Grow Clinton focuses on entrepreneurial development and the success of our regional small businesses. Therefore, we have introduced the EntreFuel program. Now available to our members, EntreFuel aims to assist entrepreneurs with product development, identifying targeted customers, creating a business plan, and generating revenue to support growth and longevity.
In partnership with the Rural Ideas Network and Small Business Development Center (SBDC), Grow Clinton provides one-on-one, small business coaching with various skilled and experienced facilitators. From the first day of running your business to developing a succession plan, we are well-equipped to answer the demands of our members.
I can speak from personal experience when saying that the success of your business venture will be related to your ability to accept advice. An adage states that it's time to find a different room if you feel you're the most intelligent person in the room. Meaning you are never too seasoned or experienced to learn from others. That is why having access to coaches and consultants through EntreFuel is essential and a critical step in avoiding failure.
For more information on EntreFuel, and to schedule your virtual coaching session, please email asokolovich@growclinton.com.
One of the aspects of business development that I am passionate about is marketing. From sales copywriting to creating a rock-solid unique selling proposition (USP), I am fascinated by how savvy marketers capture a customer's attention and convert that individual into a sale. Even within my position as the president & CEO of a non-profit, I continue my education, absorbing books on the psychology of sales and the keywords that turn a target audience into the lifeblood of a company.
The equation to small business success has been the same for generations. A sale will only occur when you identify a problem, understand the target audience affected, and develop a solution. Since the first stone block was carved into a circle and leveraged as a wheel to increase the speed and efficiency of travel, people have been willing to pay for products and services designed to make their lives easier.
The key to successful marketing and messaging is to strike that sweet spot, connecting your solution to the ears or eyes of a needy customer. Most entrepreneurs and small business owners we meet at Grow Clinton believe in their product or service but lack the appropriate messaging that resonates with a target audience. A slick logo, fancy website, and established social media presence are worthless without a clear and concise message.
Again, if you want information or assistance developing your message, please email asokolovich@growclinton.com.
