The Seven Strategies
Turning your passion into a business doesn’t happen overnight. We all know anything worth doing takes time, talent, commitment, and dedication. But you also need to have a game plan, a road map to success that’s uniquely yours. At Cowe Communications, our CEO Miri Rossitto came up with seven strategies to help any business—from a home care agency to being a successful freelance writer— succeed in their endeavors. These seven strategies include first impressions, organization, sales, people, marketing, realization, and follow-up.
Strategy 1: First Impressions
We all know first impressions matter. On average, you have 27 seconds to make a good first impression. 69% of people form a first impression of somebody before they even speak. No pressure, right? Right. First impressions aren’t just about what you say, it’s how you present yourself—from your appearance to your body language. The key to making a great first impression is confidence and authenticity. That applies to any situation whether you’re at a networking event or having a one-on-one interview with a prospective client or even just picking up a phone call. You need to come across as the person who can best help a future client in your given field.
Keep in mind that first impressions can also be extended to your office space, your website, and even your social media account(s). The best rule to follow is to put your best foot forward because your first impression is also a lasting one.
Strategy 2: Organization
Whether you are a one-person army, or a company of 50 employees, processes and procedures lay the foundation for your business’ functionality. You must set your guidelines and standards to help you accomplish your business or organization’s mission statement. It’s your “IF-THEN-ELSE” statement to maintain the workflow. To ensure that your workflow, well, flows smoothly, you’ll need to make sure you have the proper tools of your trade such as any equipment you may need and software (i.e. apps, programs, website) at your disposal.
This also includes getting and maintaining your licenses, certifications, and business requirements as well as evaluating details from an operational standpoint. When it comes to processes, keep it simple and straightforward. If something can be accomplished in two steps, you can get rid of the other five steps. Keep the flow simple and easy to follow.
Strategy 3: Sales
Sales is not just about talking to someone about your service and/or product. Your job as a salesperson is to solve a problem for your customer or client. This entails building trust, speaking the truth, and listening. To have an open and honest conversation with your client, you need to know your audience and identify their problem. Define parameters of solving their problem in terms of budget and their time frame. Your goal is to ensure a frictionless sales process where all aspects—from the phone call to their website experience—is seamless.
Strategy 4: People
Creating and maintaining relationships is key for any successful business. To build strong relationships with clients and customers, you need positive first impressions (see Strategy 1), open communication, and an attitude of gratitude and appreciation for their support and patronage. Recognizing that not everyone is your customer and that your business is not for everyone, allows you to target your audience and really identify who your service or product is for.
When it comes to your business partner(s), employee(s), or co-worker(s), connect with them with the same eagerness as with a client or customer. Acknowledging them and creating pathways to make them feel seen, heard, and valued makes for a positive work environment. Company culture is always key. If you take good care of your team, your team will take good care of you.
Every relationship is an investment. The returns are always determined by what you put in.
Strategy 5: Marketing
Marketing tells your audience who you are and what your brand is about. It’s about telling a story—your story—in a way that draws people in and lets your business stand out. Social media platforms are powerful marketing tools, when used creatively. Community events, connecting with local organizations, and collaborating with like-minded individuals and businesses are great marketing tools as well.
Strategy 6: Realization
Realization = self-check. You’ve channeled your energy and your efforts in establishing a business that matches your vision. But do your results match up? Does your product or service live up to what you’ve promised your customers and clients? Did you deliver what you promised? Take the time to evaluate the end results of your goals. Did you meet your goals, or did you fall short? What changes need to be made? It’s important to think in terms of the customer’s perspective.
Strategy 7: Follow Up
The art of the follow-up is often forgotten by many businesses. But it plays a vital role when it comes to feedback and customer retention. Reach out to your customers and check in with them on a regular basis. Ask for the best way to reach them—email, text, call, etc. Ask for their feedback and even ask for a review. Make sure you follow up and send a thank you note or email to show your gratitude for their loyalty.
We hope these seven strategies provide a road map for you to establish your business or take your business to the next level. Let us know! We’d love to hear from you!
