Practical Strategies for Business Growth

Breaking the Mold: Why 90% of Coaches, Consultants, and Advisors don't make it past the five-year mark– And How You Can Defy the Odds. This statistic frustrates me. It’s heartbreaking to hear about so many killing themselves or suffering in silence instead of seeking help. Owning multiple businesses in these industries, I've met many people who have shared their challenges. The main reason for failure? Lack of clear direction. Many advisors and coaches struggle to figure out: -> Where to begin. -> Where to concentrate their efforts. -> What to prioritize. Today, I want to share the strategies that have driven my businesses to over 300% year-over-year growth since 2014, expanding our wealth coaching services to all 50 states and our consulting firm globally. These insights are applicable to anyone in the service industry. 1. Define Your Ideal Client with Laser Precision Every business decision I make is guided by a crystal-clear picture of my ideal client. I've detailed: -> A fictional name -> Family background -> Career and income level -> Biggest fears and challenges -> Aspirations and dreams 2. Frame Your Service as Exciting & Continuous Planning A one-off plan isn’t enough. It’s just a momentary snapshot. Each year, we craft a new plan for every client. Clients especially value spontaneous, unstructured calls during major life or business decisions. Having our team on retainer, ready to assist whenever needed, is what clients appreciate the most. 3. Know & Measure Your Value Relentlessly We quantify every aspect of our value, even the intangible ones. Get Creative. We offer free strategy sessions, free workshops, and scholarships. We even done plenty pay on performance at the beginning. To this day, we offer scholarship -based plans supporting single moms, veterans, and Team USA athletes. We meet clients where they are, helping them grow their businesses and protect their wealth in ways that are safe, grow tax-free, and are shielded from market losses. Clients love it and refer us to others. We’ve collected thousands of video and written reviews over the last decade. 4. Focus on Clients and Prospects Delegate everything else as soon as you can. Acquiring new business and meeting with existing clients are the most valuable activities. When you’re not worried about where your next client is coming from, you can be fully present with your current clients. 5. Build Your Personal Brand Your online presence might not bring in direct clients immediately, but it keeps you top of mind with your existing ones. Want to grow faster? 🗣 Start speaking on stages and around your community more often. In conclusion, I didn’t come up with all of this on my own. I’ve been mentored and coached by incredible people and listened to thousands of clients over the years. This is all a culmination of those experiences. ♻️ Repost this. You never know who we may save. ♻️ Click my name + follow + 🔔 #success #linkedin #leadership #resilience

Within a month of rolling into my first turnaround, we took 20% pay cuts to survive. Everyone quit except for me and my business partner. Truthfully, I wanted to quit too. Instead, I stayed in the ring and opted for a KISS. (A "Keep It Simple Stupid" strategy.) I'm glad I did. I learned a lot, and we grew a terrific company from the ashes. We used these KISS moves to turn the company around in less than nine months… 1) Coaching: We hired an outside coach who was a Biz Dev guru. He was EXPENSIVE ($10,000/day + expenses in 1991!), and he got paid in advance. We couldn't afford NOT to have him. He helped us see things we couldn't. He instilled courage, conviction, confidence, and essential course corrections we needed. 2) Listening: We listened to our clients and changed our pricing model based on their input. We actually raised our prices but moved from hourly billing to project billing. We eliminated "nuisance fees" that were common in the industry. 3) Focusing: We became laser-focused on our market position, core clientele, culture, and value proposition. We had to be focused and scrappy to compete. 4) Hiring, Delegating, and Empowering: As we grew, I had to shed responsibilities that I loved. I transitioned from being a "one-man band" to a "player-coach." We hired for cultural fit, "can-do" attitudes, and raw/unproven talent that required coaching AND empowerment. We hired well. We had fun! The more complex the challenge, the simpler I like to keep it. KISS it! That's the way I roll. Oh, yeah… Just because it is simple doesn't mean it will be easy. Agree? #coaching #thrive #SoarIn2024 #anythingbuttypical BGW CPA, PLLC

There's no magic bullet that propelled our business from $10 million to $100 million over 7 years. No big unlock.  No single strategic business decision. The primary driver of our growth has been a commitment to executing "the basics" very well over time. Here are 14 of those basics:  1. Giving our team a reason (beyond simply a paycheck) to spend their career with you. 2. Giving our business a compelling Purpose (why we exist) and Values that guide our actions in pursuit of our Purpose. 3. Defining success clearly across every role type. 4. Designing processes that will drive incremental improvements in the KPIs we need to drive. 5. Coaching to those processes often and with consistency. 6. Setting organization-wide goals and translating them into specific and measurable goals for both teams and individuals. 7. Fostering a high-accountability environment by incorporating weekly 1-on-1s and performance evaluations. 8. Recognizing people for doing great things—often and publicly. 9. Bringing core functions and mission-critical competencies in-house. 10. Outsourcing everything else. 11. Knowing your business model then sticking to it. 12. Refusing to give in to the temptation to chase shiny things or say "yes" to work that isn't in our model. 13. Adopting a mindset of continuous improvement. 14. Never accepting "good enough" and constantly challenging the organization to do better—even on the small things. If you're trying to grow your business, execute on the basics consistently over time. Focus on continuous improvement. Growth will follow. 

Leveraging small business success to achieve middle market growth involves several key factors that businesses need to focus on. Here are some strategies that can help: 1. Market Expansion: Identify new markets or segments where your products or services can thrive. Conduct thorough market research to understand the needs and preferences of potential customers in these new areas. 2. Product Diversification: Expand your product or service offerings to cater to a broader audience. This could involve developing new products or variations of existing ones to meet different customer needs. 3. Operational Efficiency: Streamline your business operations to reduce costs and improve productivity. Invest in technology and automation tools that can help optimize processes and workflows. 4. Strategic Partnerships: Form partnerships with other businesses or organizations that can help you reach new customers or access new distribution channels. Collaborating with complementary businesses can also help you offer bundled solutions or cross-promotional opportunities. 5. Customer Relationship Management: Focus on building strong relationships with your customers to foster loyalty and encourage repeat business. Implement a customer relationship management (CRM) system to keep track of customer interactions and personalize your marketing efforts. 6. Talent Acquisition and Development: Invest in recruiting and retaining top talent to fuel your company's growth. Develop training programs and career advancement opportunities to nurture employee skills and expertise. 7. Financial Management: Manage your finances wisely by closely monitoring cash flow, controlling expenses, and maximizing profitability. Explore different funding options, such as loans or investment partnerships, to support expansion initiatives. 8. Brand Building and Marketing: Invest in branding and marketing efforts to increase brand awareness and attract new customers. Develop a strong brand identity and messaging that resonates with your target audience, and leverage digital marketing channels to reach them effectively. 9. Agility and Adaptability: Stay agile and adaptable in response to changing market conditions and customer preferences. Continuously monitor industry trends and be prepared to pivot your strategies as needed to stay competitive. 10. Strategic Planning and Execution: Develop a clear strategic plan that outlines your growth objectives and the steps needed to achieve them. Break down your goals into actionable tasks and regularly review your progress to ensure you stay on track. By focusing on these key factors and implementing strategic initiatives, small businesses can effectively leverage their success to achieve sustained growth and transition into the middle market.

If you want to boost your team’s growth, start by investing in your managers. Gallup’s recent article “Addressing the Barriers Blocking Employee Development” reveals a striking reality: in 2024, less than half of U.S. employees participated in any training for their current role. And the reasons? It comes down to leadership gaps and organizational constraints. Here’s what’s really eye-opening: Managers are often the barriers to learning—not the enablers. Only 44% of managers worldwide receive any formal leadership or management training—and those who don’t are more likely to be disengaged. When managers don’t support their team’s development, it’s the strongest predictor of turnover intent. On the other hand, managers who receive quality development are less likely to disengage and are more effective coaches and leaders. When they model learning, their team members are far more likely to grow too. This is exactly why I’ve dedicated my life’s work to supporting managers. Because when managers are equipped to lead with clarity, confidence, and compassion, everything changes—for them and for their teams. Helping managers become great leaders isn’t a “nice to have.” It’s a strategic lever for performance, retention, and culture. When managers are empowered to coach, communicate, and create space for growth, organizations don’t just function—they flourish. Here's what you can do: - Offer and take advantage of opportunities formal leadership training, coaching or certification. - Provide or ask for access to external courses, mentorship, or stretch projects. - Carve out time within work hours for real development. Make learning part of the job, not an extra. - Set clear expectations and goals for development, coaching & feedback rhythms. How are you investing in your managers or team members right now—and what could learning look like for your team if you truly made it a priority? #LeadershipDevelopment #ManagerTraining #EmployeeGrowth #TalentRetention #GallupInsights #PeopleFirstCompanies

As business advisors, we often see clients or potential clients with no sales strategy, no marketing strategy, and as a result, poor revenue performance. In order to succeed, having well-defined sales and marketing strategies is not just an option—it’s a necessity. Here’s why: 1. Targeted Outreach:   - Understanding your audience allows for personalized and impactful communication, ensuring that your message resonates with the right people at the right time. (Value proposition: why someone should buy from you.) 2. Brand Consistency:   - A cohesive strategy ensures that all marketing efforts align with your brand’s identity, creating a unified and strong presence in the market. This is how you tell people who you are and what you do in a meaningful and compelling manner. 3. Competitive Edge:   - Strategic planning helps you stay ahead of competitors by identifying unique selling points and leveraging market opportunities. In other words, HOW you differ from the competition? HOW you're better? 4. Resource Optimization:   - Efficient allocation of resources based on strategic priorities maximizes ROI and avoids wasteful spending on ineffective tactics. 5. Customer Relationships:   - Consistent engagement and value-driven interactions foster trust and loyalty, turning prospects into lifelong customers. Investing in your customer relationships is essential. 6. Adaptability:   - A solid strategy provides a framework for measuring success and making data-driven adjustments to stay agile in a dynamic market. Without a clear sales and marketing strategy, businesses risk losing direction, wasting resources, and missing out on growth opportunities. It's the roadmap that guides you to sustainable success, helping you connect with your audience, outperform competitors, and achieve your business goals. #SalesStrategy #MarketingStrategy #BusinessGrowth #CompetitiveAdvantage #CustomerEngagement #BrandBuilding #ResourceOptimization #Adaptability #SustainableSuccess

The Hollowing of B2B Selling: Navigating Strategic Shifts in Today’s Sales Environment The landscape of B2B sales is undergoing significant transformations, urging leaders and organizations to rethink their strategies to avoid being hollowed out. Here are some critical points to consider: 1. Technology’s Double-Edge: While technology can improve efficiencies, its misuse has led to a decline in genuine sales results. Reevaluate your tech stack; it should aid, not replace, your sales efforts. 2. Rise of Automation: As AI and automation become prevalent, ensure these tools enhance client interaction rather than create a gap. Technology should support, not substitute, the human element in sales. 3. Transactional vs. Consultative: Quick sales strategies might seem appealing, but they often detract from building lasting client relationships. Transition from transactional methods to consultative approaches that truly address client needs. 4. Evolving Beyond Legacy Techniques: Legacy sales methods are becoming less effective in modern contexts. It’s crucial to adapt and align with current market demands to provide the value your clients seek. 5. Importance of Sales Team Development: Investing in your sales team’s continuous development and training is essential. This not only enhances effectiveness but also prevents the degradation of your sales force’s capabilities. 6. Adopting Consultative Methodologies: Shift from high-velocity, low-engagement strategies to robust, consultative methodologies. This shift is crucial for fostering long-term client relationships and securing their trust. 7. Training and Development: Regular training and development initiatives are more crucial than ever. They equip your team with the skills needed to adapt and thrive in evolving markets. 8. Watch the Competition: Understand the competitive landscape. What you don’t do, your competitors will. Strive to maintain a competitive edge by being thorough and client-focused. These points invite you to reflect on your current practices and consider strategic shifts that could profoundly influence your B2B sales success. Prioritize your team’s development and maintain a client-centric approach to ensure sustainable growth and success in today's digital age. Found this useful ♻️ Repost it to your network and follow Anthony Iannarino for more sales strategies.

This is what you do if you want to offer more sales training to your team but don't know where to start. Training: a practical use case You know your teams need to develop to achieve targets. Your experience tells you, data supports investing in training and all sorts of surveys show people are crying out for it. But prospecting, starting sales conversations, qualifying, negotiating, time management or discovery, so many fundamental skills to choose. If you don't know where to start, here's a simple roadmap ✅ Identify one key skill relevant to your team you want to target ✅ Break that key skill down into three or four main points ✅ Consider how you will transfer information (presentation, game, short video from YouTube or company resources) & reinforce knowledge (role play, practice exercises, group discussions) for each point ✅ Plan a 15 minute session for each point whether in person or virtually ✅ Plan a "homework" where people need to apply this point throughout the week and report back ✅ Conduct the first session about the first point ✅ Use lessons learned to improve & conduct second session the following week ✅ For the second session include 5 minutes of feedback about first topic before covering the second topic ✅ Repeat over the course of a month Congratulations you just rolled out your first training program and focused your team on developing one key skill for 30 days. Simple and easy. Training doesn't need to be complicated, cumbersome or costly. Does your organization (sales or otherwise) regularly develop internal trainings? #NoBoringTraining If you need a bit of help to spice up your sessions see my interesting training foundations kit in my featured section. If you want to chat a bit about a comprehensive learning strategy to support your teams development let me know.

Business coaching seemed simple 30 years ago. Help someone grow their business. Charge for your time. Repeat. But something profound emerged from working with 28,000 businesses weekly: Business success follows universal patterns. The real opportunity isn't in one-to-one coaching. It's in systematizing success patterns. Here's what we learned: 1. Most businesses are owner-dependent They can't scale beyond the founder's capacity 2. Systems create freedom When processes work without you, wealth compounds 3. Methodology beats motivation Inspiration fades, frameworks compound 4. Knowledge scales differently than consulting Your expertise can help 1 person or 1 million 5. Recurring revenue changes everything Subscription coaching creates predictable wealth 6. Global reach requires local presence 83 countries, 1,100 partners, one unified system The future belongs to those who can: → Systematize their expertise → Package their knowledge → Scale their impact → Build recurring revenue Small shifts compound into transformative results. Your expertise is valuable. But your system for delivering it determines your wealth. Like if you agree ❤️ Share if this helped you think differently 🔄