- Have clarity in how you add value to your clients – focus on that. Leverage your point of difference
- Identify your target beachhead market – the people who you can make the most money from, in the easiest possible way (a list of list than 100 clients)
- Ensure your business model is robust and sustainable – i.e you make money
- Create a one page business plan.
- Employee the smartest people you can afford, ideally smarter than you, always hire based on values and personality first – skills second.
- Define your culture and brand identity and stick to it – NO this is not a logo!
- Adapt fast and act on failure – including firing non performing staff, killing projects that will not deliver a return to the business.
- Set up an independent advisory group that will challenge the thinking from day one
- Engage your clients and have fun – Perhaps explore Social Media Marketing
- Have a goal and exit plan from day one.
Thanks – good reminder about getting your priorities right!