except it is worth the effort. Negotiation may take a bit of time, energy and effort – but what it can do for your business is astounding. Higher earnings? Lower expenses? Superb client relationships?

No? Doesn’t sound like something you want? That’s ok. I get it. You’d rather not negotiate.

But hear me out: There’s a cost to not taking action that may just change your mind.

Read on to find out more.

Small BusinessDevon SmileyNovember 14, 2018negotiation consultant, article, mindset, inspiration, motivation

Why You Need A Contract

There’s something I hear in business that sends shivers up my spine. I get a bit queasy. I have the urge to lunge through my computer screen, or across the row of tables at the café and shake people by the shoulders to snap them out of it.

What is it? What could incite such a reaction in a normally cool, calm and collected gal like me?

“I don’t need a contract.”

Yes. Yes you do. And here’s why…

Small BusinessDevon SmileyNovember 7, 2018negotiation consultant, article, mindset, contracts, motivation

On Fear, Courage & Making The Ask

Every one of us is afraid of something. For some it's heights. Others get the heebie-jeebies around spiders. And I know a few people that would rather run a marathon au natural than give a speech to a crowd.
Amongst business owners and entrepreneurs, a near-unanimous fear is the fear of making the ask. Of making your ask, and going after what you need in business.
We've all been there - and this week I'm sharing with you my 3 go-to techniques for busting through and taking action. Read on to find out how you can as well...

Small BusinessDevon SmileyOctober 10, 2018negotiation consultant, article, audio, mindset, motivation

How To Turn Frustration Into Motivation

One of the best things about having your own business is the sense of pride and ownership you feel. You’re in it. You love it. You set big audacious goals and you knock them out of the park on the regular.

But all that investment of energy and time can lead you to some major frustrations when things aren’t working out as planned. Maybe a deal fell through. Or a client isn’t paying. Or your exciting launch, flops.

Uncovering ways to deal with frustration and its byproducts is important to break you out of those funks and get yourself motivated again – read on to find out how.

Small Business, CorporateDevon SmileySeptember 19, 2018negotiation consultant, article, motivation, mindset