Hidden life stage selling opportunities
By Jannie Rossouw Head: Sanlam Business Market The needs of all consumers change over time as they age. It is my sense that many business owners miss out on the repeat business opportunities presented by this single life eventuality. There are many permutations of life stage segmentation models available. I found the one below easy […]
Why you should evaluate the packaging of your value proposition
By Jannie Rossouw Head: Sanlam Business Market In a commoditised world it is becoming more challenging to differentiate your product or service from your competition, as technological advances make it possible to replicate a product or service in a relative short period of time. Paying close attention to the packaging of your value proposition may […]
Client knowledge can improve sales
By Jannie Rossouw Head: Sanlam Business Market What was first – the chicken or the egg? In some way we are faced by the same challenge in business. Should you endeavour to develop a new product or service before finding a market for it, or first choose a target market and then align your products […]
Sales versus marketing
By Harry Welby-Cooke From Action Coach for Sanlam Business Market Sales and Marketing is a term loosely thrown together and is used as if it’s the same thing. It’s NOT! Albeit related, it really is two very different things. In your company, like may others, it’s further confused in that it’s often the same staff […]
Your business is your economy
By Jannie Rossouw Head: Sanlam Business Market When I looked at the typical “hassle map” of a business owner, it dawned on me that we tend to focus on the things that we cannot control or have little control over. Here is a list of things we do have control over: My attitude: Do I […]
Is your business continuity protected to survive a crisis?
By Jannie Rossouw Head: Sanlam Business Market www.businessdirectory.co.za defines a crisis as: “A critical event or point of decision that, if not handled in an appropriate manner (or if not handled at all) may turn into a disaster or catastrophe. Financial challenges in a business may come in many guises. For instance: A big contract […]
Why financials are important even to non-financially savvy business owners
By Jannie Rossouw Head: Sanlam Business Market Many business owners manage the finances of their businesses by means of their bank account. This is a risky practice as the bank account does not provide a true reflection of the real cash flow status of the business. Here are four actions you can consider applying in […]
How to progress your business
If you are working on something exciting that you really care about, you don’t have to be pushed. The vision pulls you. Steve Jobs The point of departure with this article is that you have already developed an empowering vision and crystal clear mission statement for your business. (If not, read this article) With these […]
Business evaluation can lead to business optimisation
There is something to be said for making the time to investigate, evaluate and think about some critical elements impacting on the success of our businesses. In this article I will look into (1) Service Experience, (2) Business Premises, (3) Our People and (4) The Image of my Business. 1. Service Experience This subject matter […]
Where is my business heading?
As business owners we are often so busy working in the business that we fail to work on the business. We are chasing the next transaction, dealing with a dissatisfied client, negotiating terms with a provider, or having problems trying to balance the cash flow. Over the years I have learnt that one should put […]