Rich Stillman and Daryl Urbanski discussed the importance of strategic planning and execution in unlocking business growth. They emphasized the need for a go-to-market assessment, a six-block system, and a 21-day business makeover. They also shared personal experiences of professional setbacks and setbacks, and emphasized the importance of resilience, grit, and perseverance in overcoming obstacles.
Additionally, they discussed the challenges of creating a unique value proposition, standing out in a crowded marketplace, and understanding the market and its problems to develop an effective value proposition. They introduced the concept of a 'radical growth sprint' that can turn around a company in 21 days, focusing on the six blocks of strategy development.
Here are the reasons why you should listen to the full interview:
- Learn how to identify and target the right customer base for your startup.
- Discover a more agile approach to getting businesses straightened out.
- Understand the importance of collaboration and practical delegation methods.
Resources
- You may connect Rich Stillman on LinkedIn
- For more Informative Interviews Click Here
Interview Highlights:
Business strategies, marketing, and leadership with a 30-year veteran Rich Stillman
- Daryl Urbanski interviews Rich Stillman on strategic planning and execution.
- Rich Stillman shares experiences in marketing and executive management, highlighting changes in the industry.
- Rich Stillman discusses challenges in their business career, including a setback in Seattle.
Personal growth and business success
- Rich Stillman shares challenges of pursuing career dreams after moving to Seattle with spouse.
- Rich Stillman learned about themselves through Coinstar's seven habits course, leading to personal and professional growth.
- Rich Stillman's journey after being laid off led to fulfilling work at Coinstar, where they started as VP of Marketing and later became President.
- Identify and understand your best customers to grow your business.
Creating a unique offer and target market in a competitive market
- Offer and list are bedrock of business, but stand out in crowded market with unique value proposition.
- Daryl Urbanski and Rich Stillman discuss the importance of clarity and focus in business, particularly in identifying and targeting the right customer.
Understanding market problems and solving them through agile approach
- Identify customers' problems to create a compelling value proposition Rich Stillman
- Solve expensive problems to increase lifetime value Rich Stillman
- CollaborA's 21-day "radical growth sprint" helps small businesses overcome revenue struggles.
Delegating tasks effectively for small business owners
- The CEO of a small business may feel the need to solve all problems themselves, leading to burnout and inefficiency.
- Delegating tasks effectively to employees can help entrepreneurs work on their business rather than in it.
- Rich emphasizes the importance of defining job descriptions and expectations for employees.
- Rich Stillman compares owners/CEOs who micromanage to parents who never let their children face obstacles, resulting in less successful outcomes.
Defining jobs, setting metrics, and onboarding employees for success
- Daryl Urbanski emphasizes the importance of standardized processes and defining work before hiring.
- Rich Stillman emphasizes the importance of creating well-defined roles and metrics for success in early-stage businesses.
- Daryl Urbanski suggests using three key metrics to grade roles and provide feedback, with a weekly one-on-one for at least a couple of months.
Leadership, empathy, and communication in business
- Daryl Urbanski and Rich discuss the importance of setting clear expectations and taking action when necessary to ensure success in business.
- Daryl and Rich emphasize the need for empathy and toughness in leadership, treating employees with respect while holding them accountable for their work.
- Rich shares insights on leadership, communication, and relationships, emphasizing the importance of listening and building trust.
- Rich Stillman's habits that have helped them on their path to success include being proactive in listening and creating relationships of trust.
The power of imagination and potential
- Rich shares a favorite quote by Covey: "live out of your imagination, not your history."
- Rich emphasizes the importance of living in the present and imagining new possibilities, rather than dwelling on the past.
- Daryl Urbanski agrees, highlighting humans' incredible ability to create and innovate through their imagination.
Future trends in customer service, including personalized experiences and redefining the role of customer success teams
- Companies must create concierge-like buying experiences for B2B customers, providing information without physical contact.
- Rich Stillman Customer service is evolving into customer success, focusing on long-term retention and growth.
- Daryl Urbanski: Customer service is a profit center, with new jobs created to help customers be successful.
Creating value for customers through relationship-building and go-to-market assessments
- Daryl Urbanski emphasizes the importance of building long-term customer relationships through value creation and continuous addition of value.
- Peter Drucker's purpose of business is to create value, and businesses must think about how to create value for customers at every stage of the buying process and beyond.
- Rich Stillman offers free go-to-market assessment to help businesses identify areas for improvement.
- Email Rich at rich@collaborate.com to schedule the assessment.
- Daryl Urbanski thanks Rich Stillman for time and shares three lessons learned.