Here’s a story about a successful service business strategy helping a business owner. For the sake of this article, we’ll call him Joe.
He was a successful business owner with a thriving business BUT he was miserable. Maybe you can relate?
Successful but Miserable
He had built his business from scratch but there were elements of the business that he just hated. Some of his customers made his life miserable on a regular basis. Sometimes he didn’t even want to answer the phones. He also had employee headaches (ever been there?). He had no control over his time. Eventually, he realized that this was not how he wanted to live his life and something had to change. So, he took that business apart and started over with a new business strategy.
Joe came across the book, “The Pumpkin Plan” by Mike Michalowicz. This book is based on the idea that when you are operating in your Business Sweet Spot, business growth stops being hard.
The Sweet Spot is the place where 3 key elements of your business align:
1:Your Top Customers 2:Your Unique Offering 3:Your Systems and Processes
When you have an identifiable Top Client Niche, a Unique Offering that your Top Customers want and need, and the Systems and Processes to deliver your Unique Offering to your Top Customers efficiently, effectively and profitably, you are in your Sweet Spot.
As Joe read the book, he was able to identify the reasons why he was so unhappy in his business. He realized that he was not operating in his Sweet Spot but he also realized that this could be fixed with a service business strategy.
Life Changing Transformation
Joe was so impressed with the power of the Pumpkin Plan method!
The transformation started with the Mission, Vision, and Purpose exercises from the Pumpkin Plan book. Getting really clear on his long-term vision, business mission, and his core values, made a huge difference to the direction of the business. Putting these thoughts on paper enabled him to see how his business vision could enable his vision for his life.
Joe saw that he could have a profitable company, he could buy the house of his dreams, go on vacations with his family, and give himself space to not have to work around the clock to achieve his financial goals.
The Power of Niching
Joe’s business has always been a mix of services provided to just about anybody who reached out to him. After reading this book, he realized that he needed to identify a niche because he was spending too much time and effort trying to service commercial and residential with a full line of services.
Over a period of time, Joe defined who his best customers were and which service lines were the most profitable. He then started trimming down the services that were offered and started getting rid of the customers who were not ideal for his company. To his relief, everything started operating more smoothly, efficiently and profitably.
The Biggest Transformation
The biggest transformation for Joe has been how he feels about his business.
Now, he loves to come to work each day. He and his team members are really passionate about what they do. They know that they are making a real difference in the lives of their customers and that is very rewarding for them.
Has your interest been piqued? Here’s a bit more information on the Pumpkin Plan.
