Define Your Brand, Then Make it Stand Out
Regardless of which subject of expertise we discuss on this blog, The Covenant Group team often refers to the common theme of differentiating your business from your competitors. You have to determine
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Don’t Sell: Educate and Inform Your Prospects
The client acquisition process is about helping your prospect buy rather than selling them a product or service, but many people in the business of sales tend to forget that.
Watch How Your Clients Change and Evolve With Them
Clients, for better or worse, are constantly evolving. They will change their priorities, their preferences and their expectations. Because they develop new demands on your company, you need to adjust to
Prove CRM is a Priority Every Day
Many businesses pay lip service to the idea of putting their clients at the center of everything they do. But how many actually follow through with that concept? As a business
Social Activism: It’s Popular, Profitable and Good to Do
For many years, it seemed as if companies that got involved in social causes were either doing so for a public relations campaign or were not creating revenue as a
Shorten Your To-Do List: Delegate
It is an easy trap for an entrepreneur to fall into - believing that there are certain activities that can only be completed by the business owner. In reality, there
Blending the Art and Science of CRM
Most entrepreneurs understand that there are (sometimes conflicting) scientific and emotional elements to running a business. Blending the uniform components of running a company - administrative, sales, marketing - with
More Companies are Marketing Online. Are You Connected?
For some businesses, the evolution of their marketing strategies has been slow. It is understandable: a business owner may be hesitant to introduce a new element to a formula that
Covering the Financial Management Aspect of Your Business Plan
I have dedicated several recent blog posts to the importance of creating a multi-faceted business plan, which may seem excessive until one realizes how integral this document is to the
Don’t Use Technology as a Service Crutch
In a hyperconnected world, we're in danger of using technology as a crutch and an excuse not to connect with clients in the meaningful ways we once did. At The
Understand your Clients’ Problems Before Offering a Solution
When attempting to provide a client with a new financial product, it is important for advisors to realize that they are offering a solution to a challenge or problem, rather
Social Responsibility and Corporate Profitability are not Mutually Exclusive
I have discussed the role that volunteer work and philanthropy can play in an organization, enabling entrepreneurs and their staff members to pursue causes near to their hearts while providing
Share Your Business-Building Ambitions with the Team
When you are a business builder, you likely have a lot of goals and dreams for the future of the organization. However, keeping those aspirations a secret will not result
Salvaging the Client Relationship
There are bound to be instances when a client is unhappy with the product, service or experience when interacting with a business. Yet when clients voice their displeasure with your
Create Teams That Can Run Themselves
As you become more established in running your own organization and generating more business, it will be necessary to delegate functions and tasks to other employees. The main purpose of
Corporate Social Responsibility Is Not Detrimental When Done Right
In past posts, I have discussed the importance of entrepreneurs and businesses giving back to their communities through their time, talent or treasure. These socially minded activities work not only
Are You Using Periodic Reviews to Secure Client Capital?
The most valuable business opportunity for you this year can be found with your existing clients. Because you have already succeeded in converting existing clients, a major portion of the
Recognize and Seize Your Business Opportunities
Entrepreneurs who have been working in a specific market for many years may sometimes feel as if they have hit a glass ceiling. If you think you have targeted as
Even as You Grow, Maintain Small Business Customer Service
While it's the mission of virtually every entrepreneur to grow his or her business, getting bigger doesn't mean you have to abandon some of the best characteristics of smaller organizations.
How You Brand Isn’t Just About Clients
Creating a consistent image for your brand can facilitate a closer connection between your business and your clients, particularly if you run a service company as opposed to one with
Insulate Yourself From Operational Risk
Every entrepreneur has to develop a tolerance for a certain amount of risk. However, this does not mean they have to be vulnerable. By taking steps to assess and mitigate
Budgeting & Planning? Don’t Neglect Marketing
Many small businesses have already started their processes for budgeting for the new year and setting performance goals. Yet how many have given thought to how they will budget their
Create an Ongoing Recruitment Strategy
A firm is only as strong as its people. Although that adage may seem trite, it is true - your business will only be successful if you have created a
Strengthen Your Business with Content Marketing
The print ads, cold calls and air time you buy to build your brand is called external marketing. This marketing strategy can become costly and time-consuming, as you have to