Starting a business is exciting and ambiguous – and that’s the fun. It’s a time of possibility, experimentation, imagination, and showing the world what you can do. But, it can also feel slow, frustrating, and full of traps and distractions, leaving potential entrepreneurs to question their self-worth and to wonder why they started in the first place. As a small business coach, I’ll help you cultivate an entrepreneur’s mindset, so you can start and grow your businesses with confidence and step boldly into the role of business owner. Subscribe to get access to weekly tips, small business interviews, and more.
🚀 Refine Your Story This September
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Hi Reader, Most businesses start here:
That’s Market Development: you're trying to sell your existing offer to new people. It's a pretty foundational growth strategy and an ideal place to start because it forces you to really refine the story you're telling. As Seth Godin put it: “Marketing is no longer about the stuff you make, but about the stories you tell.” Seeking out more people doesn’t mean changing your story entirely. It's about dialing it in – it's about refinement. The more people you try to reach, the more clarity you need around what resonates:
That’s the real work of market development: You start experimenting with different versions of your story. Not because you’re lost, but because you’re getting closer by tinkering. You’re tuning into what lands and letting go of what doesn't, sharpening your message, building your brand, and learning in public. It’s not just about reach. It’s about resonance. There’s no shame in being a chameleon at this stage. You’re experimenting. Think of your favorite standup comedian: the punchlines that really land with an audience were tested on smaller stages. They put in the reps way before they landed the Netflix special. Some versions won't work – that's okay. It's all feedback you can use to improve. Want help sharpening your story? Try this AI prompt: Copy and paste the prompt below into ChatGPT. Fill in the blanks with your own details, then see what it generates. You can refine it from there. “I’m a [type of business] that helps [describe your audience] solve [describe their main problem or need] by offering [your product or service]. I want to reach more people like them. Can you help me write a short marketing message or brand story that speaks to their goals, frustrations, and language?” You can also try prompting it with these questions:
Use what feels helpful, toss what doesn’t, and remember – clarity comes with action. Until next time, Michael
Michael Schefman | 321 Liftoff Copyright © 2024 by 321 Liftoff LLC |
Michel Schefman, 321 Liftoff
Starting a business is exciting and ambiguous – and that’s the fun. It’s a time of possibility, experimentation, imagination, and showing the world what you can do. But, it can also feel slow, frustrating, and full of traps and distractions, leaving potential entrepreneurs to question their self-worth and to wonder why they started in the first place. As a small business coach, I’ll help you cultivate an entrepreneur’s mindset, so you can start and grow your businesses with confidence and step boldly into the role of business owner. Subscribe to get access to weekly tips, small business interviews, and more.
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