Vision, evaluation, strategy, and action are the concepts that define my approach to small business strategy
These ideas are the common thread among the varied types of support I provide. They are the reason I tailor my work to each business owner and your unique needs. And, when they are tailored to your vision, the obstacles you face, and the needs of your customers, then they are the tools that will help you achieve lasting success.
The Services I Provide
Vision underlies everything with your business. It guides our decision-making. It is born from personal experiences, values, & limiting beliefs (those nagging negative thoughts that hold us back). It requires a growth mindset & an understanding that we may never reach our ultimate goal.
VISION
Whether something is deemed a success or failure, we must try to find out all we can about what contributed to the outcome. We must look at how & why we do things, show gratitude, be willing to admit we're wrong, not be afraid of change, be open to knew ideas, & seek varied perspectives.
EVALUATION
Strategy is a pattern of behaviors & how we make decisions. It is what reveals opportunities & silver linings. Strategy requires clear vision, analytical & creative thinking, research, consideration of resources, imagined possibilities & a release of fear.
STRATEGY
All of this prep work needs to be put into action. This is where the plan comes about. We map the path to our goal, choosing stops along the way to review & adjust the course. We decide which tools to use, how we want to use them, & who's responsible for them.
ACTION
You may be looking to adjust your marketing approach, get your financials in order, or tackle that task list that never seems to get any shorter. Strategy isn't at the top of your list of needs, but you do want fresh ideas and you need help getting it all done.
I will bring creative ideas, a library of research, and over 20 years of experience to help you grow your customer base through targeted marketing, lower your expenses and develop more accurate forecasts, and save time through streamlining your processes for efficiency.
You'll also gain a way to measure every decision you make - a guide that will keep you from veering from your path and makes it easier to make progress toward your goals.
Adjust messaging & approach to match audience
Writing
Mission & Vision
Authentic language reflecting your hopes & values
Business Plans & Pitches
Adjust the language & approach so you get funded
Operations
Procedure Manuals, Employee Handbooks, How-To Guides, Forms, Brochures & more
Legalese
First drafts of Contracts, Late Payment Letters, Bylaws, etc.
Improve your efficiency, accountability & profitability
Database Development
Track customer engagement, Vendor agreements, Inventory, Staff Schedules, etc.
Task Management
Improve productivity with a system tailored to you
Systems
Financials
Budget Templates & Forecasts, Finding the right Tool / Software / Person, Pricing & Pay Schedules that account for direct & hidden costs & are fair & competitive, etc.
Customer Experience
User friendly with minimum effort
Build strong relationships with all connected to your business
Build Trust
Validate, listen to understand, & show sincere appreciation to team, customers, & vendors
Feedback
Improve outcomes & morale by seeking opinions from all staff, customers, colleagues, etc.
Reflection
Reconnect with passion, overcome limiting beliefs, & see silver-linings
People
Resiliency
Release fear & improve ability to adapt to struggles & change
Authentic Voice
Develop Brand, Connect with Creatives, Art Direction, & Graphic Design
Compelling & memorable content to grow audience
Targeted Messages
Customer Profiles to know who to target, where to reach them, & what to say
Website & SEO
Design, Content, Build, & SEO Management so the right people show up to a user-friendly site
Marketing
Social Media, Ads & PR
Expand your exposure with adapted messaging
To support small business owners that have not been served by traditional consulting agencies, equipping you with effective tools, ideas, training, and skilled hands-on support so you can overcome the odds & achieve long-term success.
My Mission
Artists & Entrepreneurs from Creative Industries
Working Class & So-Called "Blue-Collar" Businesses
Service Industry & Those Providing Valuable Services
Businesses Owned By Marginalized Groups
Start Ups That Lack Capital / Are Self-Funded
Who I Serve
The main reasons businesses fail:
Financial Hurdles
Inadequate Management
Lack of Planning
Ineffective Marketing
My work is varied & personalized, but I always use:
Creative Problem-Solving
Authentic Storytelling
In-Depth Research
Hands-On Implementation
What I Do
My Approach
The Gear for the Journey
The Four Directions
"Alexis was an incredible asset to our team. Eloquent, problem solving, innovative, and compassionate. She brought organization and insights that took our project to the next level. She is a catalyst for positive change."
photographer & artist
Jill Sutherland McKenna
It seems we most often go to marketing to solve our business woes. But marketing is only effective if your first steps are reflection, research, and organization.
My work for small businesses is focused on:
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Concept Development
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Refining Mission & Vision
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Developing Strategy
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Setting SMART Goals
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Creating Action Plans
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Streamlining Systems & Process
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Relationships with Customers, Employees, Partners, & Vendors
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Marketing & Communications
