Lead Gen Debunked

Episode Summary: In this thoughtful episode, Helen guides listeners through a powerful end-of-year ritual designed to help business owners and professionals reflect on the past year and prepare for the next. Recognizing the importance of closure before setting new goals, Helen introduces a three-part exercise focused on celebrating achievements, addressing challenges, and extracting valuable lessons learned. This practice is particularly useful for those who align their year-end reflections with the traditional calendar but can be applied at any time for a fresh start.Key Takeaways:Celebrate Achievements: Start by listing all the positives from the past year. Collaborate with a partner or friend to help uncover accomplishments you might overlook. Aim to identify at least 50 things you’re proud of, focusing on both personal and professional successes.Acknowledge Challenges: Reflect on what didn’t go well and create a list of these situations. Engage in a clearing exercise by repeating the phrases “I forgive you,” “I’m sorry,” and “I love you” to release any lingering negative energy and move forward with a lighter heart.Learn from the Year: Consider the lessons you’ve learned from both your successes and setbacks. Identify key takeaways that will inform your approach in the coming year, helping you to grow and evolve.Clearing Exercise: The clearing exercise Helen recommends involves forgiving yourself and others, allowing you to let go of negative emotions tied to the past. This process can be emotionally intense but is ultimately freeing, paving the way for a more positive outlook.Preparation for Goal Setting: This episode focuses on the first part of the exercise—reflection and clearing. The next episode will delve into setting goals for 2026, building on the insights gained from this reflection process.Listener Challenge: Helen encourages listeners to complete this three-part reflection exercise before the next episode. Take the time to identify your achievements, clear past challenges, and extract key lessons to ensure a fresh start as you prepare for the year ahead.Resources Mentioned:Reflective journaling and clearing exercises.Call to Action: If you found this exercise helpful, be sure to tune in next week for part two, where Helen will guide you through setting your goals for 2026. Don’t forget to subscribe and share this episode with others who might benefit from this reflective practice. To learn more, visit www.exceptionalthinking.co.uk. To book an appointment to talk about lead generation, go to www.exceptionalthinking.co.uk/contact Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, Helen dives into the often-overlooked benefits of marketing during the so-called "quiet" months of August and December. While many businesses pause their marketing efforts during these periods, Helen argues that these months are actually prime opportunities to gain traction and secure new clients.She explains that the common belief that everyone is on holiday in August or too distracted by the holidays in December is a misconception. By continuing to market during these times, you can reach decision-makers more easily and stand out in a less crowded market. Helen shares insights on how her own business thrives by booking meetings and securing new clients when others have slowed down.She also discusses the importance of not letting the end-of-year mindset affect your marketing strategy, emphasizing the value of year-long programs and end-of-year offers. Helen encourages listeners to test this approach in their own businesses, highlighting the potential for significant gains.Tune in to discover why August and December should be your secret weapons for successful marketing and how to make the most of these months when others are taking a break.Key Takeaways:Seize the Opportunity in Quiet Months: August and December are often overlooked as prime times for marketing, but they offer unique opportunities to reach decision-makers with less competition from other businesses.Decision-Makers Are More Accessible: With many gatekeepers on holiday during these months, it can be easier to connect directly with decision-makers, increasing your chances of securing meetings and new clients.Year-End and Year-Long Offers Can Drive Sales: December, in particular, is a great time to launch year-long programs or special offers. People are often planning for the year ahead and may be more willing to commit to your services.Don’t Let the End-of-Year Mentality Slow You Down: Many businesses wind down their marketing efforts at the end of the year, but this is the perfect time to push forward and gain a competitive edge.Test and Learn: Helen encourages businesses to experiment with marketing in August and December to see the potential for themselves. Consistent effort during these months can lead to significant growth.Call to Action: If you found value in this episode, make sure to subscribe, and share it with fellow business owners or managers who might benefit from these tips. Try implementing one of Helen's techniques today and see how it impacts your mindset and productivity. To find out more go to www.exceptionalthinking.co.uk. To book an appointment to talk about lead generation, go to www.exceptionalthinking.co.uk/contact Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Episode Summary: In this insightful episode, Helen shares her tried-and-true strategies for maintaining mental well-being and staying positive as a Managing Director or business owner. Recognizing the unique pressures that come with leadership roles, Helen provides practical tips and exercises that have helped her stay focused, energised, and resilient. These practices are not only essential for personal sanity but also crucial for leading a motivated and effective team.Key Takeaways:Mindset Gym: Just as physical exercise is vital for the body, regular mental exercises are crucial for maintaining a positive and resilient mindset.Daily Positive Inputs: Listen to uplifting podcasts, read inspiring books, and focus on learning and growth to keep your mindset sharp.Set Challenges: Engage in personal or team challenges to stay motivated and focused, whether it's a sales sprint or a new project goal.Focus on the Good: Write down three good things that happen each day to shift focus from negatives to positives.Physical and Mental Health: Regular exercise and healthy eating are foundational to maintaining energy and a positive outlook.Mental Breaks: Engage in activities like puzzles, crafts, or meditation to give your mind a rest from work stresses.Energy Management: Use the red, orange, and green day method to track your energy levels and adjust your workload accordingly.Addressing Negative Thoughts: Counter negative thoughts by writing them down and challenging them with positive affirmations.Emotional Release Techniques: Practices like cord-cutting or object meditation can help release built-up stress or negative emotions.Language Matters: Be mindful of your language, replacing “I can’t” with “I can” to foster a positive, solution-oriented mindset.Listener Challenge: Helen encourages listeners to visit their "mindset gym" daily, trying out various techniques to find what works best for them. Just as with physical fitness, consistency is key to mental strength.Resources Mentioned:Books:The Effective CEO by Byron Morrison10x Power Focus by David SiglerPodcasts:Seven Figure Agency by Josh NelsonChill and Prosper by Denise ThomasThe Grown Up Business Podcast by Paul EvansThe Fabian Show by Fabian FredricksonCall to Action: If you found value in this episode, make sure to subscribe, and share it with fellow business owners or managers who might benefit from these tips. Try implementing one of Helen's techniques today and see how it impacts your mindset and productivity. To find out more go to www.exceptionalthinking.co.uk. To book an appointment to talk about lead generation, go to www.exceptionalthinking.co.uk/contact Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Episode Summary: In this episode, Helen shares a game-changing concept that transformed the way she manages her business: the realization that her role as a Managing Director (MD) is not to do everything herself but to ensure that everything gets done. She discusses how she shifted her focus from being the person who completes tasks to becoming a leader who delegates and oversees the completion of those tasks by her team.Helen dives into the importance of understanding your true role as a business owner or leader, emphasizing that your job is to manage your team effectively rather than getting bogged down in the day-to-day tasks. She reflects on her own journey from being a "doer" to a "project manager" and the positive impact this shift has had on her business and personal life.Key Takeaways:The Key Concept: Just because something needs doing doesn't mean you have to be the one to do it. Your job as a business owner or MD is to ensure that tasks are completed, not necessarily to complete them yourself.The Role of Delegation: Delegating tasks to team members, especially those who are specialists in their field, can be more efficient and effective. This frees up your time to focus on strategic aspects of the business.Shift in Mindset: Moving from a "doer" to a "teacher" and "project manager" allows you to empower your team, ensuring that they are capable of handling tasks on their own, which in turn helps grow the business.The Impact on Business and Lifestyle: By delegating effectively, Helen's to-do list has drastically reduced, and she has seen significant improvements in how her business operates. This change has also improved her work-life balance.Listener Challenge: Helen challenges listeners to reflect on their current role in their business or organization. Are you taking on too much? Who else can handle tasks that you are currently doing? Consider how you can delegate more effectively and focus on leading rather than doing.Resources Mentioned:Fiverr.com: A platform Helen uses to outsource tasks like creating sales pages.Call to Action: If you found this episode insightful, subscribe to the podcast and share it with other business owners or leaders who might benefit from learning how to delegate more effectively. Don’t forget to tune in to the next episode for more tips on improving your business management skills. To find out more go to www.exceptionalthinking.co.uk. To book an appointment to talk about lead generation, go to www.exceptionalthinking.co.uk/contact Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Are you actually measuring the right things in your business?On this week's episode, Helen Dowling from Exceptional Thinking explains why, if you have an issue, sometimes what you THINK is the cause isn't what is the ACTUAL cause and encourages you to dig deeper to get to the root issue.To find out more go to www.exceptionalthinking.co.ukTo book an appointment to talk about lead generation, go to www.exceptionalthinking.co.uk/contact Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

How often do we assume that people understand everything we say? On this week's episode, Helen Dowling from Exceptional Thinking shows you why it's essential to check, check and check again that people understand and know how to do their jobs and also have measures in place so you can see where there are issues.To find out more go to www.exceptionalthinking.co.ukTo book an appointment to talk about lead generation, go to www.exceptionalthinking.co.uk/contact Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Do you use Chat GPT or Excel functions to automate your workload?On this week's episode, Helen Dowling from Exceptional Thinking tells you why if you currently don't, you absolutely should and how you can use these tools to simplify your business.To find out more go to www.exceptionalthinking.co.ukTo book an appointment to talk about lead generation, go to www.exceptionalthinking.co.uk/contact Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We all have the occasional difficult client, but when you do experience one, what can you do about it?On this week's episode, Helen Dowling from Exceptional Thinking walks you through seven different things you can do to help prevent difficult clients and then to deal with them when you experience them.To find out more go to www.exceptionalthinking.co.ukTo book an appointment to talk about lead generation, go to www.exceptionalthinking.co.uk/contact Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Do you currently do everything yourself? If this is you, then today's episode will be very useful.On this week's episode, Helen Dowling from Exceptional Thinking gives you three suggestions for getting out of the day to day and shows you what you should focus on instead to drive your business forward.To find out more go to www.exceptionalthinking.co.ukTo book an appointment to talk about lead generation, go to www.exceptionalthinking.co.uk/contact Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

I've been listening to Josh Nelson from the Seven Figure Marketing Agency with new thinking about webinars.On this week's episode, Helen Dowling from Exceptional Thinking walks you through the changes we've made in our business about webinars and the difference it's made and shows you how you can apply these as well.To find out more go to www.exceptionalthinking.co.ukTo book an appointment to talk about lead generation, go to www.exceptionalthinking.co.uk/contact Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Do you have a regular focus meeting where you set your intentions for the week?On this week's episode, Helen Dowling from Exceptional Thinking explains why you should and goes through what's included in a focus meeting.To find out more go to www.exceptionalthinking.co.ukTo book an appointment to talk about lead generation, go to www.exceptionalthinking.co.uk/contact Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We visited Bollinger Champagne house last year which was really interesting...On this week's episode, Helen Dowling from Exceptional Thinking goes through the experience and some of the lessons that you could apply to your business.To find out more go to www.exceptionalthinking.co.ukTo book an appointment to talk about lead generation, go to www.exceptionalthinking.co.uk/contact Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Do you have a proven step by step process that's mapped out and you can give to your clients and potential prospects?On this week's episode, Helen Dowling from Exceptional Thinking walks you through why you should and what this step by step process might look like.To find out more go to www.exceptionalthinking.co.ukTo book an appointment to talk about lead generation, go to www.exceptionalthinking.co.uk/contact Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Do you know how to ask questions....and when you do, do you really listen to the answers?On this week's episode, Helen Dowling from Exceptional Thinking walks you through the power of asking questions and how you can use questions to get more clients.To find out more go to www.exceptionalthinking.co.ukTo book an appointment to talk about lead generation, go to www.exceptionalthinking.co.uk/contact Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

When we're looking to get a new client across the line and they ask for a discount, it's always tempting to say yes!On this week's episode, Helen Dowling from Exceptional Thinking shows you ways to discount without actually discounting so the client feels that they're getting a deal but it's not costing you an arm or a leg.To find out more go to www.exceptionalthinking.co.ukTo book an appointment to talk about lead generation, go to www.exceptionalthinking.co.uk/contact Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We tell stories all of the time; whenever we're with people we know, loved ones, friends - we love stories; that's why books and films work so well.On this week's episode, Helen Dowling from Exceptional Thinking asks why we don't use stories as much as we should in our business and encourages you to start thinking about stories you could tell.To find out more go to www.exceptionalthinking.co.ukTo book an appointment to talk about lead generation, go to www.exceptionalthinking.co.uk/contact Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

If you listen, your prospects and your customers will tell you about things they're worried about, questions they have and objections that they'd like you to overcome.On this week's episode, Helen Dowling from Exceptional Thinking shows you how to use frequently asked questions to help build a content library and move potential prospects forward.To find out more go to www.exceptionalthinking.co.ukTo book an appointment to talk about lead generation, go to www.exceptionalthinking.co.uk/contact Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Do you ever watch your sales meetings back on zoom or teams?On this week's episode, Helen Dowling from Exceptional Thinking gives you four reasons why you should watch your sales meetings back and how you can use them to improve your sales.To find out more go to www.exceptionalthinking.co.ukTo book an appointment to talk about lead generation, go to www.exceptionalthinking.co.uk/contact Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We all have different personalities and depending on what personality assessment you use, you can find out what these are and then use them to attract these sorts of personalities via your marketing.On this week's episode, Helen Dowling from Exceptional Thinking shows you two assessments that you can use and how to take these personalities and create a marketing strategy around them.To find out more go to www.exceptionalthinking.co.ukTo book an appointment to talk about lead generation, go to www.exceptionalthinking.co.uk/contact Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

When was the last time you did some house-keeping on your marketing?On this week's episode, Helen Dowling from Exceptional Thinking goes through why it's essential to check your website, check links work etc etc to build a thriving business.To find out more go to www.exceptionalthinking.co.ukTo book an appointment to talk about lead generation, go to www.exceptionalthinking.co.uk/contact Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.