I sit and wonder where the past three years have gone.
As 2013 turned into 2014, I find myself with two businesses and still pushing through growth. Stand And Stretch increased 31% on sales revenue and this year we are already projecting a record number of clients and new services to continue spreading our solutions across multiple cities. Now, Shaffer Labs marches on to the scene.
It all comes back down to the focus of what is possible. Launching a new company dedicated to extending Stand And Stretch into the atmosphere is simply a response to the market and the credibility that I have fought very hard for.
Now that I’ve sat and talked with such a wide variety of ventures, I seem to have picked up quite an education on all types of businesses at many different stages. Most of the businesses I’ve communicated with are truly good businesses. It’s almost to the point where I think that any business can be successful if there is a few necessary characteristics.
Things you need to have a successful business today:
- Dynamic online appeal – Today’s market is about websites and social media; more importantly it’s about visibility. With organic search driving 80% of traffic to local businesses gives you a clear distinction between a company with or without a website.
- Activated customer base – How you challenge your new and old customers to learn about your business and it’s mission is vital to the attachment your customers will have. Start an event, join a cause or provide outlets for the community to get involved.
- Sincerity – Not everyone will discover the level of your sincerity immediately. But it will certainly unravel and show its true colors over time if it is false. Always be truthful and own up. Nothing damages a company worse than a prideful owner unwilling to see an issue through.
- The ‘right people’ on our team – Get a support network immediately. I spend a lot of money taking my support team members to lunch so I can ask questions and seek information. Don’t be afraid to ask for help.
- Willingness to change – Your business doesn’t fail on its own. Always work on your business and make changes frequently. Be prepared for negative outcomes and change again. It’s the businesses that don’t change that slip through the cracks and get pushed out.
I definitely understand business now. It’s different with every business but I know that today’s market demands a new type of business.
Your business needs to interrupt the market and present your business culture before they even make the first attempt for contact.
Working on your business, instead of always working in your business, is a tough thing to do. However, turning a failing business around is a tricky subject. If you continue to do leave the inner-workings untouched and expect the market conditions to change, you may find your business will fail.
