I was inspired for this week's email by a recent article by Shirlaws coach Nick Winton, which is the first link below and a must read for anybody who likes profit.

Nick comments on the difficulty many businesses have understanding the difference between 'Profit' and 'Product Margin'. While it's related to the bottom line, it really has everything to do with meaningful strategy.

Like any good 'Spot the Difference' puzzle, the key to noticing change is setting time aside for proper observation. Some business skills - like being able to read your financial reports - are important. The overarching tool we use is called 'Context', which helps you identify the purpose of all activity.

If you're getting stuck, and can't see a different way through the mess, how clear are you about the Context of your daily activity? 

Profit v Margin (pdf)
Here is Nick's article, which you can also save and share with your team. This aims to be thought provoking - if you have questions, consider having them answered over a coffee (or fruit juice) with your local coach.

The Evolution of a Web Design
Here a designer takes you through the 14 iterations of a single web page. He spent a lot of time thinking before acting - and it's the thinking that shows up in great results, which is a factor worth thinking about in your business.

Gender Guessing based on Writing
Are you male or female? (Please tell me you didn't have to think about this one!) If you have a sample of your writing handy, this page will use it and will try to guess your gender with decent accuracy. As a writer myself, this really makes me wonder.

A Different Message
When I talk marketing, I often talk about a 'Spotlight' on your business. Here's a spotlight marketing message... with a difference that really stand out.

Intranet Joke of the Week

An Irishman in a bar observes another man who could pass as his double. On approaching him, the second man makes the same observation.
"Where are you from?" the first man asks.
"The town of Dalrymple," replies the second.
"Dalrymple!" He exclaims. "I grew up in Dalrymple. Which street did you live in?"
"Clare Street."
"Clare Street! That's the street I grew up in! Which house number?"
"Number 12."
"Unbelievable," declares the first man again. "I grew up in number 12 Clare St, Dalrymple. Let me buy you drink."
At which point the bar's owner, who had been watching the scene, turned to the nearest bartender.
"Just a warning lad. The O'Leary twins are drunk again."


Until next week,
Jacob Aldridge and the Shirlaws Team

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