The road ahead Driving your business down the path to success

By Michaela Pointon

Finding new ways to improve your business

Blank Space Strategy (BSS) is an expert boutique digital marketing consultancy. Different from a typical marketing agency, BSS is focussed on supporting small business start-ups looking to grow.

Founder of BSS, Fraser Reeves, suggests some tips for businesses looking to move forward on their entrepreneurial quest and improve business success.

“At BSS we integrate ourselves with partners, founders and leaders. We provide services particularly in the digital marketing setting and digital strategy aspect,” he says.

“For example, market analysis research, geographical research or suggesting marketing strategy aligned personally with individual businesses and much more.”

Fraser says a common tip for effective ideas to improve the success of your business includes creating a long-term business strategy plan.

“I think businesses can often implement shortterm actions and keep ‘moving the needle’ which, can work for the short-term and might give momentum.

“However, a long-term strategy means you can reference back to see if you are meeting objectives and if you’re ‘failing’ what you’re ‘failing’ against and what needs to change.”

Having a business plan to reference and change directions means you can reflect on where you’re at in terms of business success.

He says there may be businesses who continue to work hard for many years, however, are not led by strategy and rather implement ideas without considering how this affects business on an evolving scale.

“Invest in organic brand strategy content. This means investing in a long-term piece of the puzzle.”

He says that sometimes businesses spend ‘too much money’ on digital marketing to fast-track sales or customer engagement.

“Depending on what industry you’re in, you want to consider who your organic customers are. Once this is clear you provide them with information, the solution and value of your product.”

Building and delivering a plan is key to reviewing progress within online digital advertising space. Fraser says self-made content is one of the biggest opportunities businesses have to make an impact in online marketing.

For some brands or businesses, outsourcing to readily available social media platforms such as TikTok can be a successful strategy for improving the success of your business.

“Social media is a way of expressing your brand’s values. For example, ownership in a dynamic TikTok retailer space can engage audiences in a cost-effective way.”

Being prepared to evolve in business is important. Despite social media platforms such as TikTok having the possibility of not existing ‘forever,’ Fraser says these platforms are still a good chance to invest in.

“Utilise all spaces on social media and don’t just stick to one. Try out different avenues and see what works for your business.”

When speaking about workplace culture and the importance of a successful work environment, Fraser says this is more important than ever before for a successful business to operate.

“Workplace culture could be considered more sophisticated than even five or ten years ago. Fostering a positive workplace culture is valued and important.

“I believe aspects such as allowing emotions in the workplace and having mechanisms where people can express themselves is important.

“External anonymous channels of communication may work for some workplaces or six-monthly structured reviews give employees the opportunity to have conversations.”

He says retaining talent can be a challenge for some workplaces now, as aspects in a modern work environment such as flexibility or remote working are valued.

“Exploring options which work for both the employer and employee is important to the success of a positive work environment.

“Especially for younger people these days, I think there is an expectation of an adaptable workplace environment.”

Whether it’s online branding, believing in your brand, being passionate about your values or workplace culture, all impact the success of your business. Ensuring customers are confident in your solution means sales and engagement will rise in no time.

Fraser is looking to connect with any startups or businesses wanting to scale up in operations, particularly in the technology or agri-tech industry.

“There’s a lot of promise in the Canterbury region. I am interested in working with founders and leaders in this space and understanding different market places of this region.”

Fraser says he is excited to see what BSS can do for your brand and develop your business to improve the success overall.

For more information you can get in contact with Fraser through his website, blankspacestrategy.co.nz, and start your next business consultancy with him now. CT