As leaders and entrepreneurs, there's a lot we learn the hard way, but out of all of those lessons, a few nuggets of hard-earned wisdom forever change the way we operate.
So that begs the question...
If you could start over and still know what you know now, how would you have built your business differently?
In this week's episode of Automate Your Agency, Alane Boyd and Micah Johnson reflect on lessons-learned throughout their own entrepreneurial journeys and reveal how they would alter their approach if given the chance to rewind and start all over.
Tune-in to learn the impact of:
🔹 Joining a Supportive Entrepreneurial or CEO Group
🔹 Using Content Creation as a Sales Strategy
🔹 Hiring Help Much Sooner
🔹 And much more!
If you're looking for business advice that only 20 years of experience can bring, this is the episode for you!
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Key Takeaways:
Navigating the journey of entrepreneurship can be isolating, particularly in the early stages of a business. According to Alane, joining CEO and entrepreneurial groups is a game-changer. "Being a part of groups catered to other entrepreneurs prevents isolation," she shares, highlighting the importance of shared experiences and perspectives. This approach reduces the learning curve and speeds up personal and business growth.
The Entrepreneurs Organization (EO) and the Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses program are two examples from the podcast. Alane describes her EO experience as unique and transformational, noting, "You have to lead from a different mindset... Nobody wants to be told what to do." These groups not only offer networking but also impart skills in leadership, communication, and emotional intelligence—all critical components of successful business management.
The broader implication is that connecting with like-minded peers can significantly enhance your business trajectory. It provides a sounding board for ideas, constructive feedback, and a robust network, all of which are invaluable for long-term success. Thus, entrepreneurs should actively seek these communities to leverage collective knowledge and avoid business pitfalls.
In the digital age, traditional sales tactics like cold calling have diminished in effectiveness, giving way to content-driven strategies. Micah admits, "I had the absolute hardest time... I came from a direct sales background," underscoring the struggle of transitioning from hands-on sales to the less direct, content-marketing approach. Yet, as both hosts reveal, content marketing is indispensable for cultivating client relationships and establishing industry authority.
Content serves multiple purposes: it builds credibility, engages potential clients, and lays the foundation for SEO optimization. The hosts reflect on their journey, noting that their podcast and other content efforts have become crucial in attracting clients and fostering business relationships. As Micah points out, content is now how people "want to engage and want to buy," making it an integral part of modern business strategy.
For entrepreneurs, the implication is clear: Investing time and resources in content marketing not only fills the sales funnel with qualified leads but also enhances brand visibility and trustworthiness. It's a long-term strategy that should be embraced early to reap ongoing benefits, as seen in the experiences shared by Alane and Micah.
Efficiency and focus are essential for any entrepreneur. A pivotal suggestion from the podcast is hiring a virtual assistant (VA) early in the business lifecycle to streamline administrative tasks. Alane emphasizes, "Those little details just burn me out... a couple of hours add up over time," illustrating how VAs can eliminate time-consuming duties that detract from strategic growth efforts.
The role of a VA isn't just about lightening the load; it offers entrepreneurs the freedom to focus on high-impact activities that drive the business forward. Tasks that "anybody can take off my plate," as Alane candidly puts it, are precisely the responsibilities that prevent burnout and inefficiency.
The broader insight here is the immense value of focusing on core business activities while delegating routine tasks. Entrepreneurs who adopt this strategy can maintain their competitive edge, nurturing growth without falling prey to the demands of day-to-day minutiae. The investment in a VA is an investment in the long-term health and scalability of any business endeavor.
Redirecting focus away from routine tasks, embracing powerful content strategies, and connecting with entrepreneurial groups offer transformative potential for businesses. Each of these insights reflects a shift in traditional business operating methods and underscores the ongoing evolution of what it takes to run a successful business today. Embracing these strategies can lead to increased productivity, engagement, and ultimately, business growth. Approach these tasks not as add-ons but as foundational elements within your operations to foster a thriving business environment.
Alane Boyd is a serial entrepreneur, passionate leader and a high growth founder (2x SaaS Exit and published author 3x). She is an Enneagram 3 with a Driver leadership style. She a visionary that believes in impact-driven, result-oriented leadership. Her skillsets focus on operations, sales, marketing, and technical skills. Alane has been featured and spoken at major events, including SXSW, Entrepreneur, Huffpost, and Goldman Sachs.
Micah Johnson is a serial entrepreneur, advisor, and support-driven leader (3x successful exits). He has successfully scaled businesses (and failed a couple of others along the way, for good measure). Micah is skilled at translating business requirements into requirements a technical team will understand while being able to provide clarity on design and the user experience. He is a visionary who can identify gaps in systems and markets and an implementor who can build and execute a plan to fill those gaps. His skills include operations, systems, automation, design, software development, and UI/UX design. Micah has worked with large billion-dollar brands and manufacturers, and has been featured in newspapers, business journals, and trade publications throughout the US.
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