Whether you have realized it yet or not, there is a strategic plan all entrepreneurs and business owners should follow. For the most part, it’s not a one size fits all prospect but it is a crucial component to success. On this #MammothMonday I am going to give you five main points to implement in whatever plan you develop for your business.
First and foremost, there is the aspect of personal experience. People want to feel as if they are doing business with you because you are catering to them and only them. They want to feel as if they came across you and suddenly it was their aha moment. I am not saying that they have a conscious realization of this but they do have that feeling. You know it’s like when people say to you to trust your first instinct. Well the same goes for business. A person knows almost instinctively if they are comfortable with you so make that experience a personal one. I need to impress upon you that the only way that this is going to work is if you are true to your own mission and purpose. You cannot try to get everyone to want you. Stay focused on your purpose and those who are on the same page as you will be the ones who get that personal experience feeling. These are the people who will become your client’s and or customer’s and more than likely be repeat and lifelong clientele as well as a mouth piece to people they know which will inevitably be free advertising. On the other hand, for those who are just “window shopping”, whether you are selling a product or a service, they may cross over to your side when they begin to see the consistency you seem to provide and when they see that you fulfill the needs of those that seek you out. Don’t kid yourself though, people who are not yet your clients or customers will know instinctively if you are providing a positive service or if you’re just trying to make that sale. So how do you give this personal experience? Well, the short answer is that you do it through lots of engagement. Whether it is through a beautiful website that is always up to date and consistent with your mission and or purpose or through an easy to navigate store that attracts the eyes and buying power of the customer base you cater to. There are so many ways to engage but that is the short answer to something that is a lifetime of work and implementation.
The second strategic plan for success in my opinion is inclusivity. You have to include your clients and or customers in your dream. What do I mean by this? Well the next short answer is that for instance, if you are creating a new online course, send out email blasts and or hold a contest or a giveaway asking your clients or customers to be part of the creation by submitting their ideas. Even have a prize for the best idea submitted. This has a three fold effect. First of all, it lets people feel as though they have a voice and therefore their loyalty deepens. Secondly, the ideas submitted are a major treasure chest of ideas from people who are loyal to you and can help you develop many more products or add to services you currently provide. Finally, when you see what it is that a majority of people want then, you can cement your branding and therefore create an excitement when people see something that is recognizable to them. You know, think of Sam Walton and the Walmart sign. There is nothing special or spectacular about the Walmart sign. It doesn’t even tell you what Walmart is. However, as soon as you see that sign, you know what is being sold there. You know the price level that is in the store. You know how the setup of each store is and the ease of navigating the aisles. You even know the uniform apron that the employees wear. More importantly, you know the comfort level that you feel when you see the sign and it brings you a sense of calm because you know what to expect.
My third strategic business move is having strong leadership. This may sound a little weird but you need to create a booklet. In the booklet, you need to have a plan written down. Something tangible. More of a code of conduct. A booklet that is handed out to every new employee. Everyone needs to be on the same page as you if you want to be successful. Make sure your employees understand where your principles lie and what your core values are. If everyone is on the same page and everyone knows what to expect than it is a plan for success. However, don’t get delusional thinking that because you have this in writing that everyone will fit into your perfect idea of the ideal employee but you will over time develop a team that will be a dream for your business. There is never perfection anywhere but what this type of preparation offers is that you will have a lot less employee turnover and you will have people who believe in what you are doing and therefore make your implementing of a successful business that much more easier with a lot less drama.
My forth strategic idea for success is originality. You don’t have to reinvent the wheel but if you want to last and be successful, you have to have things that are original to you. Don’t blend in with everyone else because then you will not grow and therefore become the victim of stagnancy. Here is a quick example. You decide you want to run an ice cream store. You’re not going to be very successful if you are selling vanilla, strawberry and chocolate ice cream. However, maybe you sell vanilla ice cream with fresh vanilla beans and your choice of fresh chopped fresh baked cookies mixed in. Or, maybe you sell strawberry ice cream with fresh organic strawberries chopped and mixed in topped with homemade whipped cream. Or., you’re chocolate ice cream has fresh shaved Brazilian cacao beans. Just be slightly different with originality. It will make you stand out from the crowd. By the way, this is where the plan from above about polling your customers comes in. See what the masses suggest and desire to help you create something original. Remember one thing, originality brings you customer and or client retention.
Finally, my fifth strategic plan for a successful business, is your company culture. In my experience, the best way to have a great company culture is to bring your employees together. Never let anyone feel as though they are being looked down upon by their peers who have a better position than they do. Give every employee their own workload however, make sure they aren’t told to report to their “boss”. Have a work culture where people are told weekly or monthly or even project wise that for this specific work item, I want “Susie” to collect all finished aspects of this job. Next week we will discuss who will collect the work for the next project. Something along these lines. The main point to take away from this plan is that you need to make your employees feel as though they are working as a team and not as a grunt for the company. This type of culture brings people together rather than pulling people apart and therefore you have a more cohesive environment which lends itself to greater production and by extension a more profitable and successful business.
To recap, five really giant strategies for a strong and successful business is personal experience, inclusivity, strong leadership, originality and company culture. Therefore, even though there may be thousands of ideas to create a great company, these are my five favorite plans. Also, the best way to make this work is to simply have a clear vision. If you know what you want and you know what you are doing, then you can learn, grow and prosper with your business.
I am always trying to instill in you the importance of constantly learning and I have in the past suggested specific reading material that I find very informative. Today I am once again going to suggest that you read the book Made in America by Sam Walton. I think every library in America probably has this book that you can borrow and like always, if you can’t get to your library then ask a friend if they have a copy. If neither option is doable, Amazon has it for a few dollars and here is the link>> https://amzn.to/2MNUUFC
If you choose to shop in Amazon, I would greatly appreciate it if you could use the link I have provided. As an Amazon Affiliate, it is possible I can earn a bonus and therefore continue to provide continued content we all enjoy. Thank you in advance!
#MammothMonday
#LorisLoop
#TheMainHustle
#Entrepreneur
#Goals
#MadeInAmerica
#SamWalton
