Marketing Hacks: Top 4 Strategies For a Self-Sufficient Startup

To begin with, being a self-sufficient startup is not so easy! Pay attention to your competitors – While 75% of startups are keen in becoming self-sufficient, only 5% work towards their dreams. So, would you position your business as – Self-sufficient or work in progress? Or let’s try a different perspective – The ‘tech guy’ you’ve been relying on for business strategies and advice is planning to quit; do you begin to feel the churn at the pit of your stomach? Well, we usually term this symptom as ‘fear’ – the most paralyzing feeling every small biz owner is likely to experience.rnSpeaking of fear, let’s get down to the basics of analysis and see what it can do for your business. F.E.A.R also known as ‘False evidence appearing real’ can blindfold the real perception of your business; rather covers up the real circumstances of your existing opportunities waiting to be seized by your competitors; obstacles are naturally integrated with your business allowing you to take the fight or flight response. In business, especially in a startup scenario – nothing is or will be self-sufficient unless you manage to get these tricks up your sleeve. Embrace the unknown The ‘here and now’ matters the most in your business but somethings are best left untold. In simple terms, don’t be afraid of your business in future – the unknown; it will only freeze your moment of success guiding you down the wrong lane. Now, that’s scary! Look around; our most famous entrepreneurs of all time – Oprah to let’s say – Steve Jobs, had no clue of what the future had in store for them; they lived their moment in the best of their efforts and with time, it only got better. They figured out that doing what you know and loving what you do will not suffice everything. Their wealth, success, goals and income are in the business of business – now that’s what we call the real ‘unknown.’ Choose the right tech support for your business Managing technology comes last on the to-do-list for many entrepreneurs but you first got to strike that attitude off! If you wish to solely focus on the front-end while your tech support magically works behind the scenes – it’s time you adopt hosted IVR– the new magic bean for most small businesses today! Integrate your technology with the right kind of communications system; a function which can take over your business even during post working hours, efficiently monitor customer calls and project a feeling of customer centricity. Cloud communications and software as a service offers flexibility, cost saving measures and requires minimal human resources – just what you need to grow your startup! Manage the crisis Ernest Hemingway famously described fear as “grace under pressure.” You got the grace, you got the courage as well! The breaking point at which you need help entirely depends upon your business. Loyal customers, trustworthy employees and of course a backup strategy is all that you need to back you up during rough patches. Translate your crisis into a third man’s perspective; seek professional help from someone who can observe the operations, and from time to time extract reports to strategically brainstorm measures that you need to consider next. Be financially literate Financial illiteracy in the senior managerial level can cripple your organization as well! If you’re people are least aware of what goes into a number, it can drastically impact the growth of your business. At times, even experienced executives fail to gauge the financial conditions; the key principle is to match the revenue and expense in order to distinguish between sale and profitable sale that your business is capable of!rnYou’ve poured your heart and soul into the startup; follow your guts and stay focused. Sometimes, long coffee breaks with a tad bit of smart thinking and good professional advice can work wonders for you to own a self-sufficient business!