Energize Growth Now

A strategy and marketing guide for growth companies Growth at any price can be exhausting for B-2-B companies and professional service providers who want to win more clients. Many entrepreneurs watch their bank accounts grow, but sacrifice too much in the process. Since 2001, wealth has taken on a whole new meaning. In this tell-all marketing guidebook, Lisa Nirell reveals a contemporary, contrarian, and field-tested view of marketing and planning. Successful growth and exit planning aren't about maximizing revenues or launching Internet marketing campaigns. Instead, they're about creating a compelling vision of the future, winning clients' hearts and minds, and defining the "e;wealth quotient"e; in a holistic way. This practical, real-world guide shows readers how to develop a strategic marketing plan that really works and avoid the attitudes that sabotage great ideas.

A strategy and marketing guide for growth companiesGrowth at any price can be exhausting for B-2-B companies and professional service providers who want to win more clients. Many entrepreneurs watch their bank accounts grow, but sacrifice too much in the process. Since 2001, wealth has taken on a whole new meaning. In this tell-all marketing guidebook, Lisa Nirell reveals a contemporary, contrarian, and field-tested view of marketing and planning. Successful growth and exit planning aren't about maximizing revenues or launching Internet marketing campaigns. Instead, they're about creating a compelling vision of the future, winning clients' hearts and minds, and defining the "wealth quotient" in a holistic way. This practical, real-world guide shows readers how to develop a strategic marketing plan that really works-and avoid the attitudes that sabotage great ideas.

Foreword by Guy Kawasaki xiiiPlug In xviiAccolades and Gratitude xxvii1 Running on Empty 1Ever wonder why you're feeling drained--even though your company appears successful on the outside? Hear a story that may just sound similar to your own.2 Brains, Beliefs, and Growth Blunders 9There are two main reasons why businesses fail--lack of a written plan and our limiting beliefs. What are the most common limiting beliefs? What is the medical evidence that our beliefs and written plans determine our outcomes?3 Say No to the Good, and Yes to the Great 29Today's time crunch can destroy our life force as business owners. Here is a guide to prioritize your activities and focus on what you do best.4 Increase Your Wealth Quotient 47The definition of wealth has changed dramatically. What does it mean now? How can you prepare your company for ultimate sale or exit? Here is a contrarian view on value drivers and seven principles to position your company for higher valuation. Interview excerpts from "triple bottom line" companies such as Seventh Generation and Hollyhock Institute.5 The Path to Planning 69The path to wisdom begins with a common set of definitions. We define the first five steps of planning for growth companies, with real examples of each. The planning process begins from an external (market) point of view.6 The Inside Job 93Now harness the market wisdom gained from the first five steps, assess your internal strengths and gaps, position your company, align your teams, and ultimately increase your Wealth Quotient.7 What's on Your Dashboard? 107Most measures of success are prematurely selected, and usually lead to failure. How do you track the success of your plan? First, you must know what stage of growth you're facing. We show you how to determine what stage of growth you're facing and how to scale the walls of growth.8 Design Your Dashboard 119What success measures are relevant in each phase of growth? How do you distinguish between "leading" and "trailing" indicators? When is it time to redesign your dashboard and change your success measures? This chapter shows you how to build meaningful measures, with examples from The Beryl Companies.9 Plan Your Brand 135Now that you have developed the first draft of your Energize Growth plan, how do you ensure that your plan is aligned with your brand? We interview branding expert Samantha Hartley to find out. Branding is not just for well-funded, mature companies. Includes contemporary examples of strong brands in large and small companies alike.10 More Revenues, Fewer Clients 151It's time to kiss old value definitions goodbye. Ancient "hours for dollars" business models drain many companies of their wealth potential. We present 16 proven methods to help you build a more predictable stream of lifetime clients. Hear how Zipcar and Eversheds are leading the way.11 Future Energy Sources: How to Grow Your Wealth Quotient with Social Media 173Will social media increase your company's Wealth Quotient--or destroy it? We take a closer look at social media and its impact on growth companies. Read these tips before you launch your social media plan. We include interviews with companies who have generated six and seven figure sales using LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter.Appendix A: Sample Energize Growth Plan 187Appendix B: Sample ProfitCents Report 194References 202About the Author 206Index 207