The tactics for growing your business, whether you recently started out or have been in business for decades, are changing rapidly.  In Part 1, we will begin to look at top tactics you can use to your advantage today.  We will continue the discussion in future blogs.  In no particular order, here they are.

The classifieds, with all its capabilities and features, is the key to your success as a seller. If you are new to the online marketplace, or just want a few helpful tips to improve your selling, you will find this article very helpful. In this article we will discuss our new sellers best practices, address the most common buyer complaints, and give some general information about the Shoppok classifieds platform. The topics discussed in this article are important to any classified seller.

#1, Strengthen Your Sales Skills

As a business owner, whether you love or hate sales is irrelevant. Experienced business owners realize, “no sales equals no business.” 

So if you hate sales, have never had sales training, and do not have a strong referral network, are you a lost cause?  Absolutely not!  There are many things you can do. You can gain knowledge and expertise through books, training videos, craft your sales script, get your prospect list together, and start reaching out to your prospects to sell.  As you gain experience, you will continuously evaluate your results, adjust, reach out again, and then repeat that loop! Almost anyone can learn to be a salesperson for their company.  Check out my The Small Business Difference Between Marketing and Sales blog for a more in-depth article. Also, MEG (My Entrepreneurial Group) members have access to marketing and sales how-to videos (see below).

A word of caution. In working with small business owners for several years, many just want to wash their hands of sales and hire others to sell for them. From what my clients have experienced, I can say that sometimes it works, but more often it fails. There are a variety of reasons for that.  Reach out to me at info@startuptogrowth.com if you have questions or want to explore small business sales skills and training. Another thing that could also help you startup quickly and easily is the use of a remote work software for your employees that work from home to help you keep everything organized. You can check out taskade.com if you’re interested. In addition, if you are looking for ways to effectively hire the right people for your business, you may click this link to learn more.

#2 Become the Expert

You started your business because you were the expert, right?  Now is the time to leverage that expertise and share your knowledge with the world.  You can do that through speaking engagements, writing a book, producing videos, and blogging.  The easiest way to share your expertise is to regularly be active on social media, answering questions others pose and commenting on their posts in ways that showcase your knowledge and experience.  This is just the tip of the iceberg. If you are also worried about customer complains, you should read more here.

#3 Lifelong Learning

A quest for lifelong learning – for consistent, steady personal and professional development – gives you a competitive advantage. It keeps you energized and excited about life, gives you new and often unexpected perspectives, and it is fun!  Develop a passion for lifelong learning. 

No matter what area you decide to delve into, your newfound knowledge can help you become a better business owner, tackling challenges from a different perspective. Here is a concrete example. Several years ago when I was studying population biology I looked at several bird species living at different heights in the same tree, at the same time, where all species thrived.  That was my introduction to the niche concept in biology. Fast forward a few years and I was reading about the niche concept in business. Today *everyone* understands the niche business concept. Was this cross-over a coincidence?  Probably not.  It was a simple biology concept that translated well to business.

Imagine the creative juices and new solutions YOU can come up with if you study a wide range of topics that are completely outside your core expertise! What can Spanish Guitar or European History teach you? What if you take a painting class or learn to play a musical instrument?

And don’t stop there! Also be a lifelong learner on business topics. You might decide to become more proficient with social media, online marketing, podcasting, or improving your elevator pitch.  Not only will you have some fun, but you will also become a more successful business owner.    

MEG (My Entrepreneurial Group) Membership

If you read my blogs regularly, you know I believe in putting a plan in place.  The same is true for your growth efforts.  Organize it into a simple plan. Now, don’t get huffy on me! 😊  This does not have to be complicated!  Your plan can be on sticky notes, a map on the wall, or a Word document.  Your choice.  

One simple and affordable solution is to become a MEG (My Entrepreneurial Group) Member. We have videos in our MEG Library about writing a book (Become an Expert), sales training (Strengthen Your Sales Skills) and a host of other topics including Facebook, podcasting, creative graphics, crafting our elevator pitch, YouTube Live, digital strategy and general marketing (Lifelong Learning). We add new videos regularly.  We will soon be adding Community and Live Event components for MEG Members. 

With current prices ranging from $49/quarter to $349 (one year membership plus three coaching sessions), there is a price point for everyone.  

In future blogs, we will explore more growth tactics. Remember, success is rarely accidental and results require action!

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Robin Suomi, MBA, is an experienced small business expert and founder of Startup to Growth. She has worked with thousands of small business owners through coaching, mastermind groups, education and training.  Robin believes success is rarely accidental and her passion is to help her clients set and reach their goals. Working with clients remotely through video platforms, she helps clients answer their technical business planning and execution questions as well as supporting them while they explore their potential.

Robin encourages clients to dig deeper, dream bigger, and works with them to create their tangible Success Steps. Check out the website for ongoing virtual Small Business Coaching, Small Business Blueprint Coaching, and MEG (My Entrepreneurial Group) Membership program. From time to time we launch new MEG Connectand MEG Startup mastermind groups. Email info@startuptogrowth.com with your questions or to set up a free 1-1 consultation.