If you’re still looking for the perfect “growth hack” or trying to find that elusive growth hacking strategy that will propel your business into the stratosphere, I’d encourage you to think again. “Growth hacking” is talked about everywhere – especially if you’re a technology business. It’s seen as the holy grail, the secret to untold […]
Before trying to be different, be the same
There’s a lot written about the benefits of standing out, being different and somehow uniquely positioning your company in the market. And that’s great advice, but it should come with a caveat. It presupposes that you have the basics in place first. There’s little point in focussing on that magical thing that sets you apart […]
When you’re not sure what to focus on, choose this…
We all have so many competing, and sometimes conflicting, priorities that it can be difficult to know where to start. But if you’re trying to build a business, a good rule of thumb is to focus on your customers.
Questions to ask before starting a business (you’ll regret skipping these!)
A lot of people I speak with are on the cusp of starting a new business. They’ve got an idea and they’re about to make the leap. I’ve started a few businesses now and have developed a list of questions to ask before starting a business that help you to know whether it’s really the […]
Noah Kagan: How One Clear Goal Will Grow Your Business
I was recently on a live video call with Noah Kagan and I was struck by his approach to business – and in particular, his laser-like focus on goals. I haven’t written specifically about goals or goal-setting yet, but Noah nailed it. In just a few sentences, he dished out some amazing advice that will […]
I thought it was the end of my business
I remember the day like it was yesterday. I was at work with my startup team when the office manager walked up to my desk and handed me a letter. “You’d better have a look at this,” she said with a worried look. I skimmed the letter quickly. It was from one of the country’s […]
Always Putting Out Fires? Let Some Fires Burn
Business owners often claim they’re too busy putting out fires to get any real work done. I know exactly what they mean… You start the day with great intentions – and a list of highly strategic business-building activities to work through. But then something happens. Perhaps a client phones in with a problem. Or a […]
How to Make a Big Decision
Everyone struggles with the big decisions in their lives. After all, if your decision isn’t difficult, it’s not much of a decision at all. Knowing how to make a big decision can make a huge difference in your business and life. But when you’re in business for yourself, it sometimes seems like there’s an endless […]
Why you need a Daily Business Plan Review
Q: When should you review your business plan? A: Every day! Do you feel like you’re churning away inside your business and not getting time to work on the things that will really move you forward? Well firstly, you’re not alone. But if you keep going this way, another year will soon pass by and your […]
New Business Launch Plan (How to turn your Business Idea into reality)
We’ve previously highlighted the importance of having a business plan, but rather than a generic business plan that really serves little purpose, one that is the right type for your objectives (either running a feasibility study for a business, running/growing an existing business, or appealing to investors). If you’re already in the thick of a business, […]
Put the Systems in Place! (Otherwise known as get a bookkeeper)
Imagine you’re just getting settled into your new home and you’re faced with a choice: you can either pay for a weekly garbage service that comes and collects your rubbish each week, or you can collect the garbage and take it to the rubbish tip yourself. Naturally, the garbage service costs a bit of money, […]
Fast, Good, or Cheap – pick any two
Have you ever noticed that there are hardly any businesses that are really known as being fast, good and cheap? Think about the businesses you admire. You might think of some that are good and cheap, but they probably take a long time to respond to you or take a long time to deliver on […]
How to Create a Target Market Avatar (free Worksheet)
A section of your business plan should be to provide clarity on exactly who your target market is and what products/service and benefits you’re providing to them. But really understanding your intended customers using a target market avatar takes your understanding to another level. And one that you’ll wish you did earlier! Most businesses won’t do this but having a […]
Do I Really Need a Business Plan?
Not so long ago, business plans were given *a lot* of importance. In fact, they were seen as being the first step to starting any business and the most essential part of the process. Many business awards were judged on the business plans their founders had created, and having a weighty plan under your belt felt like real […]
Make Better Decisions Using 2 Business Metrics
When it comes to business metrics, there are two that are far more important than all the rest. Two business metrics that all businesses should know and be actively monitoring to help guide decisions and make for a stronger business. So what are they? The first one is the “Lifetime Value of a Customer” – […]
How do you make important business decisions?
Every now and again, any business that’s innovating and growing will be faced with making important business decisions …and it’s often extremely difficult to know how to approach this type of decision making. These are not the kinds of decisions that you can just “Google” the answers, and in fact, there aren’t necessarily any right or wrong answers […]
What Type of Business are you Building?
Sometimes it gets confusing when you’re comparing your business to the latest startup success, a huge multinational, or even the business that allows its owner to take extended holidays and be home to pick up their kids from school every day. But like most things, a lot comes down to getting clarity about what we […]