Entrepreneur's Guide - Getting Back to IRL Business - Fall 2021

The Fall is fast approaching and yes I am ready to get back to the real Board room, back to networking events, back to speaking to thousands of people.

In the business world this means 4Q mayhem normally. And added to that a lost COVID year of missed in person business, 4Q2021 is sure to be a whirlwind! So how do we get back to IRL (In Real Life) business. As the wisest business leaders always say, planning is everything.

As a leader of my own 15+ year branding and digital marketing agency, JSM, supporting executives, female business owners, entrepreneurs and artists with partners, staff and multiple divisions (JSM for executives , JSM for artists , Warrior women in Business ), I know that if I am not sharp and ready for a busy IRL Fall we will miss out on revenue-generating opportunities and growth.

So how do you prepare best?

1. Look historically at Q4 Sales for hints on what you can do better and do it now!

Most business owners have a historical sales timeline. In that, seasonality occurs, fluctuations in projects, sales, staff. Look at pre-COVIDZ 4Q (let's say 2019). What happened there and why? How could you have done better?

In general, if your Q4 shows the same level of clients/customers/staff as the previous year and it does not meet your business growth objectives, there is something you are not doing in Q3.

Q3 in retail for example is when budgets go to Q4 Holiday campaigns. Take cues from large retailers like Wal-Mart, Target, Amazon - can you say Back to School shopping?

You may want to invest some marketing dollars into targeted paid campaigns (Search/Social) around specific products, campaigns, initiatives, new services you are planning on executing in the Fall.

2. Now what about your sales calls and business networking calendars?

Sales are what runs businesses and gets you to a point where you can Exit or sell your business. And in that , ongoing escalation of sales quarter to quarter is what can make thatg a reality for you and your business.

To do sales and social selling , such as on LinkedIn, well you need to arrange and execute effective and efficient sales time.

This means hand-picking networking events with qualified peers and those whom you want to business. This means having a plan for networking , from how you show up, your attitude, what you convey and how you build those relationships post events. It means being prepared, from how you dress, how you smile, how you speak, how you listen, what time you spend and how you add value in all networking situations.

This means using networking tools like LinkedIn , your CRM, your email and more to find those whom you want to engage with in selling. In that, sales needs to be a daily activity even when you think it's the Summer. No. If you want a prosperous Q4, sales has hundreds of activities. Get on them. I have been a Sales Director for many companies, a social sales consultant, a sales trainer. Sales is not meant for the Fall and Winter only. If you want to avoid the cash flow ups and downs of most small businesses, think sales year round.

3. Get a fresh new style and attitude

IRL business is happening and soon. The COVID VAX has become mandatory. The world economy wants to get back on its feet and fast. People are so ready for IRL. Show up with your best self. Prepare now by planning a new style. Start developing a positive, decisive attitude.

4. Align yourself with the best Mentors and teachers

Read business books from success leaders now. Watch more presentations and seminars from those who are your role models. Look out and ask for mentors to propel you in Q4. Attend educational events.

So let me tell you what I am doing on these check-marks and how my efforts may support you!

1. I have accepted the volunteer role as the new NAWBO-NYC President (. I have been working hard since July 1 2021 to prepare myself , my Board and NAWBO-NYC members for success in Q4, In this I have spearheaded proper alliances with such organizations that support women business owners as Luminary to plan for networking and educational co-hosted events. Of course if you are woman business owner in NYC and not a NAWBO member, I highly suggest you attend an August event as our guest at NAWBO-NYC Events
2. I have started my own peer network of agency owners . In this, we are on the lookout for each other for client collaboration projects. We do calls every 2 weeks with clear agendas and sales updates. If you run a small ad or marketing agency and want to learn more, check out the affiliate program on JSM .
3. As the leader of JSM for Artists (and a musician myself), where my team and I help bands grow and where we support the sales of players in the music business industry, I have created a Warrior women committee of female music business owners. We are actively planning a concert series in NYC to support unsigned bands. In this to help musicians and workers in the industry, including the venues make big revenues in Fall 2021. If you are an owner of a music business service, check out JSM for Artists and connect with us on how we can involve and support you.
4. I have reached out to and connected with several of my corporate executive clients on acting as a mentor to JSM. Their mentorship, if even one short email a month, catapults my business forward. Mentors who have been there, done that can help you avoid mistakes, make better business decisions, connect to new clients and much more. At NAWBO-NYC we have a Mentoring program for women in business.
5. I am constantly connecting on LinkedIn , in email and offline with potential partners and clients and quickly figuring out the right fits and how I or JSM can add value to them. Part of all of this effort is to also not chase or waste anyone's time. Real business people will respect that.
6. Instead of watching Netflix or going out for drinks this Summer, when I am not practicing music (my 2nd career) I am reading , watching or listening to great business leaders who have a similar bottom-line. no BS approach as me. Although I do not know them personally, I feel like they are my virtual dream team.

LinkedIn is about sharing best practices. Feel free to comment on what you are doing to prepare for your best business Q4. Let's all hit it big IRL ! Learn more about all the ways JSM can support your business or shoot me a question at Jasmine Sandler Media.