Conducting Business in Today's Environment

It is a harsh reality that plenty of small & medium sized businesses are ill-equipped & more unprepared than ever to survive in today's ultra-competitive business surroundings. With the aging population of Infant Boomers set to retire, & the current inflow of a new generation in to the workforce, plenty of businesses are out of touch with the demands of new, more youthful clients & target audiences. Currently, the average age of employees in most company's is 40+ with the giant majority of its customers in select target markets being in their 20s & 30s. Choosing the appropriate strategies to connect with Generation Y is essential when trying to tap in to these growing markets. This generational disconnect is exasperated by the current state of the world that dictates an accelerated worldwide business climate where "You're Only as Nice as Your Last Job." In today's new economy, second chances are a rarity, making first impressions critically important for companies hoping to generate new business leads. Likewise, front jogging companies that fail will give other companies a chance to step up, but only in the event that they are prepared when the chance arises. In order to capitalize on these opportunities & survive in these turbulent times, businesses will need to constantly learn & modify to the ever-changing business landscape. Fortunately, there's definite basic steps that every business can take in order to keep up with the pack & stay competitive.

Step involves strength in preparation & strength in execution, which are often the deciding factors between winning or losing a bid, contract, or strategic relationship. An invitation on proposal bids will be limited & may only last for a brief timeframe, so it is essential to be able to know the strengths of your business & be able to articulate them in a convincing manner in order to engage your audience & grab their attention.

Step is to establish your brand's reputation & build a brand experience. This can be accomplished by leveraging Third Party Credibility. Potential customers are looking for proven companies with a historical record of results-driven operations & certifications from peripheral 3rd party sources (i.e. testimonials, awards, etc.) References from Local, National, & Global companies are essential to solidifying your company's brand experience & reputation.

Step involves identifying the appropriate distribution channels. Lots of companies are so preoccupied with generating the ideal message or pitch that they neglect to research which medium will be most effective for reaching their selected target audiences. Your organization's competitive advantages & unique selling proposition must be communicated within the established & alternative media channels (Traditional, PR, Digital, Online, Social Media, etc.) in order to have the desired effect.

Step, Speed of Execution, involves your organizations require to perform at a higher rate of activity. The firm needs to look for "spark-plugs" within the organization to bring forth fresh ideas & innovative thinking. Your company needs to understand, advise & guide its customers through the maze of opportunities, & pick the appropriate team for project delivery.

Finally, with today's aging population it is essential to attract employees that can connect better with Generation Y. Step outlines strategies that permit businesses to tap in to this growing market with new & existing products & services. Continuous improvement is the key.