The Secret Life of a Business Navigator
Hello (again), well I manged to get to my second blog, which means I avoid the ignominy of being a “one hit wonder”!
In this article I will try and give you and insight into the “heady” world of a Business Navigator. One of the key attractions of the job is that no two weeks are the same and last week was no exception. Across the week I spent time at workshop, managed to catch-up with an existing client, meet with a new prospect and do some prospecting!
Although we would not profess to be experts when it comes to a topic such as international (shipping) terms, we realise we are often a first point of reference for local businesses. So, keeping updated with all manner of news is important. At ground level just knowing the INCOTERMS rules have been updated is a good start, but picking-up on new “stuff” is very helpful. For example I learned that Shipping Containers do not qualify as “Sea Freight”! Want to know more please drop me a line.
The other benefit of attending any seminar, workshop or presentation is the opportunity to network with follow attendees. It is also gives us a chance to promote the Growth Hub and the other offerings from the Let’s Do Business Group. If we are given sufficient notice we will promote the event to our client base; so if any reader has an event taking place in the next two months please drop me a line and I will (a) aim tom attend and (b) endeavour to give it publicity internally.
Later in the week I caught up with an existing client, a fitness class with a female led focus, designed to women of all ages taking fitness seriously. Like many of the businesses I meet, they have fundamentally a great offering, the challenge is to maximise their potential. Money, marketing and manpower are often the most common challenges, but support and encouragement can be needed.
I like to think, that with my help and support over recent months, the client has the confidence to grow and maximise their offering. One of the key strategic aims for 2020 is to franchise the business nationally!
Next, I met with a new prospect. A very different business, an established CIC (Community Interest Company) supplying home delivered meals across East Sussex. Despite a loyal customer base, recently revenues have begun to stagnate and margins come under pressure. A newly employed Sales Director, is keen to venture into new markets and requires help with developing a new marketing strategy, aimed at potential new customers. However, there is an additional challenge, convincing the owners of the business to commit sufficient funds to support a marketing campaign.
I was able to arrange an introduction to one of our approved professional partners and set-up an initial (free) consult, after I had briefed them to the wider challenge our client was facing. I am pleased to report, they are now moving forward and developing a marketing campaign. The key in this case was not simply sourcing professional marketing assistance, but to select the right candidate and brief them adequately. This is always a key consideration when we are seeking to provide support to a business.
At the end of the week, I met up with an old colleague at a networking event. I discovered he now runs his own business albeit located outside the county, just over the border in West Kent. He expressed a keen interest in seeking a new base in East Sussex, as the bulk of his customers are located in the county.
After understanding what the business required and was able to afford, I introduced him to my colleagues in the Locate East Sussex team. They are now on the case seeking a suitable premises in the east of the county.
Just an average week for a Business Navigator. Want to know more about what support we may be able to offer, please get in touch.
