EXECUTE STRATEGY AND KILL STAGNANCY 3 TIPS FOR EVERY BUSINESS LEADER
3. EVALUATE, EVALUATE, EVALUATE We’re not saying you should micromanage your team, but you do need to be checking in on a regular basis to evaluate progress on your plan. Schedule monthly or quarterly meetings to go over the strategy.This is where you look for any changes that need to be made and refine the strategy. A smart strategy feels reassuring, but learning to execute a plan is the only way to make progress.The best business plan in the world is worthless if you never follow through. With SCORE, you’re never alone! Schedule an appointment to meet with a mentor today. Call 1-866-726-7340 or visit StLSCORE.org right now!
situations hit the fan, these powerhouses are able to come out on top while maintaining customer loyalty. Apple, for instance, doesn’t sell just computers; they sell an entire lifestyle.With every iPad, iPhone, and MacBook that people buy, they’re also buying the hip, provocative image that comes with it.That’s been Apple’s shtick all along, and unless you’ve been hiding under a rock since 1976, you should be able to see that it’s definitely worked for them. Much like Apple, Disney has the glossy product line to support their name. But, unlike Apple, they don’t have the sexy image attached to help them sell movies, stuffed animals, children’s toys, etc. However, what they do have is an incredibly specific target market that they cater to every time, creating a sense of brand loyalty that is pretty much unsurpassed. Putting off action in favor of creating the perfect plan or strategy leads to stagnant business. Successful people know that plans take many shapes before they reach their final form. Don’t jump into something without a clear plan, but don’t be afraid to define your strategy as you go. There’s a reason audiences won’t be flocking to theaters to watch the latest galactic adventures of Luke Starkiller this December. 2. BE METHODICAL While you shouldn’t wait for the perfect plan, you shouldn’t be flying in blind, either. You can be too energetic about execution. Make sure everyone involved in a plan knows their responsibilities. Confusion will torpedo any strategy faster than you can say,“Who was in charge of this?” The Harvard Business Review states,“Having the discipline to organize people, assemble resources, and then generate a plan that others can commit to will collectively improve execution.”
“To me, ideas are worth nothing unless executed ... Execution is worth millions.”
–Steve Jobs
Branding 101 When it comes to owning and operating a business, it can be hard to know if you’re making the right decisions, especially with so much competition in the market trying to get a leg up on you. Keeping up with the Joneses can create tension within your business, but learning from those pulling ahead in the race can definitely work in your favor. Something that every successful business has, that many less than successful businesses don’t have, is an established brand identity. Whether they sell sports equipment, mufflers, or tube socks, the brands with strangleholds on the marketplace all have defining characteristics that consumers recognize when it comes time to buy stuff. From a branding standpoint, companies like Apple and Disney, although controversial at times, are always able to rack up serious profits every year because of how powerful their image is. In other words, when certain Anyone can take this advice to heart, whether you’re a stay-at-home parent or the CEO of a Fortune 500 company. Ideas are easy, but no one becomes successful because they had a great idea. Success comes from putting that idea into action. Being able to execute a plan is a skill every business leader needs. Here are three steps to help you improve your execution. 1. DITCH PERFECTION Have you ever watched a behind-the-scenes featurette of your favorite movie? Some of the most successful films were all but unrecognizable in their early phases. In fact, a lot of early concepts are terrible. Look up the original designs forWoody in “Toy Story” to see for yourself. Fortunately, rather than wait for the perfect script, creators executed their visions and make changes as needed.
WHEN IN DOUBT, PEEP THE COMPETITION
So, as you can see, by investing time and money into your image and your brand identity, you can establish a loyal customer base that will always come back for more. Even if what you sell doesn’t necessarily appeal to the senses, leveraging your products with a strong brand can not only compensate for that but can also help you garner profits in the long run. With SCORE, you’re never alone!We offer workshops and seminars each month to help you develop the skills you need to succeed.Visit StLouisSCORE.eventbrite.com today!
3 1-866-726-7340
Made with FlippingBook - professional solution for displaying marketing and sales documents online