Topics Covered In This Episode

• Master the art of proposal writing: Proposals are fundamental tools for business growth. Keep them simple and make sure they succinctly convey the value you're providing. Use sales language instead of contract language and consider a risk assessment for situations when things don't go as planned.
• Use simple communication tools: Instead of relying on fancy communication tools, focus on clear and straightforward methods. It's important not to skip steps and to follow up consistently.
• Reinforce value with proposals: Proposals can be a tool to reinforce the value of your business. Whether it's a detailed quote builder or a general statement of work, use the proposal to show your value proposition clearly.
• Align proposal with pricing strategy: Understand that pricing is a significant part of your proposal strategy. Ensure you're not undercharging for your services, and consider raising rates as a method to attract long-term clients.
• Optimize proposals for long-term relationships: Proposals should not just be about winning a job, but also about fostering long-term relationships with clients. Present your proposals in a way that demonstrates your commitment to a lasting partnership.

Have a question or feedback about Business Unfiltered. Record an audio message https://s.bcast.fm/business-unfiltered-with-chris-mercer-and-jeff-sauer?episode=286jx318

Topics Covered In this Episode

• Implement a referral system that eliminates friction. Lack of one can lead to missed opportunities.
• Referrals > ads. Referrals often come with higher trust and credibility than ads. Focus efforts on earning referrals by providing excellent service and maintaining good client relationships.
• Handle departing clients strategically: When a client leaves your company, use these instances as opportunities to ask for referrals, and be mindful of timing when making the request.
• Leverage super connectors and personal traits: Recognize the role of 'super connectors' in your network and use your personal traits (whether introverted or extroverted) to form meaningful connections and foster referrals.
• Create conversations and pursue influencers: Promote discussions between other parties, as they can lead to potential referrals. Identify influencers in your market that can significantly increase your referral rates. 

Have a question or feedback about Business Unfiltered. Record an audio message https://s.bcast.fm/business-unfiltered-with-chris-mercer-and-jeff-sauer?episode=1n22qm2n

Topics Covered In This Episode: 

• How to know when is the right time to create SOPs for your business processes (Don't do it too early or too late. Find the Goldilocks moment when you have a proven process and enough people to benefit from standardized procedures.)
• Keep your documentation simple. Adopt a minimum viable approach to SOPs. Focus on essential task lists or checklists rather than overly detailed plans. Tailor your documentation to different roles and use videos or screen recordings to transfer knowledge effectively.
• Balance risk and reward: Delegate tasks while considering the potential risks. Foster a culture of trust and continuous learning. As your team grows, add an operations manager or department head to ensure consistent quality and project management.

Have a question or feedback about Business Unfiltered. Record an audio message https://s.bcast.fm/business-unfiltered-with-chris-mercer-and-jeff-sauer?episode=4n90yl58

Topics Covered in this Episode:

• Finding the right job boards and creating a clearly defined job role to find remote contractors who can handle specific tasks or projects. 
• How to test the waters and assess their performance before making a long-term commitment.
• What you need to know about hiring based on skills and performance (instead of hiring someone who can do the job, focus on hiring someone who is already doing the job or possesses the necessary skills using related tests or assignments.)
• How you can develop a hiring funnel that filters out candidates so you can interview the very best ones. (well-crafted job description to attract the right candidates, pre-qualifying questions, personality profiles, and tests to assess skills and fit with the company culture)
• Why you need to verify substance and gather data (avoid making hiring decisions based solely on instincts or charm. Gather data by assessing applicants' performance, consistency, and work history. Check their claims and pay attention to inconsistencies that raise red flags.)

Have a question or feedback about Business Unfiltered. Record an audio message https://s.bcast.fm/business-unfiltered-with-chris-mercer-and-jeff-sauer?episode=l8qz07rn