Tom and Jerry is a classic cartoon series loved by many, but what if we look at it from a different perspective?
What if we see Tom as the ‘fat cat’ within us all, chasing Jerry (money) relentlessly?
In the cartoon, we see Tom trying everything in his power to catch Jerry, but no matter how desperate he becomes, Jerry always finds a way to avoid capture. Similarly, in real life, we often chase after money, believing it will solve all our problems and make us happy. But just like Jerry, money always seems to elude us.
The moral of the story is not to fixate on chasing money. Of course, we all need money to survive, but when we make it the sole focus of our lives, we risk losing sight of what matters. Instead of constantly chasing after money, we should focus on building meaningful relationships, pursuing our passions, and finding joy in the simple things in life.
Tom’s endless pursuit of Jerry reflects our own never-ending pursuit of wealth and material possessions. We convince ourselves that if we just had more money, we would be happier, but in reality, the pursuit of money can be a never-ending cycle of disappointment and frustration.
It’s important to remember that money is not the end-all-be-all. It can provide comfort and security, but it cannot buy us happiness or fulfilment. As the saying goes, “Money can’t buy happiness.” True happiness comes from within and is cultivated by our relationships, experiences, and the sense of purpose we find in our lives.
We should also avoid comparing ourselves to others and their material possessions. Like Tom, we may envy others who appear to have more money or better things than us. But this envy only leads to a negative mindset and a never-ending cycle of comparison and dissatisfaction.
Instead of focusing on what we lack, we should focus on what we have and be grateful for it. Gratitude is a powerful tool that can shift our mindset from one of scarcity to one of abundance. When we appreciate what we have, we realise that we have enough and feel content.
Furthermore, we should aim to find fulfilment in our work and passions rather than solely in the money we earn. When we enjoy what we do and find meaning, we feel a sense of purpose and satisfaction that money cannot provide.
When we focus on making a positive impact in the world, money comes to us naturally rather than us chasing after it.
In today’s world, consumers are increasingly conscious of businesses’ impact on society and the environment. As a result, there is a growing demand for businesses prioritising social and environmental responsibility. By becoming a business for good, companies can attract these socially conscious consumers and create a positive reputation for themselves.
In addition, businesses that prioritise social and environmental responsibility may also be able to attract and retain top talent. Many employees today want to work for companies that align with their values and make a positive impact in the world. By prioritising social responsibility, companies can create a workplace culture that attracts and retains these employees.
Furthermore, businesses can differentiate themselves from their competitors by focusing on making a positive impact. Businesses that stand out for their social responsibility in a crowded marketplace may have a competitive advantage.
Therefore the story of Tom and Jerry teaches us a valuable lesson about the dangers of fixating on money. Instead of endlessly chasing after wealth, we should focus on building meaningful relationships, pursuing our passions, and finding joy in the simple things in life. By doing so, we can find true happiness and fulfilment.
Becoming a business for good can be good for business. By prioritising social and environmental responsibility, companies can attract socially conscious consumers, create a positive workplace culture, and differentiate themselves from competitors. Ultimately, by focusing on making a positive impact, businesses may find that money comes to them naturally rather than them having to chase after it.
What is a Business for Good?
A business for good is a company that prioritises social and environmental responsibility and makes a profit. The primary goal of a business for good is to create a positive impact in the world while also generating revenue and sustaining the business.
Unlike traditional businesses that prioritise profit above all else, a business for good aims to make a positive difference in society and the environment. This can include reducing carbon emissions, promoting fair labour practices, or donating a portion of profits to social causes.
Businesses for good can take many forms, from small startups to large corporations. Some businesses for good may have a specific social or environmental mission, while others may integrate social and environmental responsibility into all aspects of their operations.
One way businesses for good can measure their impact is through social and environmental performance metrics, such as the B Impact Assessment. These assessments measure a company’s impact in governance, workers, community, environment, and customers.
There are many reasons why we should consider becoming a business for good. Here are a few:
Making a positive impact: By becoming a business for good, we can create positive change in society and the environment. We can use our business as a force for good and contribute to the betterment of the world.
Attracting socially conscious consumers: Consumers today are increasingly conscious of businesses’ impact on society and the environment. By prioritising social and environmental responsibility, we can attract these socially conscious consumers and create a positive reputation for our business.
Creating a positive workplace culture: By prioritising social responsibility, we can create a workplace culture that attracts and retains top talent. Many employees today want to work for companies that align with their values and positively impact the world.
Differentiating ourselves from competitors: Businesses that stand out for their social responsibility in a crowded marketplace may have a competitive advantage. By prioritising social and environmental responsibility, we can differentiate ourselves from our competitors and appeal to consumers who care about these issues.
Future-proofing our business: As the world becomes more socially and environmentally conscious, businesses prioritising these issues will likely be more successful in the long run. By becoming a business for good, we can future-proof our business and ensure its sustainability.
Balancing a business for good with sustainable profitability can be challenging
But it is essential for the business’s long-term success. Here are a few ways to achieve this balance:
Prioritise social and environmental responsibility without compromising profitability: It is important to remember that a business for good still needs to make a profit to sustain itself. Therefore, it is crucial to prioritise social and environmental responsibility while also making sure that the business is financially sustainable. This may involve reducing costs, increasing efficiency, or developing new revenue streams.
Measure impact and profitability: To ensure that the business achieves social and financial goals, it is important to measure impact and profitability. This can be done through social and environmental performance metrics, such as the B Impact Assessment, and financial metrics, such as revenue, profit margins, and return on investment.
Innovate to create new revenue streams: To balance social responsibility and profitability, it may be necessary to innovate and create new revenue streams. This could involve developing new products or services that align with the company’s social mission or exploring new and underserved markets.
Engage stakeholders: Engaging stakeholders, including employees, customers, suppliers, and investors, can help to ensure that the business is achieving both social and financial goals. This can involve communicating the company’s social mission and impact, soliciting stakeholder feedback, and involving them in decision-making processes.
Continuously improve and adapt: Balancing social responsibility and profitability is an ongoing process that requires continuous improvement and adaptation. It is important to regularly assess the company’s impact and profitability, identify areas for improvement, and adapt strategies as needed.
Overall, becoming a business for good can benefit society, the environment, and our business itself. By prioritising social and environmental responsibility, we can create a positive impact, attract socially conscious consumers and top talent, differentiate ourselves from competitors, and future-proof our business.
The most popular answer I hear when I ask this question is FREEDOM!
Freedom to do what they want, when they want. And not to have to worry about work, or money in order to be able to do whatever it is they want to do.
So why is it, so few have ever really planned for what that might look like!
Sure, we all have a vague notion of “life after work” or “retirement” but how much time, effort, and consideration have you put into determining exactly what that will look like, and when you wish to achieve that?
One of the ‘4 Killer Questions’ I ask every client is:
“One what date are you going to successfully sell your current business? and be able to retire?”
Now, to be clear; I’ve not SAID retire, I’ve simply asked BE ABLE TO retire?
In response, I often hear people frantically working out in which year they are going to turn 65. And then shaving a few years off, to ‘reward’ themselves for having owned their own business! So they are somewhat taken aback when I ask “And what would you do in the interim if you were able to achieve that in the next 5 years?”
You see, once you have achieved your ENOUGH? number, and have the ABILITY to retire – Everything changes.
Working because you WANT to, not because you HAVE to
Doing WHAT you want, not what OTHERS want of you
Being, doing, having, all becomes possible
And all of that is possible in a far shorter timeframe than you may first think possible – Through the application of a different mindset and beliefs!
I’m a firm subscriber to the concept:
Your future shall ultimately be determined, by the quality of questions, you learn to ask, of yourself.
Therefore, if you want a better future, it starts by learning to ask better questions.
Our ethical business mastermind groups, are specifically designed and managed to ensure bigger, bolder, brighter, more challenging questions are asked AND ANSWERED, not only to change but transform you and your business, the perception of what is possible and the means to achieve it.
In today’s video, I’ll pose the 4 most DIFFICULT questions you are ever likely to have to answer! But in doing so, will fundamentally change the way you think about, work and operate within your business!
13 reasons your business is suffering (if you don’t already have a coach)
Whether you’ve ‘bitten the bullet’ and quit, been made redundant, inherited or otherwise. You’ve made the shift from employee to the business owner. Congratulations, you’ve just joined the ranks of individuals who will become successful entrepreneurs — or failed ones.
Naturally, once you’ve established your start-up company, the question becomes:
“How can you maintain an amazing organization as a new entrepreneur?”
Being an experienced professional in one’s field is one thing; being a professional and successful business owner is another.
We’ve spent over 7 years surveying over 117K Businesses to identify the most common risks (and how to avoid them) along with the hidden opportunities so many miss sight of.
Business owners often believe they know everything and no longer need anyone to look after them. At the same time, as their businesses get larger and more prosperous, successful entrepreneurs seek new guidance and more accountability. That’s fantastic if your start-up is performing well. Be mindful, however, that new accomplishments will bring new challenges.
In any event, a decline always sets in beyond a certain point. It is impossible to reach the top without help from others. The situation occurs all the time. Simply think of it as a phase in a start-up’s life.
Entrepreneurs face a range of issues that require a variety of answers. If you lack a clear goal and plan, you will be distracted and challenged at every turn. The most important thing you can do for yourself as an entrepreneur is to connect with others, either through a peer-to-peer support group, or better still a coaching/mentoring program. A coach/mentor can help you expand quickly and support you to oversee your business’s growth.
Why do you need a coach?
The best athletes in the world, the top performers, actors, musicians, and political leaders all hire coaches to help them succeed, so why wouldn’t you? Adter all, it’s the only way to discover what you’re capable of is to be pushed out of your comfort zone.
Here’s why you should consider hiring a business coach to do just that.
1. Accountability
As the business owner, who holds YOU accountable? Who determines the speed and direction of travel, and ensures ALL the decisions, time, energy and investment made, is directly impacting the goals and aspirations you desire?
We can ALL suffer from SOS (Shiny Object Syndrome) and so without an accountability partner, you are already being drawn off course, and away from achieving ALL you are capable of!
A business coach will enable you to see your potential so you can leverage your talents and abilities, but they will also hold you accountable. We all do better when we must answer to someone for our actions. If you start to get side-tracked, a good coach will make sure you follow through on what you said you would do. They will motivate you while also keeping you accountable and tracking your progress.
I often refer to this as Shiny Object Syndrome (SOS) Those great ideas or opportunities that we all face, often take us just one degree off course, but prevent us from ever achieving what we first set out to achieve!
Through our commitments section within the #ADDAZERO Methodology, we agree on what you will and won’t be doing and held to account for the agreed actions you and I shall be taking to activate and accelerate the growth of both you and your business.
2. Attainable/Stretch Goals
Whether you are ready to admit it or not, the majority of business owners ‘play it safe’. You might ‘think’ you’ve set some pretty ambitious goals? But, the fact that only 1% of Start-up businesses ever SMASH their original goals, shows that the mass majority fail to achieve their (or the businesses) FULL potential.
Your coach will help you visualize and reach your goals, working with you step by step to define what you want and how to achieve it. I don’t subscribe to SMART objectives (and neither should you as an entrepreneur), instead, we agree on a set of BFHAG DUMB goals, and set about to achieve those instead. Whether it’s evaluating your schedule, prioritizing your tasks or helping you to manage your time more efficiently, we will work together to make sure you get more of your goals accomplished in both business and life.
The Vision/Values and Goal setting element of the #ADDAZERO Methodology identifies exactly what you want to achieve in life, so that you can both live and leave a legacy, then ensures both you and your business are aligned with being able to achieve this, quickly and efficiently.
3. Organization
How much time do you spend PLANNING in your business? How much time do you spend IMPLEMENTING? and how much time do you WASTE? As a business owner, it’s easy to get overwhelmed by your day-to-day tasks. It’s so typical of owners to fall into the trap of BUSYness, at the expense of growing an effective Business!
As a business owner, it’s easy to get overwhelmed by your day-to-day tasks. With a business coach, you’ll get the structure and organization necessary to run your business like a well-oiled machine. We help you implement and maintain systems and structures for success. We shall provide you with effective time-management plans, as well as tips and strategies to enhance your performance based on your work style and personality.
By determining what you want to achieve, and the parameters you wish to work within, we can review the model, structure and strategies employed to ensure you and the business are working as efficiently as possible, in pursuit of your goals.
4. Business plan
Our research, (into more than 177K businesses and what causes them to fail) showed the NUMBER ONE reason a business fails, is the lack of an up-to-date, shared and followed business plan!
No matter where you’re at in your business, a skilled coach will guide you on how to craft the perfect business plan and help you implement and maintain systems for success. From clear and specific objectives to strategic action steps, you’ll learn the essential elements of a successful business plan.
Trust me, a Business plan is not just for funding. It’s the roadmap on which successful entrepreneurs use to map their journey to success. It becomes a living document to which all major decisions are made, and enables us to map the journey to which we shall take to #ADDAZERO.
5. Marketing ideas
If you always do, what you’ve always done? Then you’ll always have (at best) what you have already!
So many people get marketing WRONG. They either do the same as everyone else and hope for a different result or do the right things in the wrong order and then wonder why it has little to no effect?
Whether you don’t have the time to develop a marketing plan or you’re not sure how to produce a valuable one, a business coach will help create a personalized, easy-to-implement marketing strategy. You’ll learn how to attract new leads, and convert more into a profitable business while adding value to your current client relationships.
Having a better understanding of your ideal target client audience, and how to attract them is key to maximising efficiencies across the business. And our 17-step Marketing Management has been specifically devised with this in mind.
6. Unbiased insight
It was Donald Rumsfeld that is recorded as having said
“We don’t know, WHAT we don’t know“
and how right he was.
As the business owner, you are intrinsically linked to the business. It’s yours, you know it inside out, and you are passionate and committed to its success.
Yet when did you stop to learn as much as you know about what it is you do, about Marketing, Sales, Finance, Infrastructure, Systems, Processes, Automation, People, Recruitment, Retention, Remuneration, Pricing, Packaging and everything else that running a successful growing business demands?
With a business coach, you get unbiased, constructive feedback. Your co-workers, friends or family members (whether you like it or not) are biased in their opinions. In contrast, when you hire a business coach, they will be able to offer you insights that other people in your circle may not be able to. They can often uncover solutions that those close to you or your business may overlook.
“You don’t know, what you don’t know” and yet it is often that which is the greatest hurdle to making the biggest progress both you and the business are capable of. Your business coach/mentor has the ability to determine how best to overcome/address this and works with you to support you in both personal and professional development.
7. Self-confidence
Whether it’s the fear of failure, the fear of success, the fear of getting it wrong, or simply the fear of the unknown? At some stage in your business’s growth journey, you’re going to stop, because the fear holds you back! When you’re working toward your goals, it can feel like you’re not where you want to be.
A business coach will be there to help you see how far you’ve come and what you’ve achieved. They’ll provide support and encouragement, so you’ll eventually learn to lead with confidence and overcome challenges. They will also remind you to celebrate your wins.
Whether it’s a fear of failure, fear of success, or fear of the unknown, we all face uncertainty, and yet it is often this, that prevents us from making the big decisions that make the biggest difference to both us and the capabilities of the business. We’ll work together to review what causes these limiting beliefs and how to overcome them. (Our 18 ways to become unstoppable, is a great way to review and address this).
8. Fresh perspective
It was Einstein who suggested the definition of Insanity, is doing the same thing, again and again, and again, still hoping for a different outcome! And yet, so many business owners are still doing what they did last year, the year before, and the year before that, still hoping that “This time next year Rodney, we’ll be millionaires”
When you’re too in the weeds of your business, it can be easy to overlook the obvious. The fresh perspective of a business coach can help you identify problems and solutions that you would have never thought of. They will increase your self-awareness and point out your blind spots, so you can perform at your best.
The benefits of a coach that has both a breadth and depth of knowledge come into their own here. Coaching (done well) is one of the most treasured positions, whereby we get to support you in a way no other can. By bringing knowledge, experience and perspective gleaned from years within both our own businesses and that supporting countless others. We can bring consideration that no other will have the ability to do so.
9. Growth
Too many business owners get to a certain level of Turnover, or a certain level of personal income, and then take their foot off the gas!
They somehow think, that to grow a business more, determines MORE hours, MORE effort, MORE risk and have become so comfortable with where they are, that the thought of doing any MORE is the last thing they want to do!
Perhaps your income has remained the same year after year, or maybe you haven’t increased the quantity or quality of your leads. If you’ve hit a plateau, a coach/mentor can take your business to the next level by assisting you in creating a strategic, business-boosting plan. They will help you sort and qualify your database so that you can clearly determine how best to generate the kinds of leads that result in substantial growth.
Our #ADDAZERO methodology has not only been implemented successfully in thousands of other businesses but has also been recognised nationally and internationally with awards for its impact on businesses. It’s also seen no less than EIGHT of our clients as National Entrepreneur of the Year finalists, and countless others winning both regional and industry awards for growth.
But beyond this, it’s enabled them to buy their ‘forever’ dream home, take extensive exotic holidays with their family, and fall back in love with their business because of the reward it now provides for their continued efforts.
10. Balance
Surely, the whole point of growing your own business, is that it provides handsomely for you, your family, and your employees. Whilst providing a great quality of life, and the freedom to do more of what you want, where you want, when and with who you want?
Then why is it, so many business owners admit to “working harder than they ever have done before”
The right business coach will teach you how to balance your professional and personal life. As a business owner, you can often fall into the habit of devoting all your time and energy to work. Your coach/mentor will encourage you to take a break to indulge in an activity you enjoy or spend time with loved ones. When your mind is sharp and your attitude is positive, your business will thrive.
After all, it’s all about you and your achievements, and what the word success means to you. We support you to both set new heights and achieve them. Whilst creating a legacy for others to follow, that as you exit there is a continued succession plan, that others strive to follow, creating a sustainable business, that provides for both you, and your employees long after your last working day.
With the right business coach/mentor. you gain a trusted advisor who will guide you on your path to success. They will put things in perspective and provide you with invaluable ideas and strategies. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to scale your business, investing in a coach is one of the best ROI decisions you can ever make.
How to identify the right coach/mentor
You have now recognized the value of hiring the right coach to help you with your business. Now let’s see how to pick the right one:
1. Employ a coach who has been where you want to go
Whilst there are numerous people who can read from a crib sheet and advise you on the theory of what is possible. You might consider finding someone who has experience in owning, growing and running a successful business, as your mentor or coach. As an entrepreneur, you ought to be mentored by someone with an established track record, of knowing how to apply the theory in practical terms that get real results.
You can bet there are hundreds of so-called business professionals operating “scam” geniuses. With some copywriting magic, anyone can convince you that he or she knows what he or she is talking about. But that doesn’t mean that person actually does or has any real experience of implementing those decisions and working through the impact they have.
How can you determine whether a coach is real? You should first do your research and make sure the person has a track record of success. Do they have any case studies or testimonials on the website, is there the option to speak with/meet existing customers? Can you ‘sample’ their coaching before signing up for an extended programme?
2. Meet other entrepreneurs who are dealing with similar issues
Entrepreneurship can make you feel as if you’re stranded on an island, cut off from the rest of the world and with no one to turn to for support.
For that reason, enrolling in a coaching program alongside others can offer significant advantages; beyond the directly obvious. These programs bring together entrepreneurs from other companies to deal with similar challenges and can help you figure out which mentors or programs are worth your money and time.
3. Make connections with successful business owners
When you join a coaching program or hire a coach/mentor, you also want to network with other entrepreneurs. Not only will these connections potentially help you identify the best direction to take your business to the next level, but your network is an invaluable tool in its own right.
Your network determines your net worth. Whether you like it or not, the people you spend the most time with will impact you the most. By spending time with successful small-business owners, both your learning and earnings are likely to increase.
Today’s top entrepreneurs spend tens (if not hundreds) of thousands of pounds on coaching, even when their businesses are doing well, because coaching/mentoring helps people accelerate both themselves and their businesses, beyond the realistic and possible, to new heights otherwise unreachable alone. It gives you the confidence and competence to do new things, and bot the support network and accountability required to exceed individual capability.
So, now you know both why and how to select the right Business Coach: are you ready to #ADDAZERO?
Jay Allen is the Chief ScaleUp Sherpa within My TrueNORTH, The Ethical Coaching Company, and Founder of the #ADDAZERO Business Challenge.
Having spent more than 7 years researching the cause of Big Business Failure, to really understand the FLAWS within so many businesses, that prevent them from ever achieving all they are capable of. We’ve made it our mission to support 1,000,000 Business Owners to #ADDAZERO to their Personal Disposable Income. Growing their businesses sufficiently to create at least 3 new roles per business, and collectively eradicating unemployment in the UK, by creating more new roles than there are those actively seeking employment.
In today’s highly competitive business world, it is no longer enough to rely solely on your own knowledge and experience to grow and succeed. Joining a business mastermind can provide you with a powerful support network of like-minded individuals who share their knowledge, resources, and expertise to help you achieve your goals.
A business mastermind is a group of entrepreneurs or business professionals who meet regularly to discuss business strategies, challenges, and opportunities in a supportive and collaborative environment.
The concept of a mastermind group was first introduced by author and speaker Napoleon Hill in his book “Think and Grow Rich.” Hill defined a mastermind as “the coordination of knowledge and effort of two or more people, who work toward a definite purpose, in the spirit of harmony.”
In a business mastermind, members share their knowledge, resources, and experiences to help each other solve problems, gain new perspectives, and achieve their goals. Members may come from diverse industries and backgrounds, but they share a common desire to grow and succeed in their businesses.
The group typically meets regularly, either in person or virtually, to discuss various topics such as marketing strategies, product development, sales techniques, or leadership skills.
Joining a business mastermind can provide entrepreneurs with a supportive network of like-minded individuals who can offer feedback, support, and accountability. The group can also offer access to new opportunities, resources, and expert advice that can help members grow and succeed in their businesses.
WHO is mastermind for?
Mastermind is most suitable for entrepreneurs and business professionals who are looking for a supportive community to help them grow and succeed in their businesses. Whether you are a start-up founder, small business owner, or seasoned entrepreneur, a business mastermind can provide you with valuable insights, feedback, and accountability that can help you achieve your goals.
Business mastermind groups can be especially beneficial for those who feel isolated or lacking in support in their business journey. By joining a mastermind, entrepreneurs can connect with like-minded individuals who share their passion for business and are committed to helping each other succeed.
In addition, business mastermind groups can benefit those who are looking to expand their knowledge and skills. Members of a mastermind group come from diverse backgrounds and industries, providing a wealth of knowledge and experience that can help members gain new perspectives and ideas.
We believe those who subscribe to the TEAM concept, get the most from Mastermind
Together Everyone Achieves More.
Who is a mastermind NOT for?
Business mastermind groups may not be suitable for everyone.
Here are some scenarios where a business mastermind may not be the best fit:
Those not committed to their business: If you are not fully committed to growing and succeeding in your business, then a mastermind group may not be the best fit for you. The group relies on members who are dedicated and motivated to achieve their goals.
Not open to feedback: Business mastermind groups are designed to provide constructive feedback and support. If you are not open to receiving feedback or suggestions from others, then a mastermind may not be the best fit.
Those not willing to contribute: In a business mastermind, members are expected to contribute their knowledge, experience, and resources to help others. If you are not willing to share your expertise or help others in the group, then a mastermind may not be the best fit for you.
Looking for a quick fix: Business mastermind groups are not a shortcut to success. Members need to be committed to putting in the work and effort required to achieve their goals.
Not comfortable with group settings: If you are not comfortable sharing your thoughts and ideas in a group setting, then a business mastermind may not be the best fit for you. The group relies on members being open and willing to communicate with each other.
We also suggest those who subscribe to the BED principles, ought to roll over and have another hour or so!
Blame Excuses Denial!
12 step guide to getting the most from mastermind
I’ve therefore put this 12 point guide to getting the most from Mastermind
If you always do, what you’ve always done You’ll always have (at best), what you have already.
You simply don’t know, what you don’t know
Don’t you owe it to yourself, to every hour, £/$/€ you’ve invested, to at least learn a little more about the impact it can have on you and your business?
Launching a new product is no small undertaking. Whether you’ll be selling SaaS, enterprise software or a physical product, it’s critical to lock down a strategy to ensure you can effectively build buzz, reach targets and hit your sales numbers.
Every company is different. Every market is different. But every successful product launch example has one thing in common:
The business had an effective strategy and stuck to it.
Here are the seven product launch steps you need to know and love before your creation can hit big time.
Launch Step 1: Go or No-Go?
A common mistake companies make is skipping the research that should be done when deciding whether or not to even introduce a product to the market. Ask yourself some questions:
Is there a need in the marketplace for my product?
Is it a unique offering, or are there others that are already being marketed and sold?
What are my differentiators and unique selling points?
If there are competitors, are there sufficient additional features and benefits to separate your product from the others?
What about pricing? What is the expected ROI?
Talking to your customers and industry colleagues can also help you to evaluate the value and market potential of your product. If things don’t look quite as rosy as you thought they would, don’t be afraid to pull the ripcord and focus on initiatives other than your product launch checklist. If it can’t be a hit, focus your R&D team elsewhere and look at other ways you can utilize and monetize your innovation, IP and work.
Launch Step 2: Pick the Right Team
Choosing the right development team is critical in launching a new product successfully. Obviously, having the technical muscle on the team is important. Equally essential is representation from the company leadership team, project managers, product users, marketing, public relations, sales and QA.
Why involve every department?
Because launch success depends on buy-in and collaboration.
Company leadership must communicate the value and importance of the project and create accountability for meeting deadlines and milestones. Project managers and product users will be able to provide valuable information and feedback on workflow. Marketing will help develop the launch timelines and will gain a deep understanding of the product’s features and benefits that will translate into the marketing campaign. Sales will be able to provide insight into pricing, customer requirements and product features, and will gain the intimate working knowledge of the product needed to effectively communicate with prospects.
Launch Step 3: Timing Is Everything
Set milestones and establish a firm production schedule and new product launch process.
Creating accountability by adhering to a schedule helps keep your costs in check and allows the marketing team to build a marketing campaign based on the product launch date. Really think about the timing. When you launch a product can heavily influence the success of the release. Timing a launch around a trade show or other event can help to generate buzz and can serve as a terrific jump-start for the marketing campaign. Making sure key team members are available during the launch is absolutely crucial for troubleshooting unexpected system glitches and hiccoughs.
Launch Step 4: Show and Tell (and Ask!)
When you’re launching a new product, it’s critical to keep key internal project managers and users in the loop, asking for feedback along the way. Asking a few trusted clients to test your product will give you incredibly valuable insight and will tell you a lot about your product. You’ll get feedback on the product appearance, usability and performance that is better learned before launch than after.
Launch Step 5: Prove it
Beta test. Validate. Load test. Ensure security. Bringing an untested product to market is a bad idea. It’s asking for system failures and bound to cause user frustration. Ensuring that each feature of the system works and that it can handle the number of users anticipated will go a long way toward launching a product that works the way it is intended to and meets user expectations. You only have one chance to make a first impression. Be sure to make it positive.
Launch Step 6: Plan Your Campaign
Building an effective marketing strategy around launching a new product involves a lot of planning and effort. The first step in building that strategy is setting the launch date because that date affects the timing of the rest of the campaign. Branding development, product positioning, public relations, digital marketing, social media, trade show attendance need to be decided upon well in advance of launch.
It’s launch day! Great! But … is your staff on board?
Properly preparing the entire team for the new product launch means more than sending out an email the day before the release. Support and sales need to know the product inside and out, and all customer-facing staff need training and should be able to answer basic user questions. Anyone talking with a client should be able to help them reset passwords or negotiate through basic functions. Taking these steps will give your staff confidence and empower them to help clients and effectively communicate with prospects.
I’m DELIGHTED to share, that after 7 years of research, engineering, testing, calibrating, and documenting. TODAY see’s the launch of:
#ADDAZERO: The Ultimate Guide to Sustainable SCALE
Just one of the many positive quotes I received from our BETA test Proofreading group regarding this book was:
For ANY entrepreneur serious about growing their business, this book will become their business bible
It’s by no means a lazy Sunday afternoon, curl up on the couch type of book. It’s an educational reference book, helping you to steer your business towards SUCCESS SUMMIT.
You can order either the paperback or Kindle version by clicking here.
(The AUDIOBOOK is due for release within the next 2 weeks also)
Have you reviewed your current offering(s)?
How effective are they at meeting and surpassing your client’s/Customers needs/expectations?
Do they go ‘elsewhere’ to purchase things you could provide?
Today, shortly after 3.20pm (Local) I received an important package from Amazon!
Inside the cardboard box, was a gift-wrapped bag, with a label that read:
Congratulations Jay, you did it.
The Universe!
On further examination, I was able to discover the first printed copy of my new book:
And I can’t BEGIN to tell you how exciting that feels!
This journey started in late 2008, with the sudden collapse of Woolworths.
We began researching in 2012, and by 2016 had a team of 9 data analysts working on the cause of more than 150 Big Business Failures.
Then 18 months engineering a series of ‘Questions’ task of ANY business (New or old, modern or traditional, product or service) to determine if the business leader implements THESE suggestions will it reduce/remove the risk of failure?
A further year of BETA testing, then analysing the results, before 15 months spent correlating all the data and writing it all up.
Today marks a new #milestone of achievement on our quest to support 1,000,000 Business Owners #ADDAZERO to their Personal Disposable Income!
Not turnover, or any other vanity matrix, but CASH in THEIR HANDS to transform them, their families, their business and their community.
Why 1,000,000?
Well, at the time we first launch BETA testing, there were approx 6M SME businesses in the UK.
I remember, years and years earlier when the Federation of Small Businesses had run a national marketing campaign entitled “Just get ONE”. The idea was for every member to introduce one new member to the association, thus doubling their membership in one year.
I’d already seen (through our BETA test group) that during the course of applying the #ADDAZERO methodology to their business, and the subsequent SCALE it enabled them to achieve. There was a growing need to take on more staff. (On page 253 I share the formula to follow for your first NINE hires!)
At that time, there were approximately 960K unemployed people in the UK seeking work. So I determined,
If we could support 1,000,000 Business owners to significantly and sustainably SCALE both them and their businesses
Not only would that enable them to #ADDAZERO to their personal disposable income
But it would also generate in excess of 1,000,000 new vacancies!
And collectively, we could eradicate unemployment in the UK!
Offering employment to EVERY person that was seeking work!
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