Better Human Business Podcast

As we edge closer to the new year, it’s crucial for business owners to not just set goals but to strategically plan how to attract more clients, customers, and patients. Holiday promotions are a great way to do that.

Embracing the Grain

Historically, I prided myself on going against the grain, avoiding promotional campaigns or sponsorships to maintain a sense of uniqueness. However, there’s a fine line between principled stands and needless defiance. For instance, my initial reluctance to participate in Black Friday sales was more about avoiding conformity than making a principled choice. This mindset cost me significantly, both in terms of potential revenue and growth opportunities.

The Power of New Year Marketing

The start of a new year is ripe with potential for businesses aimed at improving human lives. People are more inclined to seek out services that align with their goals for self-improvement, making it an opportune time for you to offer your solutions. Avoiding the momentum of the new year under the guise of wanting to be different is, simply put, a missed opportunity.

A Simple Marketing Framework for Holiday Promotions

Here’s a straightforward marketing strategy to consider as we approach the new year:

1. Segmentation: Start by identifying who among your audience is interested in making changes in the new year. This can be as simple as sending out an email asking if they’d like to learn more about what you’re offering.
2. Engagement: Once you’ve identified interested individuals, engage them with a series of emails. Educate them about the current state of the industry, how your approach differs, and the unique value you offer.
3. Launch and Scarcity: Launch your offering with clear communication about any limitations, such as availability or special pricing, to create authentic scarcity and urge action.
4. Follow-up: Keep the lines of communication open with reminders and updates as the offer nears its close.

This framework not only respects your audience’s desires but also positions your offering in a way that aligns with their new year motivations.

Conclusion

The key takeaway as we navigate the transition into a new year is not to shun the paths well-traveled for the sake of being different. Also…run a holiday promotion! Instead, focus on strategic, principled decisions that align with your business goals and principles. If the prospect of organizing a New Year campaign seems daunting, remember, the effort you put in now can set the tone for your success in the coming year. If you’re hesitating, my advice is simple: try harder.

-Jerred Moon

Listen to the episode on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Overcast, Podcast Addict, Pocket Casts, Castbox, Google Podcasts, Amazon Music, or on your favorite podcast platform.

TIME-STAMPED SHOW NOTES:

(00:00) Introduction – The importance of New Year marketing strategies for business owners.

(00:23) Against the Grain – Reflecting on past reluctances to conform to typical marketing strategies and the realization of its cost.

(01:30) Principled Stands vs. Stupidity – Distinguishing between avoiding conformity for a good reason and missing out on opportunities due to stubbornness.

(02:55) The New Year Opportunity – Highlighting the potential of the New Year for businesses aimed at self-improvement and betterment.

(04:27) Marketing Framework Breakdown – Detailed steps for a successful New Year marketing campaign, including segmentation, engagement, launch, and follow-up.

(08:31) Conclusion – Encouragement to embrace strategic marketing efforts for the New Year and a call to action to try harder in the face of challenges.

In today’s competitive business landscape, establishing a winning company culture within your team is not just an advantage; it’s a necessity.

Leadership at the Core

The journey to cultivating a winning culture begins with leadership. Being a leader that commands respect, not out of fear or a desire to be liked, but through trust and integrity, is vital. Your team needs to see you embodying the company’s core values in every action, decision, and interaction. This authenticity builds a foundation of trust that is indispensable for fostering a culture of excellence.

Values vs. Standards

While core values are the beliefs and principles that guide a company, they often remain abstract without actionable standards. Standards are the behaviors and expectations that are lived and breathed daily within the team. For instance, in the military, the core values of integrity, service before self, and excellence are operationalized through specific standards, like fitness requirements. Similarly, in a business context, setting clear standards that align with your core values is crucial for translating ideals into action.

Setting and Upholding Standards

Two standards I advocate for in all my businesses are “Try Harder” and “Don’t Complain.” “Try Harder” is defined as making an attempt in which failure is unreasonable, pushing the team to plan, prepare, and execute with diligence. Meanwhile, “Don’t Complain” fosters a positive, solution-focused mindset, crucial for maintaining morale and productivity.

The Leader’s Role in Company Culture Building

Building a winning culture is an ongoing process that demands consistent effort from the leader. It’s about leading by example, setting clear standards, and holding everyone (including yourself) accountable to those standards. It’s equally important to address and eliminate negativity and complacency, which can undermine the team’s morale and cohesion.

Conclusion

A winning company culture is the backbone of any successful business, but it’s not achieved by accident. It requires a leader who is respected, core values that are clear, and standards that are actionable and upheld. As we strive to build teams that are not just productive but truly exceptional, remember the importance of leadership, values, and standards in turning your vision into reality. If you find yourself struggling in this endeavor, the solution is straightforward: Try harder.

Listen to the episode on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Overcast, Podcast Addict, Pocket Casts, Castbox, Google Podcasts, Amazon Music, or on your favorite podcast platform.

TIME-STAMPED SHOW NOTES:

(00:00) Introduction – The importance of building a winning culture in business.

(00:23) Leadership Fundamentals – Discussing the role of leadership in cultivating a winning culture.

(00:42) From Values to Standards – The transition from abstract core values to actionable standards.

(01:25) The Importance of Respect – Earning respect through trust and adherence to core values.

(02:09) Implementing Standards – Examples of standards that drive a winning culture, such as “Try Harder” and “Don’t Complain.”

(03:30) Military Insights – Drawing parallels between military standards and business standards for excellence.

(04:28) Actionable Advice for Leaders – How to set and uphold standards within your team to foster a culture of success.

(08:37) Conclusion – The critical role of leadership in building a winning team culture and the call to action for leaders to “Try harder.”

The holiday season poses unique challenges and opportunities for entrepreneurs. As we approach December, it’s crucial to shift our mindset towards this period, not just for the sake of our businesses but for our well-being and that of our families. Thinking time is a great addition for any entrepreneur.

December’s Duality

For many entrepreneurs, December is a double-edged sword. It’s a time when businesses might either be at their busiest or experience a noticeable dip in customer engagement. This cyclical nature can lead to stress, whether it’s from an overload of work or concerns about a temporary slowdown. Moreover, the desire to keep pushing through, to stay on the grind, can detract from the time meant to be spent with loved ones, leading to a mental absence even when physically present.

A New Perspective: The Taper Approach

Drawing inspiration from the world of fitness, where a tapering period allows athletes to recover and prime themselves for peak performance, December can similarly serve as a tapering phase for entrepreneurs. It’s a time to reduce the intensity of our work— not to halt productivity entirely but to recalibrate, reflect, and strategize for the year ahead.

Implementing Thinking Time

One of the most valuable actions you can take during this period is to engage in deliberate thinking time. Inspired by Keith Cunningham’s “The Road Less Stupid,” setting aside time to think deeply about your business, its challenges, and opportunities can lead to breakthrough ideas and clarity. This thinking time is about analyzing the past year, asking critical questions about your business’s direction, and planning strategic moves for the coming year.

Balancing Work and Presence

Adopting this tapering mindset doesn’t mean becoming inactive. Instead, it’s about shifting focus from output to outcome— from doing to planning. This approach allows for a more present and fulfilling holiday season with family, without the guilt or distraction of unfinished work. It’s about understanding that slowing down can be a form of progress, preparing you to hit the ground running with renewed vigor in January.

Conclusion

As we navigate the complexities of entrepreneurship during the holiday season, it’s essential to remind ourselves of why we do what we do. The moments spent with family and friends are precious and irreplaceable. By viewing December as a tapering period, we give ourselves permission to slow down, think strategically, and ultimately, prepare for a successful new year. So, this December, challenge yourself to try harder by thinking differently, strategizing more, and being fully present with your loved ones.

-Jerred Moon

Listen to the episode on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Overcast, Podcast Addict, Pocket Casts, Castbox, Google Podcasts, Amazon Music, or on your favorite podcast platform.

TIME-STAMPED SHOW NOTES:

(00:00) Introduction – The challenge of navigating December as an entrepreneur.

(00:15) The Seasonal Struggle – Understanding the cyclical nature of business during the holidays.

(01:20) The Taper Approach – Conceptualizing December as a period of strategic recovery and preparation.

(02:32) The Value of Thinking Time – Emphasizing deep, strategic thinking over traditional productivity.

(04:23) Strategizing for Success – Planning and reflection activities suited for December’s unique pace.

(08:37) Conclusion – Encouraging entrepreneurs to embrace a new perspective on December, focusing on strategic planning and family presence.