074: Don’t Chose a Service, Solve a Problem With Greg Alexander

We're thrilled to offer the latest episode of the Marketing Umbrella Podcast. In this episode, we chat with Greg Alexander, bestselling author and the founder of Collective 54. It is the first mastermind community solely dedicated to supporting professional service firms in their growth, scaling, and exit strategies. 

Greg is also the author of the book "The Boutique: How to Start, Scale, and Sell a Professional Services Firm," which is a must-read for those who want to establish or develop a professional services firm.

Greg is both informative and inspiring as he talks about his journey from being an employee to successful entrepreneur, to extraordinary exit.. The primary focus is on understanding what customers want and need. Greg also shares his insights into the golden age of marketing agencies, highlighting the significance of self-investment for entrepreneurs and founders.

Some key highlights include:

• Identifying the Right Problem: Help entrepreneurs and business owners identify and solve the right problems with valuable insights.

• Five Listening Techniques  for being truly client-centric

  • Win-Loss Reviews: After every sales campaign, ask clients why they chose your company or a competitor. This provides the voice of the customer from the prospect's perspective.

  • Net Promoter Scores (NPS): NPS gauges customer loyalty. By measuring and understanding scores, gain insights into satisfaction and loyalty.

  • Client Advisory Boards: Advisory boards with clients allow open and honest discussions, helping tailor services to better meet their needs.

  • Post-Project Reviews: Get feedback from clients after completing a project to improve your services.

  • Conference Attendance: Industry events connect you with clients and peers. Gather feedback, insights, and stay informed on market trends.

• Key points on how to scale a professional service firm

  • Mentoring and Coaching: Mentoring and coaching can help you scale your business. Seek out mentors, role models, and coaches who can guide you. Learning from others is valuable.

  • Peer Support: Build a network of peers for insights, ideas, community, and support. They can help you overcome obstacles and share best practices.

  • Investing in Personal Development: As an entrepreneur, invest in your personal development. This includes continuous learning, skill development, and self-improvement. Personal growth is key to business growth.

  • Continuous Learning: Stay informed about industry trends, best practices, and emerging technologies. Be open to learning and adapting. The business landscape is ever-changing.

  • Leverage Online Resources: Greg highlights the importance of utilizing online resources, including Collective 54, his book "The Boutique," and podcast ProServe, for business growth and scaling.

Closing Thought:  “Understand your customers. By listening to your clients, you're not just improving your services; you're building trust and long-term relationships.”

To Connect with Greg:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gpalexander

• Website: http://www.collective54.com  

To learn more about Umbrella and to connect with CEO Itamar Shafir, go to https://umbrellaus.com