Every move counts, and thinking ahead is key.
After all, starting and running a Business is all about strategy.
Learn how to plan, adapt, and outsmart the competition like a chess Grandmaster.
Your next move could be the game-changer.
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1. ♟️ Plan Your Opening:
Start Strong to Set the Tone for Success
Start your business with a clear vision.
Like chess, the opening moves set the tone.
When I first started out, I knew that that I wanted to help people, and even had a model to do so.
But i was floundering like a Jelly Fish stranded on a beach. I could see the ocean of potential customers, but didn't know how to reach them...
I wish it was as simple as opening your doors and watching the clients line up round the block to flood your bank account with money.
But that isn't how it happens.
When I look back on things, I had the pieces of the puzzle, but was playing Chequers - not Chess.
The answer?
Kids, its all about building anticipation and positioning.
My problem was that I was trying to appeal to everyone.
But it turned out to be far more effective to target specific needs in a smaller market.
Specialization enables you to target marketing messages to people as if you were talking to them directly.
And that is honestly the learning.
Identify your unique value and market positioning.
Execute a strong, calculated entry that paves the way for future success.
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How to Plan Your Opening Moves
In chess, a strong opening sets the stage for the rest of the game, establishing control and creating opportunities for future plays.
The same principle applies when starting a business. Your opening moves, those initial decisions and actions, are crucial for long-term success.
It's easy to get carried away with a grand macro vision.
But especially at the beginning, its the micro that you need to be zooming in in.
Without a well-thought-out strategy from the beginning, you may find yourself reacting to the market instead of leading it.
This is how to do it...
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1. Define Your Vision and Mission
Your vision and mission are your guiding stars. They shape your goals, strategies, and actions.
Spend time clearly articulating what your business stands for and what it aims to achieve. This clarity will not only guide your decisions but also inspire others to support your journey.
Let's take my Coaching business as an example.
After I had established a number of private clients,
I realized my brush strokes were too broad.
So i specialized in very specific cohorts through targeted campaigns.
If you are trying to be everything to every man, you will founder by virtue of appealing to broadly to resonate with people specifically.
That is the learning...
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2. Identify Your Unique Value Proposition (UVP)
Your UVP is what sets you apart from the competition. It’s the reason customers should choose you over others.
To define your UVP, consider your strengths, what your competitors are doing, and what your target market truly needs. Craft a compelling message that communicates your unique advantage.
Mine has always been the amount of effort that I put into creating bespoke sessions (based on the nucleus of a core coaching model)
My other UVP is that I treated every single client like family. I was so vested in their success it was unreal.
(and in fairness, still is to this day)
I tend not to take on many private clients these days, but when I do, nobody works harder than I do.
The other aspect that you always hear me talking about is that force of personality is always the way forward.
Nobody else on the plane can replicate your own.
Put it out there and you will very quickly distinguish yourself in a manner that no other one person can ever hope to replicate.
And by virtue of doing this, competition is (to an extent) bypassed...
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3. Research and Understand Your Market
Just as a chess player studies the board, you must study your market. Who are your competitors? What are the trends?
What are the gaps that your business can fill? Comprehensive market research helps you position your business effectively and spot opportunities others might miss.
One of the best things that I ever did was to make time and effort talking to people before ever trying to pitch them.
Sounds so simple right, but market research conducted in a way that really attempts to understand other peoples needs is the real key to unlocking the path that you need to take.
The interesting thing is that your expectations on what you 'think' that other people want, does not always align with the actual reality.
Research is what builds that bridge of understanding.
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4. Craft a Strong Brand Identity
Your brand is your business’s personality. It’s how you communicate with the world and how the world perceives you.
Invest time in creating a cohesive brand identity that reflects your values, resonates with your target audience, and stands out in the market.
And we have spoken about this before.
It is a complex and nuanced topic.
But if you cant think of a tagline, brand image, logo and identity throughout all of your marketing communication, you will get lost in a sea of sameness.
In a world of almost infinite choices, you have to know what makes you different, special, unique or better.
And communicate this effectively.
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5. Develop a Strategic Launch Plan
A well-executed launch is like the perfect opening gambit in chess.
Plan your product or service introduction carefully, considering factors like timing, marketing channels, and customer engagement strategies.
Me? I initially hoped for the best, and saw tumbleweeds.
But that all changed when I created a proper value driven campaign.
And in the very early days in particular this means giving out free value, whether in the form of information or sessions depending on your business.
It is the way to build credibility and testimonials.
Which in turn attracts further referral business.
And to get your message out there, you can do it organically these days via social media, or spend money through targeted advertizing.
Both ways work, but the organic route takes longer - but costs less.
Either way that you elect to do this...
A strong launch sets the momentum for your business’s growth.
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6. Set Short- and Long-Term Goals
Establish clear, measurable goals for both the short and long term.
And even after the above is all said and done, it really is a balance between what needs to be done today, and keeping the longer term vision in mind of which you are working towards.
I knew that one of my goals was to train people to also become coaches and also to work with businesses (entrepreneurs in the main) to build and develop brands.
So what im trying to say is....
Your short-term goals should be stepping stones towards achieving your long-term vision. Regularly review and adjust these goals as needed to stay on track.
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7. Build a Support Network
Just as chess players analyze games with coaches and peers, build a network of mentors, advisors, and peers who can provide guidance, feedback, and support.
From day one I felt that I could do everything myself, take on the world and go it alone.
I was wrong actually...
Creating a Mastermind Group was one of the very most useful moves that I ever made.
Surrounding yourself with experienced and knowledgeable individuals can accelerate your learning and success.
And it also keeps you accountable.
Friends, I would seriously consider it...
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Your Move:
Your opening moves in business are critical.
By starting with a clear vision, a strong UVP, and a strategic launch plan, you set the tone for your business’s future success.
Like a chess Grandmaster, you must think several steps ahead, ensuring that your initial decisions create a solid foundation for long-term growth.
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2. ♔ Anticipate Moves Ahead: Stay Ahead by Predicting Market Trends
Don’t just react; anticipate. Understand your competitors' strategies and plan your counter-moves.
Yes, your personality and perspectives are unique only to you, but if you think that is enough to succeed, I am afraid that you are very much mistaken.
Even in the coaching space AI is coming.
Back in the day, I needed to adapt to the advent of the internet and later video conferencing.
Both ended up being opportunities for growth, but if you aren't aware of the changes and evolution coming down the pike you will be swept along in the current rather than steering your raft.
It really is a game of Chess !
Think ten steps ahead, predict market shifts and customer needs before they emerge, staying always one step ahead.
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How to Anticipate and Predict in Business
In the world of chess, anticipation is everything. Grandmasters don’t just respond to their opponent's moves; they predict them and plan multiple steps ahead.
In business, the same principle applies. To truly succeed, you need to anticipate market trends, customer needs, and competitor actions before they happen.
This foresight allows you to stay ahead of the curve, adapting quickly and strategically.
Obvious right? Maybe.
But how exactly do we do this?
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1. Conduct Competitive Analysis Regularly
To anticipate your competitors’ moves, you need to keep a close eye on them.
This was a mistake on my part in my earlier days.
After creating my own coaching model (which in itself was a reaction to what i considered a staid and boring way of most people doing things) I thought that would be enough.
But it wasn't. There is a reason why established competitors are currently thriving.
Even if you don't agree with their model, you need to dissect it like a Science Teacher does that Frog back in the fourth year. (remember that)
You don't need to reinvent the wheel but you DO need to know how exactly you plan on improving it...
And that mean:
Regularly conducting a competitive analysis to understand their strengths, weaknesses, strategies, and potential next steps.
Tools like SWOT analysis can help you identify where your business can gain an advantage.
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2. Leverage Data and Research Analytics
Data is your best ally in predicting market trends. Utilize data analytics to monitor customer behavior, sales patterns, and market shifts.
This is easier once you establish a large client base.
But can be done beforehand - and should be.
What I have found is that the best data costs money.
Just like the best courses and coaches always will too.
But investing in quality market research from established and credible data brokers will save you time and money in the long term.
Trust me.
By analyzing this data, you can identify emerging trends, anticipate changes, and adjust your strategy accordingly.
Once established -
Tools like Google Analytics, customer relationship management (CRM) systems, and social listening platforms are invaluable for this too.
But keep the first thing, the first thing my people.
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3. Engage in Scenario Planning
Scenario planning involves envisioning various future scenarios and developing strategies for each.
By considering different possibilities, such as economic shifts, new competitors entering the market, or changes in customer behavior, you can prepare for multiple outcomes.
This practice not only helps in anticipating change but also ensures you’re ready to act swiftly when it occurs.
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4. Stay Informed About Industry Trends
Being well-informed about your industry is key to staying ahead.
Follow industry news, attend conferences, participate in webinars, and engage with thought leaders.
The more you know about where your industry is headed, the better you can anticipate changes and position your business to capitalize on them.
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5. Build a Culture of Innovation
A culture that encourages innovation is crucial for staying ahead.
When you get to the point that you are taking on staff, the game changes again...
It is a topic all of it's own really, from onboarding, to expectations to creating a company culture.
But the bottom line is this...
Foster an environment where your team feels empowered to think creatively and suggest new ideas.
Regular brainstorming sessions and innovation workshops can help generate forward-thinking strategies that keep your business at the forefront of the market.
You know the saying - two brains are better than one.
And there are no better people to bounce ideas around with than those who are personally vested, or invested in your business.
Facts.
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6. Customer Feedback as a Predictive Tool
Your customers can be your best source of foresight. Regularly seek feedback from them about their needs, pain points, and expectations.
It isn't easy to hear what people think that you need to improve in, but ego needs to be pushed to one side in order to grow and to thrive.
Believe me.
This direct insight can help you anticipate changes in demand and adjust your offerings before your competitors do.
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7. Use Predictive Modeling
Predictive modeling involves using statistical techniques to predict future outcomes based on historical data.
By applying these models to your business, you can anticipate sales trends, customer behavior, and other key factors that influence your success.
This approach enables you to make data-driven decisions that align with future market conditions.
It's a more advanced strategy and process, probably outside the scope of this article , but is a topic which I will revist for you.
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Your Move:
Anticipation is a powerful tool in business.
By understanding your competitors, leveraging data, and staying informed about industry trends, you can predict market shifts and customer needs before they happen.
Like a chess Grandmaster, you’ll always be several steps ahead, ready to make strategic moves that keep your business on top.
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Conclusion
And so there is more to the game of business, just as there is more to the game of Chess than Chequers.
(or Draughts as we call it here in the UK)
but by setting yourself up with everything that we have discussed here today, you will have laid the solid foundations to play the game of life, ten steps ahead of the unprepared.
I do hope that you have found value in this content.
If you have. You already know what to do.
Yours, 💘
Michael Masters - The Info Architect.
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Helping you Master the Elements of Mindset, Coaching, Content Creation, Writing and Personal Branding.
By Bulletproofing Brains, Businesses and Bank Balances.
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