Season's greetings, fantastic entrepreneurs!
As the holiday spirit blankets us in joy, we're sending warm wishes for a festive season filled with laughter, love, and unforgettable moments with family and friends. As the curtains draw on this business year, our gaze is fixed on the strategic horizons of 2024.
Reflecting on the twists and triumphs of the past year, we're all craving a smoother and more productive journey in 2024, building on the foundations we laid in 2023.
To kickstart your journey, we've curated a treasure trove of tips, tricks, tools, and inspiration.
Here's to an entrepreneurial adventure that sparkles with success in the coming year.
Cheers to you and your thriving ventures! 🥂
Enjoy The Water Break!
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GROW YOUR WATERCOOLER GANG
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Great Blog From Our StrategyX Partners
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It's time to ditch the "winging it" strategy and embrace the power of a well-crafted strategic plan.
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Sure, your business might be raking in profits, but let's talk about long-term success.
Picture this: your business cruising down the highway of prosperity with a clear sense of direction, a proactive approach, and the operational finesse of a ninja. That's the dream, right?
Enter the superhero of business success: the strategic business plan. It's not just a roadmap; it's the GPS, the secret sauce, the magic wand that propels your business toward its goals. And guess what? We've partnered with the wizards at StrategyX to spill the beans on the difference between a strategic plan and your run-of-the-mill business plan.
Because let's face it, you don't want your business to be the equivalent of that friend who constantly says, "I'll figure it out later." Now is the time to take the time, my friends!
Join us on this journey as we uncover the mysteries of strategic planning and learn how to steer your business toward a future so bright, you'll need shades.
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Business Strategy: Component #1 - NICHE!!
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Ever found yourself struggling to pinpoint your unique selling position or niche in the market? If so, you're not alone. I faced the same challenge until I discovered Grow A Niche Business and the innovative Niche Framework. This distinctive approach not only aligns with the essential points of niching but simplifies the process to 5 steps, allowing you to authentically connect with your ideal clients.
In collaboration with SOS's Invision Brand Management and Grow A Niche Business, we're thrilled to offer you a transformative workshop led by Niche Expert, Todd Howard.
The goal is powerful:
Identify Your Unique Selling Position or Niche: Utilize Todd's expertise and process to uncover your unique niche that resonates with your skills, talent, and services so you can find your defensible position in your target market.
I recently had the pleasure of interviewing Todd, shedding light on how his Niche Framework can specifically benefit small businesses.
You can watch the interview below.
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P.S. Todd normally offers one-to-one coaching programs, but for your business's annual 2024 kick-off, he's graciously providing exclusive small-group coaching sessions in January at a significant discount. In just one hour per week for five weeks, you'll emerge with a clear niche to propel your business forward in the New Year. You'll have the niche, the product, and the market defined to voice clear marketing messaging.
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Act quickly, as there are only 4 spots available for individuals serious about refining their niche in 2024! Waitlist available for future 2024 workshops!
Workshop Details:
🗓️ Date: Thursdays beginning on January 11, 2024 through February 8, 2024
Time: 1:00 PM EST
Duration: 5 weeks (approximately 1 hour per week-Todd usually goes to 75 minutes)
Cost: $1925 That is a 60% discount!
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Don't delay!
This exclusive invitation is valid until Friday, December 31, 2023.
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9-2-5 BUSINESS BOOSTER CLUB SPOTLIGHT
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SOPs: No more "Hair on Fire" Moments
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Picture this: a world where your team operates like a well-oiled machine, tasks get done seamlessly, and your business thrives with clockwork precision. Sound like a dream? Well, buckle up, because we're about to take you on a wild ride through the enchanting realm of SOPs, revealing the five-step process to make your small business the epitome of efficiency.
But first, why do small businesses need SOPs? Let's keep it real – you're not running a lemonade stand anymore.
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As your business grows, so does the complexity of operations. That's where SOPs swoop in to save the day. They're not just documents; they're the unsung heroes that bring structure, consistency, and incredible value to your business.
Download the free 15-page e-book, The Definitive Guide to Standard Operating Procedures, for the steps to get started writing your business procedures as SOPs.
With these meticulous steps, you're not just documenting processes; you're paving the way for a business that runs like clockwork.
Below we give you some tools to try to help you with this process.
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THE WIZARD OF OPS (AND STRATEGY) 🪄
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Spend 2024 Chasing Business Value - Not Business Revenue! ♂️
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We're unraveling the art of building lasting value in your venture. Cue the Value Builder System – your ultimate roadmap to success, focusing on eight key drivers that'll turbocharge your business. It's not just savvy; it's strategic genius.
Ready to transform your entrepreneurial journey? Start by reading this blog!
Talk to me about chasing value with your Free Value Builder Assessment!
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Tools to Make SOP Writing A Breeze
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ClickUp
Before we jump into the tools, let's talk strategy. ClickUp is our go-to operational superhero, and here's why. We've unearthed SOP templates within ClickUp, making it the crown jewel of our operational toolkit. As ClickUp aficionados, we've discovered myriad ways to not only house but also run our entire business seamlessly. The magic happens when we effortlessly share our SOPs with clients and virtual team members through our client portal. Talk about operational prowess!
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Trainual
Now, for the big leagues and SMEs, enter Trainual. We've been keeping an eye on this tool for some time and sure, it might be a bit of a splurge, but trust us, it's worth every penny. Trainual isn't just a platform; it's the grand stage where your SOPs take the center spotlight. Manage large teams with finesse and let managers become your SOP scribes. This powerhouse platform is your one-stop shop for getting the job done and housing all your SOPs companywide. It's an investment in operational excellence.
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VidGuide
For our small business champions and solo-preneurs on a budget, meet VidGuide – the unsung hero of simplicity. No code is required, making it a walk in the park to integrate into your existing software. Picture this: easy creation, seamless sharing, and a breeze to add information to your processes. VidGuide is your ticket to SOP greatness without breaking the bank. Efficiency, meet affordability!
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No matter which tool you choose, don't forget to assign responsibilities. ClickUp, Trainual, or VidGuide – each has its charm, but the key is ensuring your team knows who's taking the lead in this operational symphony. After all, everyone should dance to the same tune.
There you have it, maestros! The tools to elevate your SOP game and ensure your business runs smoother than ever. 🛠️
**SOS helps many businesses define their processes and outline it as part of an overall business strategy roadmap. We are happy to help any business owner select and implement the right tool for their business.
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Brighter Vision’s Niche Strategy Leads to $17.5 Million Acquisition
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In 2011 Perry Rosenbloom started the web development company Brighter Vision. After a few years of jumping from project to project, Rosenbloom had a breakthrough: Instead of doing web design for everyone, he decided to focus on creating websites exclusively for therapists.
His decision to niche down worked, and revenue soared.
By 2020 Rosenbloom had thousands of customers and millions in sales, which was when Evercommerce made an offer to acquire Brighter Vision for $17.5 million. In this episode, you’ll learn how to:
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Psst, hey you! Yeah, you with the coffee cup.
We know you're taking a "water break" right now, but guess what?
We've got the inside scoop on next month's newsletter.
So keep your ear to the ground (or your eyes on your inbox), because we'll serve up more piping-hot news before you know it!
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