In my latest book, due for release in a month or so, I explore the unfinished journey I have been taking in business. Over the years and after many a mistake I thought it worthwhile putting on paper the results, so far, from my journey and love affair with business.

What I talk about in the book is not rocket science and certainly not over complicated but I believe that its simplicity is probably one of the biggest reasons why so many businesses miss out on exceptional performance and just get by. I, for one, don’t think anyone should be in business just to get by; we should all be striving for exceptional performance on a sustained basis.

My experience in businesses across the world has lead me to conclude that for a business to survive there are eleven key elements; without one or more of these you are destined to ultimately fail. If you have them all you’ll have every chance of survival. For me, however, survival is not enough I want exceptional.

The key to exceptional is simple, have all eleven of the elements and then learn the skill of keeping them all in perfect balance. Learn that the balance needs to change, dependent on the circumstances of the day.

The true skill is being proactive rather than reactive. I have never quite understood why people start thinking about being wise with spending and increasing sales activity when times get tough. Surely the sensible option is to always spend the minimum and produce the maximum?

Business Alchemy, the book, is all about learning the elements, which are:-

•      Vision, Mission & Values
•       Strategy
•       Planning
•       Leadership
•       Change management
•       Coaching
•       Hiring & Firing
•       PR & Communication
•       Marketing
•       Sales
•       Financial Planning
  

Next, it’s about getting the balance right and then changing the balance to reflect the circumstances of the day. Understand the need for passion. It’s okay being passionate about what you do but it is essential that you learn to be passionate about business too; that’s passionate about all the elements.

Finally make sure you always think strategically and the best way to do that is really understand your future market and competition and then maybe, just maybe, you’ll be a business alchemist too. For more contact me on cb@chris-batten.com