Start Up Catalyst
Dream big, make it happen.The ups and downs of Life
As in life, the business journey is not straightforward; despite out best intentions we cannot control luggage getting lost or adverse weather impacting out plans.
In life some of us learn to roll with the ups and downs whilst others plan more and get increasingly stressed when things go wrong. Whether we accept it or now how we react to these events is within our control.
In business we face constant challenges beyond our control and these cause emotional reactions and stress. A supplier may go bust, Facebook might change their algorithm or a global pandemic closes down the economy.
What can we do?
The Business Growth Journey
Know the common traps that start-ups fall into?
They do not have a business model, young businesses will typically:
- Over promise on the product to create interest,
- Will sell to anyone because they need income,
- Over service to ensure the customer is happy,
- Undervalue their offering because they are afraid to charge.
In fact, they do have a business model and it looks like this:
- A product which is too expensive to produce,
- No defined market,
- A product that is expensive to deliver,
- Small margin.
The result?
A business model which makes no money and is unsustainable.
Take control
What happens when you don’t write down a shopping list? You forget items.
How many times have you tried to remembers a phone number but forgotten it straightaway?
Remember that person you met at that event, what were they called? You probably dig out their business card or look on LinkedIn to check.
When we write things down we can control our recall of that information, the more information we are holding onto the more we are likely to forget if it is not written down.
Consider this; you are 1.4 times more likely to achieve a goal that you write down.
“You are responsible for your own happiness and success.”
How do you write down a business plan/strategy/document/model?
There are many names for a document written about a business, one thing they generally have in common is that they are written and then ignored.
We have developed the client handbook which is different; it is like a manual for your company which is constantly referred to and updated.
The handbook articulates your business vision and aligns everything you do with your defined marker, this enables you to:
- Stay on track
- Deliver growth
- Pitch for investment
- Engage distribution partners
- Create exit positions
With this in mind, we have developed two products to support you:
Kickstart
Get your business workbook- Step 1. Online coaching session to explore your vision.
- Step 2. Get your ideas on paper.
- Step 3. Introduction to the workbook concept.
- Step 4. Your vision translated into a bespoke workbook.
Gowth Hack Programme
Introduction to business coaching- Strategic business review.
- Regular online coaching sessions.
- Bespoke programme created for you.
Andy’s previous experience, combined with the Stages growth model he’s talked me through has really helped me understand and focus on future growth activities. I think his advice can have an impact on business performance and growth in real terms.
