Tag: scaling sales

Think like an operator and an investor

Written by Lindokuhle Ntombela on February 7, 2024. Posted in Creating time, Leadership, Operational systems, Week at Work.

This Week@Work, be sure to split your time and attention into growing your business revenue AND deepening its capital value. The cost of realising this too late is as devastating as it is unforgivable.

In the fast-paced landscape of business, the challenge of standing out and distinguishing oneself as a competitive force is a perpetual journey. This week at work, the spotlight was on identifying and engaging with customers in a meaningful way, addressing the exhaustion and weariness often associated with traditional marketing approaches. Crafting a Narrative: The Power of Words One primary avenue to convey ideas is through the written word. Describing your value proposition, targeting specific events, and choosing the right words to communicate your message all contribute to building a compelling narrative. It's about creating a story that resonates with your audience, leaving a lasting impression. Visualising Experiences: Showing What You Do However, words alone may not suffice. Showing what you do brings a tangible element to your message. As experiences deepen the understanding of potential customers and imprint memories, it becomes essential to go beyond verbal or written communication. This concept brought to mind a personal story from my past, involving a family business facing a turning point. The Business Turnaround: A Personal Anecdote In this scenario, my father, at the helm of an outdoor sports equipment distribution business, had to navigate diverse customer types – from schools to supermarkets. The challenge was to effectively showcase a myriad of products, from fishing rods to outdoor gear. The traditional method involved creating catalogues with images pasted from brochures, reaching thousands of potential customers. Proposing a New Approach: Immersive Experiences Building on this experience, a new approach emerged – identifying key customers and ensuring they have access to swimming pools. The twist? Customers would experience the products firsthand, creating memories around them. Imagine Saturdays filled with barbecues, product demonstrations, and shared experiences. It was a proposal to blend words, visuals, and experiences for a more profound impact. Creating Longevity: A 360-Degree Approach The ensuing debate centred on whether a picture alone could convey the essence of products. The response was clear – an experience speaks a thousand pictures. From showcasing fishing techniques to the delight of a successful catch, each element needed to be presented through words, visuals, and the actual experience. Securing Success: The Outcome of Immersive Engagement The ultimate result was a business turnaround that secured a leading position as the supplier of outdoor equipment. This three-year journey solidified the business's standing in the industry and paved the way for a successful exit. The lesson learned was clear – a picture speaks a thousand words, but an experience speaks a thousand pictures.

An Experience Speaks 1000 Pictures

Written by Lindokuhle Ntombela on January 31, 2024. Posted in Creating time, Leadership, Operational systems, Week at Work.

ThisWeek@Work cut through the noise of a million products and services bombarding your target customer by creating an experience of your solution that leaves them feeling something.

Sales needs a system

Written by Lindokuhle Ntombela on January 23, 2024. Posted in Creating time, Leadership, Operational systems, Week at Work.

This Week@Work scaling growth through funding raised a bunch of questions that we should all have answers to. I loved the conversation with you Master Artisan Sourdough Baker Barry Cork and Rick Hooper… and will follow the breadcrumb trails of your certain success.