I’ve dealt with hundreds if not thousands of both SEO’s & remodelers over the years. Many are sole proprietors. They do an outstanding job day in and day out. They not only meet client expectations on a regular basis, but they exceed them. So how come so many are either broke or stuck at a plateau?
Just because someone is brilliant with their hands or skilled in the art/science of SEO doesn’t mean that same skill set applies to running a business. I vividly remember having a conversation with a great SEO that told me they “felt icky” when discussing pricing with clients. I have had countless conversations with building contractors that couldn’t pay me, because they were afraid to ask for payment from their client. Even in corporate settings, it drove me nuts when a customer didn’t pay & the A/R clerk was afraid to ask for money for fear of offending the client.
I don’t know about you, but when I do a job that I’m contracted for, I expect to be paid. I’m pretty good at what I do and I’m not embarrassed to charge a premium for it. I sell high value NOT low prices. When someone owes me money, we get on the phone and ask where the payment is – the same day it is due. If any of this makes you squeamish, you’re going to have a difficult time ratcheting up to the next level.
The bottom line is this: if your ambition is to grow a company and you don’t have the skill set to do it on your own, find someone who does. If you can’t afford to hire someone, pay a business coach who will help you draft a plan. Remember – a plan is very different from a set of goals. Increasing sales by 20% isn’t a plan – its a goal. Adding a sales rep to sell “X” number of product “Y” over “Z” period of time in market niche “A”: That’s a plan. If your plan isn’t specific, time phased and measurable, you don’t have one.
The old cliche is true – If you fail to plan, you are planning to fail.
Do you have a plan?