Our first meeting of the year got off to a swift start with a rapid-fire session on sales growth and business expansion. We had a great turnout as many eager minds joined us to learn about new ways of thinking about growing their businesses. Through a series of contemporary examples, Sandra illuminated some of the high-impact ways to strategically grow revenue and expand business in competitive markets.
According to Sandra, there are several key developments and trends to watch for to increase revenue, such as:
B-Corporations
B Corps (Benefit Corporations) are for-profit companies that meet rigorous standards of social and environmental performance, accountability, and transparency. Today, there is a growing community of more than 2,035 Certified B Corps from 50 countries, 30 states, and over 130 industries working together toward 1 unifying goal: to redefine success in business. Laureate Education is the first B-Corp to execute an IPO this year in January, and investors are lining up to invest in companies with a strong triple-bottom-line.
Multi-stakeholder Models
Focusing on the power of collaboration, representatives from every facet of a project or undertaking get together for a shared purpose, leverage resources, and drive powerful results. The first successful example of this was a coalition between Fair Trade USA, the Government of Brazil, the university (Minas Gerais), executives from Sam’s Club and Wal-Mart, and the coffee farmers (Marquez de Paiva), who worked together to achieve revenue and social responsibility goals, resulting in rapid growth, industry awards, and long-term sustainable practices.
Strategic Partnerships
The right partnership at the right time and place can stimulate growth at unprecedented rates, by providing new direction and energy to companies and their expansion campaigns. Parties can share expertise, resources, co-branding, promotions, and distribution into new markets. And what better example of this than our very own Lagunitas Brewing Co., who teamed up with Heineken to roll out to 10 new international markets in 6 months – a feat that would otherwise be insurmountable for the boutique brewery we’ve always known and loved.
In today’s business landscape, successful leaders need to be nimble and adaptive. They need to keep a watchful eye on trends and promises of the future, and in some cases, even come to terms with the changes around them before their businesses fade out of the market.
The US Census bureau reported that as of July 2014 Latinos as the largest single ethnic group in the state of CA at 39%, projected to hit 49% by year 2060. Demographics are changing; accelerator models are picking up steam; biodynamic food products are hitting the market feverishly, and direct-to-consumer channels are growing momentum via new and improved technologies.
Now more than ever, business opportunities are democratized and it’s not unusual for a small new player on the scene to take on an industry giant through innovation, social advantage, or added value to customers. Companies are investing more time and resources on innovation and new roles, such as Chief Growth Officers, are taking leadership of marketing and innovation departments in fast-growing companies.
How will you think about growth this year? What are the steps you’re taking in your business to propel into new markets and capitalize on new opportunities? Do you recommend other notable/novel growth strategies you’d like to share with our group?
Big thanks to everyone who was able to join us this week, and our utmost gratitude goes out to Sandra Beaton for a dynamic presentation that engaged everyone, instilled new perspectives, and made sure everyone learned at least one new thing at the breakfast meeting.
And if you missed your lesson of the day, here’s the Beaton Growth Model you can follow on your next strategy session!
To learn more about some of the topics Sandra spoke about, check out these resources:
- Liquid Investment; Lasting Value (link)
- CPG Companies Are Appointing Chief Growth Officers — Should CMOs Be Worried? (link)
- B Corp Index (pdf infographic)
- Sandra Beaton Full Bio (pdf)
Sandra Beaton is the Founder and CEO of a unique bi-lingual (Spanish), woman-owned consulting firm, Beaton Global Connections, based in Northern CA. Her mission, vision and values are aligned to make a difference and support authentic impact on a global, national or local scale. We drive results in both for profit and non-profit organizations based on innovative and strategic approaches. Her expertise incorporates driving significant revenue and brand growth, with simultaneous improvements in economic, social justice, and environmental issues.
“On the Beaton path”, we walk together, collaborate and focus to achieve new levels of success. We lead growth with a wide range of clients for strategic planning and partnerships, business development, brand development, corporate philanthropy and social responsibility (triple bottom line results) and customized programs and promotions. Her success has been driven by a deep passion for helping others achieve their goals, developing authentic relationships which result in new business, and creating strategic and effective multi-stakeholder partnerships. She has experience working in the Food and Beverage, Wholesale/Retail, Hospitality/Tourism, Wine and Spirits and Technology industries.
Thank you Sandra!
CEO Club Of Marin 
