--- title: What is Your Business Talisman? Mine is My Bow Tie! description: A talisman is an object said to contain magical properties that draw good luck to the possessor. It’s also believed to embody a message of positivity and growth. My talisman helps serve as a “mental hook.” This “mental hook” acts as a daily reminder to help keep me focused on the goals and purpose of my business. I too, need reminders and clarity from time to time. image: https://blog.infix.us/hubfs/final.jpg --- [![infix-logo](https://blog.infix.us/hs-fs/hubfs/infix-logo-saved.png?width=124&name=infix-logo-saved.png)](http://infix.us) - [Services](https://infix.us/services/) - [About Infix](https://infix.us/about-infix/) - [Testimonials](https://infix.us/testimonials/) - [Small Business Resources](https://infix.us/small-business-resources/) - [Contact](https://infix.us/contact/) - [Pricing](https://infix.us/pricing/) # What is Your Business Talisman? Mine is My Bow Tie! By [Andy Kemal](https://blog.infix.us/author/andy-kemal) | January 10, 2019 | [Accountability](https://blog.infix.us/tag/accountability), [mental hook](https://blog.infix.us/tag/mental-hook), [small businesses](https://blog.infix.us/tag/small-businesses), [talisman](https://blog.infix.us/tag/talisman) - [No Comments](https://blog.infix.us/what-is-your-business-talisman#comments-listing) - 0   ![IMG_6471](https://blog.infix.us/hs-fs/hubfs/IMG_6471.png?width=4032&name=IMG_6471.png) First, let’s start off by answering the question, **“What is a talisman?”** A talisman is an object said to contain magical properties that draw good luck to the possessor. **It’s also believed to embody a message of positivity and growth.** Working as a business engineering manager at **Qualcomm** for two decades, I rarely go for mystical remedies in the workplace. However, embracing the **“talisman technique"** has truly changed the game of being a business owner. Now, you’re probably asking yourself, **“What does this have to do with owning a small business?” Well, let me explain…** **My talisman helps serve as a “mental hook.”** This “mental hook” acts as a daily reminder to help keep me focused on the goals and purpose of my business. I too, need reminders and clarity from time to time. As I’m sure many of you are aware, I’ve chosen **my bow tie is my business talisman!** My goal at this point in life is to coach other businesses to adhere to their schedules, cut unnecessary business expenses, hire smart and pursue only the right markets. I’ve **INFIX’d** my vision of the realities and dreams of my business into my bow ties. These unassuming pieces of fabric became my small business talisman because they represent: **Consistency:** Every day one of the first things I do is tie my bow tie because I know that consistent habits **demonstrate to your prospects that you are a reliable source for what they need.** Even when I’m not feeling like assessing my financials or making those cold calls, my habit of doing so on a certain day and time keeps me on track. I have no excuses. It’s like making your bed, the first accomplishment of the day.  You begin how you mean to continue. ![Sweet Cheeks 10th Anniversary Country Fair, us with Andy, Amazonas Photography at lomas SFCC (398)](https://blog.infix.us/hs-fs/hubfs/Sweet%20Cheeks%2010th%20Anniversary%20Country%20Fair%2c%20us%20with%20Andy%2c%20Amazonas%20Photography%20at%20lomas%20SFCC%20(398).jpg?width=280&name=Sweet%20Cheeks%2010th%20Anniversary%20Country%20Fair%2c%20us%20with%20Andy%2c%20Amazonas%20Photography%20at%20lomas%20SFCC%20(398).jpg) **Differentiation:** The fact that only a fraction of American men wear bow ties doesn’t intimidate me. I **WANT** to broadcast my unique business and mindset. **Every small business must differentiate itself from competition**. I am a colorful and friendly person. The businesses who want only a dull number cruncher shouldn’t use me. Let much of the market go: work with only sliver  you’re ideally equipped to serve. **Memorability:** Someone I meet at a networking event may not remember my name or background, but there’s a good chance he or she will remember my bow tie. In fact, I get calls that start with, **“You’re the bow tie guy. Right?”** Recognition that my bow ties work as a mnemonic device is extremely satisfying. As a small business talisman, it also gives me a little boost as I walk into an unknown situation. **Persistence:** Every day, I work hard to tie the perfect bow tie, which doesn't always come to fruition, this reminds me that many days for my clients (and me) will be imperfect. **Not every day is a triumph**. Operations and revenues can be going along smoothly when a key employee suddenly quits; a solid deal falls through and mother nature unleashes a hurricane. Bumps in the road are part of both business and life. Every day presents a new opportunity to get it right. **Self-Congratulation Upon Mastery**: When I tie my bow tie with neat corners and smooth faces, I realize, I am a master! Owners who finally master a sales process or presentation should take the time to enjoy the moment. **Relishing the times you got it just right feeds confidence and energy reserves.** Battling for market share takes both. **![IMG_6152-2](https://blog.infix.us/hs-fs/hubfs/IMG_6152-2.png?width=318&name=IMG_6152-2.png)****A Networking Tool:** Some businesses love the whole networking scene; others . . . not so much. My bow tie acts as an icebreaker, allowing others to approach me and ask why I’m wearing it. I get the chance to discuss all the reasons my bow tie is my talisman. T**his humanizes me and demonstrates how dedicated I am to providing excellent service.** **A Symbol of Change:** I left the best reminder for last. **My bow ties help me remember the relentless fluidity of commerce, capitalism and entrepreneurialism.** I change my bow ties depending on my mood, my clients’ moods and even the current feeling in society. When the “zeitgeist” or overall trends shift, business owners MUST shift with them. **\*\*HISTORY LESSON!\*\*** Many great business at the turn of the 20th century went bust by the 1920s because they tried to institutionalize their processes and strategies, rather than evolving them, and hence their competitors who adapted by constantly changing process and strategy overtook them. Companies like the sailing ship manufacturers didn’t embrace change that steam power brought and that ultimately killed them. Business success takes support. Using a small business talisman or **“mental hook,”** in the way I use my bow ties, will help support your business principles and goals through a simple, streamlined symbol synonymous to your objectives as a business owner. **If anyone is in desperate need of a talisman, it’s the struggling small business owner who’s overcome endless challenges to bring unique products and services to underserved audiences.** What symbol can or do you use to help keep your business on track toward better profits and more streamlined operations? If what symbolizes your business escapes you, l**et me help!** I offer three, **FREE, 60-minute** in person or phone consultations each week. We can work together to determine whether you have: - **A capacity problem** (too much work and not enough staff) - **A focus problem** (trying to delivery everything to everyone) - **A revenue problem** (margins too low and costs too high) . . . or any one of a number of other problems small businesses just like yours struggle with! Feel free to **call me** at **949.484.6349** or send a quick note to **inquiry@infix.us.** I will get back to you right away! **[![New call-to-action](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/4349323/2fef6174-2324-4e4b-94fc-11dc818a5af0.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/4349323/2fef6174-2324-4e4b-94fc-11dc818a5af0)** Search ### RECENT POSTS ### ARCHIVES - [March 2022 (2)](https://blog.infix.us/archive/2022/03) - [January 2022 (1)](https://blog.infix.us/archive/2022/01) - [November 2021 (1)](https://blog.infix.us/archive/2021/11) - [September 2021 (2)](https://blog.infix.us/archive/2021/09) - [July 2021 (1)](https://blog.infix.us/archive/2021/07) - [June 2021 (1)](https://blog.infix.us/archive/2021/06) - [May 2021 (1)](https://blog.infix.us/archive/2021/05) - [April 2021 (2)](https://blog.infix.us/archive/2021/04) - [February 2021 (2)](https://blog.infix.us/archive/2021/02) - [December 2020 (1)](https://blog.infix.us/archive/2020/12) - [November 2020 (2)](https://blog.infix.us/archive/2020/11) - [October 2020 (2)](https://blog.infix.us/archive/2020/10) - [September 2020 (1)](https://blog.infix.us/archive/2020/09) - [July 2020 (1)](https://blog.infix.us/archive/2020/07) - [June 2020 (1)](https://blog.infix.us/archive/2020/06) - [May 2020 (1)](https://blog.infix.us/archive/2020/05) - [April 2020 (2)](https://blog.infix.us/archive/2020/04) - [March 2020 (2)](https://blog.infix.us/archive/2020/03) - [February 2020 (2)](https://blog.infix.us/archive/2020/02) - [January 2020 (4)](https://blog.infix.us/archive/2020/01) - [December 2019 (2)](https://blog.infix.us/archive/2019/12) - [November 2019 (2)](https://blog.infix.us/archive/2019/11) - [October 2019 (1)](https://blog.infix.us/archive/2019/10) - [September 2019 (2)](https://blog.infix.us/archive/2019/09) - [August 2019 (3)](https://blog.infix.us/archive/2019/08) - [July 2019 (1)](https://blog.infix.us/archive/2019/07) - [June 2019 (2)](https://blog.infix.us/archive/2019/06) - [May 2019 (2)](https://blog.infix.us/archive/2019/05) - [April 2019 (1)](https://blog.infix.us/archive/2019/04) - [March 2019 (1)](https://blog.infix.us/archive/2019/03) - [February 2019 (2)](https://blog.infix.us/archive/2019/02) - [January 2019 (1)](https://blog.infix.us/archive/2019/01) - [December 2018 (2)](https://blog.infix.us/archive/2018/12) - [October 2018 (3)](https://blog.infix.us/archive/2018/10) - [September 2018 (3)](https://blog.infix.us/archive/2018/09) - [August 2018 (4)](https://blog.infix.us/archive/2018/08) - [July 2018 (3)](https://blog.infix.us/archive/2018/07) - [June 2018 (4)](https://blog.infix.us/archive/2018/06) - [May 2018 (1)](https://blog.infix.us/archive/2018/05) - [January 2018 (1)](https://blog.infix.us/archive/2018/01) - [November 2017 (1)](https://blog.infix.us/archive/2017/11) - [August 2017 (1)](https://blog.infix.us/archive/2017/08) - [July 2017 (1)](https://blog.infix.us/archive/2017/07) - [January 2017 (1)](https://blog.infix.us/archive/2017/01) - [September 2016 (1)](https://blog.infix.us/archive/2016/09) - [August 2016 (2)](https://blog.infix.us/archive/2016/08) - [July 2016 (3)](https://blog.infix.us/archive/2016/07) see all ### CATEGORIES - [Business (28)](https://blog.infix.us/tag/business) - [Business Growth (28)](https://blog.infix.us/tag/business-growth) - [Priorities (22)](https://blog.infix.us/tag/priorities) - [Data (18)](https://blog.infix.us/tag/data) - [Proccesses (18)](https://blog.infix.us/tag/proccesses) ![footer-logo](https://blog.infix.us/hubfs/footer-logo.png) - [Privacy Policy](https://infix.us/privacy-policy/) - [Rates](https://infix.us/pricing/) Address --- 4135 54th PL Suite #7 San Diego, CA 92105 Contact INFIX --- [inquiry@infix.us](mailto:inquiry@infix.us) [949-484-6349](tel:9494846349) Follow INFIX --- - [![Infix - Facebook](https://infix.us/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/facebook-1.png)](https://www.facebook.com/Infixcoaches/) - [![Infix - LinkedIn](https://infix.us/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/linkedin.png)](https://www.linkedin.com/in/andykemal/) - [![Infix - Instagram](https://infix.us/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/instagram.png)](https://www.instagram.com/infixcoaches/) - [![Infix - Youtube](https://infix.us/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/youtube.png)](https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJRCBY5fU02seC-gRNPo4hg) Menu --- - [Blog](https://blog.infix.us) - [Services](http://infix.us/services/) - [Testimonials](http://infix.us/testimonials/) - [Pricing](http://infix.us/pricing/) - [About INFIX](http://infix.us/about-infix/) - [Privacy Policy](http://infix.us/privacy-policy/) - [Contact](http://infix.us/contact/) ### RECENT BLOG POSTS ©INFIX 2020 Kemal Consultants, llc. Business coaching and consulting for small businesses. All rights reserved. ![](https://dc.ads.linkedin.com/collect/?pid=516865&fmt=gif)