Use This Outline to Explain What You Do.
Maybe I missed the TPS Report, but I've had two startup companies recently reach out about help expanding into new markets and they both sent me a one-page document that clearly and concisely explained who they are and what they do. It was refreshing. Simplicity, these days, seems to be the exception, rather than the rule. With many websites I cannot for the life of me figure out what the company does, I usually go to Wikipedia or ChatGPT which is pathetic.
This is the rough template these companies used to explain themselves in one page.
- What we sell.
- Why our customers buy.
- What’s the problem?
- What we have.
- What we do not have.
If you don't have something like this, carve out time to make one. It can be used to update messaging and establish, or re-establish, your team's mission. You'll notice it is not slick and shiny and probably won't pass the marketing collateral test, but it is clear and quickly explains what a company actually does.
Our team in the Philippines did it and we all found it really helpful. I don't talk much about this part of my business, but we are growing, which is great. Here is our company synopsis. (Reach out if you think we can help.)
What we sell:
We provide half-time and full-time Backoffice Offshore Resources in the areas of sales, marketing and finance support. Our operations are based in the Philippines and our senior managers have worked with us for over a decade.
Why our customers buy:
Consistency at a lower cost. High employee turnover combined with escalating costs means that businesses need backup plans to ensure work gets done reliably. We host and manage employees who work directly for our clients. Our location means we have access to great talent at great rates. Our clients take advantage of the massive cost-saving by partnering with us to hire and manage talented people based around Manila, Philippines.
Example: A Singapore-based relocation firm works with us to provide ongoing finance, invoicing and other operational support. Recently one of their employees got sick and we were able to cover the gap immediately.
Example: An MNC works with us to provide database cleaning and building, following up on inbound inquiries and launching outbound marketing campaigns.
What’s the problem?
Hiring! One big global trend is that companies are challenged with hiring and keeping talented employees. Not only that, but salaries in many regions are also skyrocketing. This has resulted in expensive talent shortages and declining productivity. Companies are looking for ways to maintain productivity in a cost-effective manner. Call it the next wave of outsourcing.
What we have.
One word: experience. Outsourcing services is not as easy as it sounds. It takes different types of communication, long-term relationships and trust to make this kind of service work. More outsourcing services fail than succeed and it is usually due to a breakdown of one of more of these factors. We’ve been doing this since 2006. We literally wrote the book on what works and what doesn’t work. Partner with us and we’ll get you signed copies. 😊
What we do not have.
Short term thinking. For years we used to take on project work like Lead Generation where clients wanted boatloads of leads right away. Those programs rarely worked. We turn all that stuff down now and we’re healthier and happier for it. So are our clients.
We also don't do the whole "seats" thing. Many BPOs sell "seats" on a monthly basis. We don't like referring to our people as furniture. If you need a short-term fix or a "seat," please find another team to work with!
Have a go at re-writing your company overview and see if it helps clarify things!