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6 Basic Actions/Inactions That Will Make Your Brand Crumble

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Do you know that your actions determines whether or not your business will succeed? Any entrepreneur that wants to be successful in their field must efficiently maximize the right to take potent business actions and decisions.

Every businessperson wants the best for their brand and this makes decision making difficult and occasionally increases our suspense level which affects our actions. However, before making a business act, it’s important to consider the present and future implications.

Below are 6 business actions/inactions that will make your business crumble:

1. Lack of a solid business plan and strategy

A startup analysis research published on Forbes states that approximately 543,000 businesses are started each month (but more employer businesses shut down than startup each month) Why? “Lack of a solid business strategy.”

But in most cases entrepreneurs see it as a waste of time. Most entrepreneurs overlook strategies in business because they feel it is too arduous and irrelevant. But the fact remains that a solid business plan and strategy is the foundation of every business.

Developing a strategy is a practical way of concentrating your efforts and focusing on how to get things done. One of the best ways to remain on the right track and take the right strategies is by always reviewing your mission and vision.

“A goal without a plan is just a wish.” – Antoine de Saint-Exupery

2. Hiring too many employees too quickly

Most entrepreneurs get obsessed by their goal that they begin to hire all skilled practitioners even without identifying the importance of each practitioner they are about to hire. As a businessperson, you don’t need all available practitioners to achieve your business goals. Realize the differences between talented practitioners and required practitioners and stick with the required practitioners.

3. Disregard of market values

It is not enough to say: “Oh I’ve got an idea, I’ve got a passion that will bring a change to the world.” As an entrepreneur whose primary goal is to drive profit, focus only on market trends and seek for ways to utilize your resources to meet market demands.

Before you begin to implementing your passion, spend quality time to find out all you need to understand about the market and know if your customers are really in demand of your services.

Creating a brand or products which consumers are not interested in will definitely make your company run down before it even gets started.

4. Over promising and under delivering

Keeping promises is a very important factor if you want your brand to keep growing. Consumers will definitely curve your brand if the trust is lacking. There was a study that emphasized on this fact as it shows that more than 60% of customers quit patronizing a company/brand because of missing trust logos.

If you set a deadline/target before you, then meet it. When you give bigger promises to your customers more than you can deliver, you are passing a message across that you are not to be trusted.

It’s better to under promise and leave your consumers/audience astonished by over delivery than to over promise and look lame with the little delivery. Unlike politics, this is business, where a mere inadequacy can ruin years of your credence and cost you 60% of your customers loyalty.

No doubt, promises attract  more customers and makes them willing to stick to your brand. However, always consider some factors (like unforeseen circumstances, weather flexibility, etc.) that could affect your delivery before giving customers your word.

5. Ineffective marketing system

Marketing is a very important facet of every business. The heart of your business success depends on how effective your marketing system is.

Poor marketing = Poor sales = Zero Profit = Zero income = Business Failure.

In business today, the market is crowded with a variety of competitors and maintaining a competitive edge is paramount to outdo the rest and dominate the market. Gone are the days of “if you build it, they will come.” The quote now is “If you build it, you must promote it. If you don’t promote it, it either remains stagnant or it DIES.” If you want a successful business then you should invest more strength and resources in promoting your brand via the best channels.

“For a truly effective social campaign, a brand needs to embrace the first principles of marketing, which involves brand definition and consistent storytelling.” – Simon Mainwaring

6. No online base or presence

We are in the age of constant information and technology, where a higher percentage of investment decisions and deals are being settled online. So it’s dumb to think you can survive the market competition without an online base/presence!

Customers want a high engagement level with companies they do business with. As a matter of fact, a review shows that more than 55% of Americans perform online research about products and services before purchasing. And their interest waivers if service providers/brands are not easily identified online.

Most entrepreneurs put off having a business website/blog because of the thoughts of stress. But the good news here is you don’t have to be an online rav or guru to own a website. You can hire a professional to handle that for you.

Take note of the above actions/inactions and take proper ways to avert them in order to make your long-run totally worth the struggle at the end.

What are some actions/inactions that have killed your brand? Leave your thoughts below!

Image courtesy of Twenty20.com

Daniel Moayanda is the Founder and CEO of Perfect Motivations Inc. He is a young entrepreneurial strategist, a motivational writer and public speaker. He provides entrepreneurs with success strategies and backs it up with the right motivation needed to explore. He also writes content for clients about finding a way out of everything in general. You can connect with him on Facebook.

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The Top Startups You Can’t Miss: Summer 2024 Edition

These companies are important players to keep an eye on in the changing business and technological scene of 2024

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Image Credit: Midjourney

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How to Build Your Dream Tech Startup Team

Are you starting a startup business? Look to build a tech team for your “newborn organization,” and check out this article for useful tips.

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15 Business Lessons From Napoleon’s Playbook

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Business Lessons and strategies from Napoleon Bonaparte for Entrepreneurs and CEO's
Image Credit | Joel Brown

Unleash your business potential by harnessing Napoleon’s strategic genius.

From dreaming big and thinking bold to moving fast and staying agile, these time-tested tactics are your blueprint for success.

Learn how creative leadership, detailed planning, and relentless execution can transform your business landscape. Boost morale, lead with clarity, and embrace hard work to conquer your industry.

Don’t just survive—thrive with the power of Napoleon’s lessons.

Here are 15 Powerful Lessons You Can Learn From Napoleon Bonaparte

 

1. Dream Big, Think Bold

Napoleon wasn’t just playing small; he believed that “Imagination rules the world.” In the business world, boldness and creativity are game-changers. Don’t just aim to fit in—push boundaries and set ambitious goals that make you stand out.

Think of Steve Jobs, who didn’t just want to make computers; he wanted to revolutionize entire industries. Your vision should be so grand it almost feels unreachable. When you dream big, you inspire those around you to believe in the impossible and work together to achieve extraordinary outcomes.

2. Move Fast, Stay Agile

Napoleon’s quick and secretive moves gave him an edge. In business, you gotta be nimble. Adapt quickly, move fast, and you’ll often find yourself ahead of the game, capturing opportunities your competitors miss.

Companies like Amazon and Tesla thrive because they constantly innovate and pivot when needed. Speed is your friend; it allows you to react to market changes and customer demands faster than the competition, ensuring you remain relevant and ahead of the curve.

3. Creative Leadership

Napoleon thrived on chaos and wasn’t afraid to switch things up. Unlike rigid leaders, he was flexible and adaptive. In business, embrace change and let chaos work for you. Being adaptable can turn unpredictable situations into opportunities.

Think of how Netflix transitioned from DVD rentals to a streaming giant. Flexibility and creativity in leadership allow you to navigate through turmoil and emerge stronger, transforming challenges into stepping stones.

 

4. Organize Like a Pro

Napoleon’s mind was like a supercomputer, processing vast amounts of info to make smart moves. Businesses should do the same—stay organized, use real-time data, and adapt strategies based on fresh insights to keep that competitive edge.

Utilize modern tools like CRM systems, analytics software, and AI to manage information efficiently. Staying organized and informed means you can make better decisions, foresee potential issues, and react promptly.

 

5. Keep It Simple

Napoleon knew the power of simplicity. Overcomplicating things can bog you down. In business, streamline processes and focus on what truly matters to hit your goals efficiently.

Apple’s product design philosophy under Jobs was about simplicity and user-friendliness.When you remove unnecessary complexity, you reduce errors, speed up processes, and make it easier for your team to focus on what’s important, driving efficiency and effectiveness.

 

6. Execute Relentlessly

Once Napoleon decided on a course of action, he went all in. In business, once you pick a direction, pursue it with full commitment. Execution is where success is truly made.

Look at how Elon Musk commits to his vision for SpaceX and Tesla. Relentless execution means overcoming obstacles, staying focused on your goals, and not getting distracted by setbacks. It’s the determination and persistence in execution that ultimately leads to triumph.

 

7. Play to Your Strengths

Napoleon only fought battles he knew he could win. In business, focus on your strengths and avoid head-to-head fights in areas where you’re weak. Know your advantages and leverage them.

Microsoft leverages its strength in software development and cloud services rather than trying to compete directly in hardware. Understanding and maximizing your strengths ensures you play a game you can win, using your unique capabilities to outshine competitors.

 

8. Plan in Detail

Napoleon planned for every possible scenario. Businesses should do the same—conduct thorough planning and prepare for various outcomes.

Detailed planning helps you stay ready for anything. Scenario planning and SWOT analysis are tools that can help you foresee different futures and prepare accordingly. When you’re prepared for multiple scenarios, you can adapt smoothly and continue to drive forward, no matter what challenges arise.

 

9. Seize Opportunities

Napoleon saw luck as the ability to capitalize on accidents. In business, be prepared and ready to grab unexpected opportunities. Agility is key.

Companies like Uber and Airbnb seized gaps in the market by being ready to pounce on opportunities when they arose. Always be on the lookout for opportunities, and when they come, don’t hesitate. Preparation and readiness to act quickly can turn unexpected moments into major breakthroughs.

 

10. Learn from the Past

Napoleon studied the greats who came before him. Entrepreneurs should always be learning from the successes and failures of others. History is full of lessons waiting to be applied.

Warren Buffett is famous for studying businesses and market histories. By learning from the past, you can avoid repeating mistakes, understand what works, and build on proven strategies. Continuous learning from history helps refine your strategies and improve decision-making.

 

11. Boost Morale

Napoleon knew how to keep his troops motivated. Business leaders should do the same—keep your team inspired and engaged. High morale leads to high productivity.

Companies like Google and Salesforce invest heavily in employee well-being and motivation. When your team feels valued and motivated, they are more productive, innovative, and loyal. High morale fosters a positive work environment where people are excited to contribute and excel.

 

12. Lead with Clarity

Napoleon believed in the power of a strong, decisive leader. In business, clear direction and strong leadership are crucial. Ensure everyone knows the plan and follows it.

Leaders like Jeff Bezos provide a clear vision and direction, ensuring their teams know what they’re working towards. Clear, decisive leadership aligns your team, fosters trust, and drives coordinated efforts towards achieving your business goals.

 

13. Reflect on Failures

Napoleon analyzed both his wins and losses. Businesses should review their successes and failures to keep improving. Learn from mistakes to avoid repeating them.

Ray Dalio of Bridgewater Associates emphasizes the importance of learning from failure in his book Principles. By conducting post-mortems, you can understand what went wrong, make necessary adjustments, and continuously refine your strategies to avoid future pitfalls and drive success.

 

14. Action-Oriented

Napoleon was all about turning thoughts into actions. In business, decisiveness and execution are vital. Don’t just plan—act on those plans with energy and determination.

Entrepreneurs like Richard Branson embody this principle by constantly moving from ideas to actions. Action orientation ensures that you don’t get stuck in analysis paralysis but instead drive forward, making things happen and turning visions into reality.

 

15. Embrace Hard Work

Napoleon lived and breathed work, saying, “Work is my element; I am born and built for work.”

In business, a strong work ethic and relentless dedication are key to success. Think of how Howard Schultz rebuilt Starbucks through sheer hard work and determination. Embracing hard work means being willing to put in the necessary effort, staying dedicated to your mission, and continuously pushing towards your goals, no matter the challenges.

 

By implementing these lessons from Napoleon, businesses can sharpen their strategies, strengthen leadership, and execute with precision, driving sustained success.

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How to Manage Your Startup’s Finances More Efficiently

No matter how groundbreaking your product or service, your startup could quickly be on shaky ground without proper financial management

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