People At The Core

FLOYD MARRIOTT

eople have always been at the core P of what we do, from customers to the team, and clients to the general public. After all, without people, there’d be no direct sales. Whenever we speak to someone about Floyd Marriott, they have such wonderful things to say; how warm, friendly and compassionate he is to everyone he meets. It’s no wonder that his organisation is thriving having now undertaken a major division, Fibre. There’s more to building relationships than simply being nice to people. It’s a way of being. Speaking with Floyd, we wanted to delve a little deeper into his people-centred approach to business, and indeed life. He began with a bang.

“I believe that my purpose on earth is to have a positive impact on every person I meet”.

He continues by explaining that while technology is amazing, as human beings we’re social creatures. Technology can enhance how we do things, but face-to-face physical interaction will always be the greatest method, and this became clear during the pandemic.

Although technologies such as Zoom, FaceTime and various dating apps kept us connected, the need for physical connection was obvious. We were soon tired of logging on to speak to our loved ones and colleagues; “zoom fatigue” was no joke!

We always knew it was the case, but the pandemic “drove a greater desire for an experiential service”, Floyd continues. We value those moments and interactions that foster connection and a personal touch.

Let’s work together

Our business is unique in the sense that it is in everyone’s interest for those around us to succeed. Sounds crazy huh? But it’s true. There’s no win-lose scenario, everybody wins. But this can sometimes be difficult for people to understand as we’re generally more used to competing with one another. Floyd explains how he likes to spend a lot of time with new people that join his company as it’s important for them to understand the difference in perspective. He considers people who join the business as customers too.

“My job is to serve. Serve my customers”

Someone Floyd has had a substantial impact on is one of his business partners, Asma Brahimi. We spoke with her in the last edition of The Mantra Magazine regarding her recent success in opening her own office, Imperium Global Marketing Group. In the article, “One to Watch”, she credited Floyd for his support and guidance throughout the process.

“Technology can enhance how we do things, but face-to-face physical interaction will always be the greatest method, and this became clear during the pandemic.."

When asked how he feels he’s established such a positive relationship with Asma, he too relayed the importance of such recognition. He says:

“People don’t leave jobs, they leave people”

Most people believe money is the number 1 reason given in exit interviews in the UK, but it’s actually the 4th. Lack of recognition and support is first. We want to feel that what we do matters, and is appreciated by those around us.

Floyd isn’t naive when it comes to working with people, he knows it can sometimes be difficult and you need to persevere in order to help someone. When he first met Asma he explains how she “sparkled from day one”, but she was also very stubborn. She had a grit and determination about her that was exciting, but her big personality could sometimes lead to clashes where business decisions were to be made. Joining the business without speaking fluent English could have been too big of a hurdle to jump, she could have left early on, but Asma did not, and would not, do that.

Floyd now claims she is the greatest example of resilience, determination and hard work, completely embellishing the core values of the Hydra Sales company. Who wouldn’t want to work with someone like that in business? Investing time and energy it seems, with a compassionate and giving attitude, can only be of benefit to you and your business.

“Forming fantastic relationships with those around you isn’t necessarily a skill you have to be born with, thankfully, it can be built upon.”

“Most people believe money is the number 1 reason given in exit interviews in the UK, but it’s actually the 4th. Lack of recognition and support is first. We want to feel that what we do matters, and is appreciated by those around us..”

"Always define what it is you want to achieve, then figure out who are the best individuals for these objectives."

So how does he feel about the move? “It feels great to be back in Bristol. Swindon was fantastic, but we really do have an amazing office here. The team have already been out to nice restaurants and made the most of what the city has to offer.” “Often business owners like to not take risks, and it was a big jump to relocate my team. I knew it might take us back a little bit, but so far I think we’ve proved that it’s good to break out of your comfort zone. Although some things might be daunting it’s all worthwhile when you get to the end goal.” So what is the vision for the Bristol office going forward?Rob says that he wants to make Bristol RedSeven’s highest performing office. “I really want to put us on the map here,” he says. “When it comes to the recruitment side of things, we know lots of people don’t want to live in a small town.Living somewhere like Bristol is a lot more attractive, so we hope

041 Networking as People

Forming fantastic relationships with those around you isn’t necessarily a skill you have to be born with, thankfully, it can be built upon. One way in which to do this is by networking. There it is again, that word, “networking”. Overused and uber vague.

Not refined to formal corporate events or LinkedIn strategies, networking can happen anywhere and everywhere. These natural interactions can sometimes be of the most value!

We wanted to take the chance to gain applicable tips from the very best in the field, so we asked Floyd how he approaches networking events. Here’s what he had to say:

“Always define what it is you want to achieve, then figure out who are the best individuals for these objectives. It’s a good idea to make contact beforehand and even schedule a time to speak with them if possible. That way you don’t waste your own time or theirs.”

To get specific, he recommends the refreshments table as a hotspot for starting conversations.

“A food counter is always a great tool, it’s an easy ice-breaker: “Which one is the coffee?” or “Oh look at those biscuits”, they’re natural and easy conversation starters”.

More a way of life than a top tip, Floyd believes you should have a genuine interest in people, as opposed to looking to see what you can get from them. We shouldn’t look to jump straight into what it is we want to know or gain from them, we’ve all been on the receiving end of that behaviour and can see the individual’s intent a mile off.

“I believe you should always bring something to the table. There are always ways in which you can be supportive as well as supported, no matter who or where you are within your career”.

Real people, real relationships, and real business impact. We could all do well to live a little more like Floyd Marriott. See his personable manner for yourself, and make that networking appointment at the next organisational meeting.

“I believe you should always bring something to the table. There are always ways in which you can be supportive as well as supported, no matter who or where you are within your career.”.

- FLOYD MARRIOTT -