Running a business is challenging. There’s not a day that goes by without having to deal with an unexpected problem or put right something that’s gone wrong.
Taking a positive approach to new challenges will ensure that your company continues to produce the right results and strive towards success.
1. Get Real.
Getting real means to be honest, genuine, and authentic. It’s a common phrase that is often used in business, and it’s something that MightyNest strives for with each of our products. We use real materials – glass, wood, stainless steel, cast iron, cotton, and essential oils derived from plants – to make our products. And, we work to ensure that all of our ingredients are completely natural and safe. The phrase is also a popular interjection in the U.S., dating back to at least 1953. It became a part of colloquial English in the 1960s. Get real was also the title of a 1998 British drama film starring Ben Silverstone as a rural gay teenager.
2. Build a Business Map.
Creating a business map gives you the tools to look at your business in terms of roles, responsibilities and standards. It’s about determining what is and isn’t working and how to improve it. The process is a powerful tool that goes much deeper than a business plan, and it will help you create an organization that can adapt to new scenarios.
Using a business map will also help you identify inefficiencies that are costing your company money. In many cases, these inefficiencies are due to internal processes that don’t align with your goals. By identifying these inefficiencies, you can make changes that will save your company time and money.
A business map can be used in various formats, from flow charts to diagrams and value stream maps. But the format is less important than the purpose and mindset behind the process. When creating a business map, be sure to include all of the steps required to complete each task and record who is responsible for each step. Additionally, don’t forget to involve the field employees who work with the process. Their input will be invaluable, and it’s likely they will have a few ideas for improvements.
A business map can be used throughout the life of your company. By continually reviewing and updating your business map, you can ensure that your company is on the right track to success. By asking yourself, “What business am I really in?” and by establishing best practices for your internal processes, you will be able to grow your company, drive revenue and overcome challenges more easily. This will also allow you to discover and harness your purpose, ensuring that your team is deeply connected to your vision.
5. Sell to the Right Person.
Whether you’re selling to another business or an individual consumer, every sale is about connecting with people. It’s about making them see how your product or service will make their lives better. This is the only way to close a sale. This is why every email, voicemail, or demo should focus on the buyer.
This may seem obvious but not enough salespeople do it well. They spend too much time talking about themselves or their product, and this puts buyers on edge. They don’t want to hear about your great achievements and how you are changing the world through your work, they want to know how your solution will solve their problem.
A big part of finding the right person to sell to is doing your research. In smaller businesses, the purchasing decision maker is often the owner or managing director, but in larger corporations it might be a department head. You should also find out if there is a budget holder and any other people who will be involved in the buying process.
It’s also important to connect with the buyer on a personal level. They will be more receptive to you if they feel that you understand their life outside of work. If you are selling to a business, then this might mean sharing an interest in the same sports team or chatting about your children.
Selling is a complex, nuanced process that requires a high degree of empathy. By using the new way to approach business, you can build more authentic relationships with buyers and close sales more effectively. If you’re ready to try something different in your sales, we can help.