INSIDE OUT

You put on your suit. Coiffeur or gel your hair. Step out the front door looking fabulous ready to take on the day.

But something isn’t right.

Your insides feel flat.

Your monkey mind is jumping around changing its focus from today’s meetings to all the other things going on in your life.

Many of us have days where outwardly we look like we could take on the world, but our insides are living a different story.

This is a common experience for most people.

When those days hit, make time to give attention to yourself. It is about honouring what is going on. Naming it. Practising mindfulness or meditation. Going for a run. Engaging a coach. Most of us have a different range of methods for regaining inner harmony. It doesn’t matter how you do it, but making sure you do is what really counts.

Take an inside out approach.

This same message can be applied to your business.

According to Zenith Optimedia, Australian companies are predicted to spend over $13.5 billion on advertising in 2016.

While your branding, brochures and online presence may look picture perfect, if the inside energy of your company is flat and unsettled, this feeling will permeate to your customers.

Many companies spend thousands of dollars dressing their business in great outfits yet forget to make sure their employees feel good in them. It doesn’t have to be this way. Start by establishing what is causing the negative feeling by those who work with or for you.

Check in with your team. Empower them to be open and share what is going on.

Bring in an external facilitator. Put in a positive communications plan and report back to the team on what you are doing to make the change.

Investment in your internal engagement and communications programs is equally as important as what you spend spreading your message externally.

I have often written that your employees are great brand ambassadors for your company. Your employees are also the most vital touchpoint of your customer experience.

A Small Act that will have a Major Impact is for you to always budget for the “inside out” element of your future marketing and advertising campaigns.

“The internal customer experience determines the external customer experience.” Shep Hyken