As the face of your B2B advisory firm, you’re interacting with customers and partners every day. Do they consider you a go-to expert in your industry? If not, how can you position yourself – and your business – as a valuable resource?
Is Fear of Change Holding You Back?
You are not alone.
American entrepreneurs may have a well-earned reputation for risk taking, but once we have a modicum of success, we tend to turn into a timid bunch—or maybe the better term is reluctant. We’ve figured out what works on our own for initial growth, so we start relying on that status quo experience, often refusing to recognize changes appearing on the horizon, reluctant to see what’s right in front of us.
Running a Business and Fahrenheit 451
. . . and why you need to take some time off.
It’s the end of August, often thought of as a slow time for advisors and consultants –– and, well, business in general, as people take vacations and prepare for school. Interestingly, this year, we haven’t really noticed a let up. Networking events have been packed to the gills, clients have been calling with new projects, and we all seem to be busy. Even some of the lucky few who have been able to get away manage to answer emails or take calls. One colleague joked that he wasn’t in a hurry for a proposal because he had one more day to collect sand between his toes (yet he responded to my email in record time). So we’re on vacation, but are we really on vacation?
When the brand waters get muddy
Company ABC is a tech consulting firm in the secure government contracting space that promotes a fundraising event for a highly respected, well run charity for rehabilitating soldiers injured abroad. The veteran owners and many of their clients care passionately about the cause, and the thousands of dollars they contribute directly impact those in need of immediate assistance. Their contribution fills a vast funding deficit and gives the charity a much needed financial boost. And, it serves as an expression of Company ABC’s brand. They pride themselves on their integrity, reputation and transparency, and their commitment to their clients, country and community is evident in their brand from the way they provide services to the way they demonstrate giving back.
Thinking outside the box?
At a panel discussion for enterprising women that I attended last week, I heard a particular sentiment that resonated with me. The point that was being addressed was that changes in the economy, in technology and in the way we work have contributed to a paradigm shift — it’s no longer enough to simply “think outside the box,” because the “box” is no longer there.
Moving ahead in this economy.
The economic stresses businesses are facing right now make it seem like the whole world is upside down, that running a business now is different than before. And everyone's fear is, do we have the skill set to be able to see it through?
