Power Talk │ February 2021│Ready to Startup

When and why to Pivot
Think about how you can get into new customer
segments, be profitable and take advantage of
schemes, Address the changing needs of
consumers, which means a lot of on the ground
research, customer conversations, adopting new
technologies. Remember the biggest companies
changed course and fought many tough battles .
See the examples of Amazon, Reliance, Tata
Group on how they brought new
products/services in very crowded markets and
tough business environments
Sales
An important skill even if founders have not done
this too often in their previous assignments. I Will
stress that you have to build your ability, know
your competition and customers very well. Show
your sales team how to do it. Please don't leave
it to others. Clients want to get the backup from
the senior leaders, Founders to build trust in your
product or your service. Build that Relationship
and Goodwill.
Investor Talks, Embassy Conversation on
Global Expansion
The Ecosystem is always providing knowledge
sessions and Platforms like Power Talk with
Archanna ,Yourstory, TiE, GoI are always bringing
the info to you , stay tuned through Newsletters,
Email and Digital Media.
Referral Marketing
The Gig economy has many freelancers,
agencies who can get you customers for a
success fee; So you do not have to have a huge
infrastructure marketing team that sums upto
be huge upfront costs that shoot up your budget
manifold
Tools like the Business Model Canvas, Lean Startup
(Al Reis), Flywheel Marketing should be
used. These tools are not just concepts. They
are frameworks for growth and a dashboard to
monitor your organisation. Engage and Delight
customers and they will keep buying from you.
Customer retention is the key
Marketing Collaterals & Digital Assets
Invest on working with top notch folks both external
and internal on having your website, mailers, social
media channels like LinkedIn showcase page,
Facebook page, Twitter, Instagram/ and Youtube
channel. Each of these social media handles should
look good, stay updated. You must have your
customer testimonials highlighted along with
product updates, your team and ,industry news.
Obviously costs matter, so look at barter tools,
upgrading skills for team and yourself. Get interns
and value resources by asking other founders for
recommendations.
Build your personal brand as a Thought Leader who
is keen on adding Value, Knowledge and Ecosystem
Building. This entails Hard work , putting aside
committed hours and selfless giving, Pay it Forward
activities. All this is indeed very much worth it!!
How to do this though when there is so much
pressure on time, driving sales. Customer
interactions is a very valid point and so look at few
start points like blogging, being a volunteer with
Organisations like TiE, Headstart Network
Foundation etc.. Podcasting is a great ide.
Contributing simple Articles on LinkedIn. Do it on a
regular basis on subjects where you are expert, have
insights is much appreciated and valuable.
Digital Tools for Remote sales & Networking
Whether you are Providing SaaS services, product
company, Hardware/IoT, it is important to stay on top
of your game .Its advisable to use tools like Webinars,
Skype, ZOOM, G Meet, Slack etc to monitor, connect,
seamlessly support your teams and clients. Be part of
Groups( Digital, Hybrid, Mentor Circles) to know about
your Industry.
Publish well curated, researched videos, white papers
that will be of vital use to your customers and their
teams; they will love the value and help .This gives a
gentle nudge to build trust , retain and get referrals.
Attend workshops and industry seminars regularly.
Work on the digital networking without being too
pushy and self agenda promotion .These meetings
Power Talk l Ready to StartUp