The most successful companies are NOT successful because they have more resources.
It’s not that they are smarter or better than you. It’s not that they have more money. Or even been at it longer than you.
The difference is……
They figured out how to implement.
If you’ve ever struggled to make changes to your business, you’re certainly not alone. Many MSPs and IT firms find it difficult to implement the marketing that will ultimately give them more financial and time freedom.
As a writer, I’ve had the privilege of interviewing well over a hundred highly successful small business owners about their secrets to success. Because implementation is something many people struggle with, I always ask for their tips on how they get things done.
The following list is a compilation of some of the best ideas along with ideas that come up again and again in their answers.
Start small. Change is not easy. Often the reason we struggle to implement is that we are trying to make too big of a change. For example, last year, I wanted to make a lifestyle change. Not just lose weight, but really change to a healthy lifestyle. I needed a major overhaul from eating healthier to better sleeping habits to a regular exercise routine. Previously when I tried to set out on this journey, I’d go all in, changing my diet and setting goals to exercise every day. But when after a few days I missed a workout or ate a high-calorie meal, it would derail me. This time, rather than trying to do everything at once, I started with one simple, tiny change I could implement and then I built on that. For example, drinking enough water each day, then adding ten pushups each time I washed my hands and so on. After a short time, these small changes became habits I could build on.
Taking that same approach to your business, small marketing and sales changes will add up. For example, do one client-getting activity every day such as asking a client for a referral or contacting a high-quality prospect you’d love to work with to offer them a free resource. These take little time or effort, but they add up and soon will be a habit.
Stop delaying. Many people talk about implementing a process, campaign or system and never succeed at finishing it. We get comfortable and fear the unknown. Doubt sets in because change is uncomfortable. There are many reasons we don’t implement, however, the key is to move quickly when inspiration strikes.
Don’t let perfection get in the way. Make a mess and clean it up later rather than trying to make it perfect. You can always tweak it and make it better.
Do less and focus more. Just pick one campaign or one “oil well,” as Robin Robins calls it, or one strategy you’ll implement. Laser focus on that one campaign until you get it in place and ignore all other ideas before moving to the next thing.
Find a mentor or a coach. Without fail, every person I’ve interviewed has worked with a mentor or coach at some point in their career. A mentor or a coach can guide you, support you, and help keep you on track. Plus, coaches often provide you with templates that make it faster and easier to implement.
Join an implementation coaching group. Another popular choice is to join an implementation group such as Robin Robins’ Accelerators Club which is designed specifically to help you implement. The level of successful implementation in groups like this is extremely high because there is a high level of accountability along with massive support. Proven templates, marketing pieces that are completed for you (done-for-you), combined with peer and coaching support creates a winning combination. Plus, the people I’ve interviewed who participate in this type of group say the dynamics of attending a meeting with their peers where they are focused on implementing creates a high level of accountability because no one wants to show up without completed campaigns in place.
Make a plan before leaving events. We’ve all done it. You head to a conference and fill two pages with ideas you’re going to implement when you return home. But when you arrive home, you’re right back at it in your business. To ensure implementation happens, BEFORE you return home, decide on one, maybe two things that will create the biggest impact on your business. Create a plan for who will be in charge of what and a timeline for implementation.
Create an implementation team. Repeatedly, successful business owners tell me they invest in bringing at least one person with them to events. Tasked with implementation, ideally, this person is already a leader and an implementer on your team or shows the potential of being a leader. If your company is larger, invest in bringing a team of leaders with you to events so they can learn with you and implement for you upon returning home.
Attend trade shows/conventions. Attending trade shows or events is a great resource in two ways. First, you’ll meet other like-minded business owners who can give you guidance, share ideas and resources for how they solved the same challenge you’re having. You’ll also find qualified vendors who can help you implement. Plus, often vendors offer specials at shows and events, which means you can save money too.
Use Done-For-You Services. Utilize a done-for-you service. Often the objection I hear to using a done-for-you service is cost. But when you look at the big picture, cost can become a non-issue, sometimes even less expensive than if you attempt it yourself. Consider…
- You’re guaranteed to get it done. How many times have you had good intentions but not quite crossed the finish line? Done-for-you services will complete what you need by an agreed-upon date. That means you can reap the benefits (i.e. making money, generating leads) much quicker.
- They can deliver greater results. Done-for-you services are delivered by experts. They use proven methods. They’ve done it again and again. There won’t be trial and error, unlike when you do something yourself and aren’t 100% competent at it. This means that in the long run, this can save you money.
- It saves massive time. Time is one of your most valuable assets. Using done-for-you services takes considerably less of your time and energy. It saves you hassles and headaches too. And while some done-for-you will require input from you, it will take considerably less time than if you were attempting to implement on your own. (Check out done-for-you services for MSPs, IT companies, and VARs at INSERT LINK
With the many resources available today, it is easier to implement than ever before. Plus, there is more guidance to get things done without breaking the bank. So, if you want to create momentum in your business, start using these tactics to get your marketing implemented and working for you starting today.
