Small and medium-sized businesses face the constant challenge of growing and standing out amid rapid transformations and high market competitiveness. According to a Sebrae study, half of businesses close before completing five years, with lack of planning being one of the main reasons for this statistic.
With this in mind, strategic planning and networking are indispensable tools for SMEs. This is because, in addition to increasing revenue and building solid businesses, establishing a strong network of contacts can help overcome barriers, especially for companies with limited resources.
According to Samuel Modesto, accountant graduated from FACAPE, tax specialist from FJN-CE and author of the book “Beyond the Numbers”, defining strategies is essential for SMEs to achieve their goals. ‘When you work with clear goals and a plan aligned with market needs, you can better utilize your resources, reduce expenses, and identify opportunities that boost revenue,’ he explains.
How to define strategies and expand professional contacts
Strategic planning is not just a tool for short-term growth but also for building solid and resilient businesses over time. Modesto also emphasizes the importance of networking as a strategic differentiator for entrepreneurs. ‘The exchange of experiences and building connections help open doors, generate partnerships, and even access markets that would otherwise be unreachable,’ he states.
For companies looking to boost their results, the first step is to map out clear objectives and define priorities. Modesto suggests dividing goals into short, medium, and long-term, establishing performance indicators to measure progress. ‘An efficient plan needs constant review. It’s crucial to adjust strategies as the market changes and new opportunities arise,’ he warns.
Regarding networking, the tip is to start by participating in industry-specific events. Prepare beforehand: bring business cards, familiarize yourself with participants in advance, and have a clear pitch about what your company offers. ‘Effective networking isn’t just about exchanging contacts but building valuable relationships based on trust and mutual collaboration,’ Modesto reinforces.
‘Business Connection’: event builds bridges for business success
During the ‘Business Connection’ event, taking place in Petrolina (PE) on January 27, Modesto, along with six other experts from the São Francisco Valley, will lead an in-depth immersion on how to strategically plan to increase revenue and achieve long-desired financial stability.
Additionally, the training offers the opportunity to apply networking in practice. ‘Our goal is to provide tools that entrepreneurs and small business owners can immediately apply, optimizing processes, exploring new opportunities, and building professional relationships that add value to their businesses,’ the mentor states.
