First of all, it’s great to be back.  We’ve rested for most of August and as usual, when it gets to September, I’m raring to go.

Plus, conference season is starting and we’re going to be speaking to thousands of people over the next couple of months. Can't wait. 

How was your summer? For half the world it’s been a scorcher – I hope you had an opportunity to enjoy some sunshine.

Anyway, enough of that.

Last week were enjoying an end of the day drink with our neighbours when I asked, 

‘Why is it always the middle of the night when your smoke alarm low battery beeps?’

And both of our neighbours knew the answer!

In fact, they looked at me like I was a little dim for not knowing.

It’s one of those answers that when you do hear it you just think yes, of course.

Are you ready...?

The reason why it’s always the middle of the night when your smoke alarm low battery beeps is because batteries are less efficient when they are cold. And most people’s homes are coldest in the middle of the night. 

And that’s it. 

In the simplest of terms, it could be described as specialist knowledge. 

And specialist knowledge can be valuable - as are those who possess it know.

You will have heard the story of the engineer who re-started a factory and charged £5,001 for turning one screw.  

When he was asked for an itemised bill he wrote: Screw turning £1. Knowing which screw to turn £5,000. 

What’s your expertise?  What’s your specialist knowledge?

Don’t know yours?  Time to create it.

Know yours? Time to realise its value.

Be Brilliant!