aroncurran - Profile

“The misfortune, especially the way things are going now, is that many businesses, either big or small don't want to invest major money in something like that, unless its absolutely needed. And if they do, they'd either hire someone to do it for them internally, or hand their company over to a big wig strategy company with a proven track record.

Most small business owners love doing a little DIY. Meaning that, they would rather find someone reputable online, or offline, to advise them and then help them find ways to create their own business strategies. That way is, for them, much easier and definitely more cost effective than just outsourcing to a company they don't know or trust, or breaking the bank paying off a big wig to do their thinking for them.

The way I see it, and I think is the point you;re ultimately trying to make, is that you are either thinking of, or are a business strategist trying to break out and do your own thing and are looking for ways to do this? (perhaps?), so a little broad spectrum advice I can give you would probably be something like this:

 

1. Make sure that you have a solid reputation.

I'm not talking web rep either. You're asking a business to put their financial well-being in your hands, make sure that when you say you can deliver what they want, you do exactly that, and exceed their expectations. That being said, point 2.

2. Make sure any and all networking or business connections you have are on the up and up.

This is a big put off. If I was thinking of using you, or your company to help my business grow and make more money, I would want to see who you're dealing with. If you're working with high impact, big names, I would throw my money at you and beg you to help me, because they are a) Big names in business, and B) That you obviously do wonderful work or these guys wouldn't look at you twice. And with that, point 3.

3. Make sure you know what you're doing, and do it well.

Kinda speaks for itself, but if you think about it this way, everything changes, everything. Techniques may look the same, and even though fundamentally it may be true, there is always going to be something that you'll miss. Always be on top of latest developments, and find new exciting ways to implement things. Give your clients a reason to trust your skill and always over deliver.

 

 ”

“I don't think the majority of small business needs to, and big business normally has someone internally concentrating on strategy. 

What's the point of the question? Are you in need of strategy and direction?”

“However, if you are in a fortunate place to turn your passion into a business then you are the fortunate few in life. However, say as an example, you like designing, it could be graphic design, and you turn that into a moderately successful business which is great. However, say that you also had an acumen for business anyway, and instead of focusing on your passion, you focused on say a more profitable market, say as an example electronic parts, it could also be true that you could turn the electronic parts into a very successful business, and make far more money then you ever could have done by graphic design. So although sometimes following your passion is the right thing to do with regards to your heart is concerned, it may not always be financially the best decision. There is always a bit of a trade off.

I hope that made some sense.”

“Depends where about in the business journey you are talking about. eg a start up, or for a more established business?

My 5 pence worth, For a startup, I'd say, passion, research, marketing, a budget and luck!

For established, I'd say passion, analysing what has and hasn't worked in the past, and marketing to current and new customers, budget/profit and a bit more luck ”

“I am always suspicious of people using a hotmail or similar email address who are providing a service, it immediately makes me think "cowboy"!

Having a well designed website with the ability to update the content on a regular basis will pay dividends over time. There are plenty of designers out there who will provide an excellent designed website with branding at a reasonable cost.

Martin”