Grow Your Service Firm Paperback – 8 Nov. 2011

There's a lot here that is valuable but it is marred by the need for the firm owner to admit to numerous faults before, their spirit broken, the Answer is revealed.Much of the Answer is to establish a leading business despite the issue that the vast majority (by definition) cannot be the best in their sector. They can however improve and there some hints here. I have seen a number of firms that go down the much peddled route of writing a book (which few read) or getting on radio, or TV or in print. It seldom works because it lacks authenticity. But if you do it then good on you.

If you are running your own business selling a service or some kind of expertise, then there is a good chance you are trying to do what Robert Craven describes as 'Grow Your Service Firm'. Don't be put off. The book, `Grow Your Service Firm' is NOT just for accountants and solicitors.Media agencies, graphic designers, plumbers, homeopaths, financial advisers, business consultants, chiropractors, architects, landscape gardeners, electricians, the list goes on... You are all experts in your field, and so The Expert! Model, developed by Robert Craven and his team in the Bright Marketing seminars will work for you.Read on if you want to get more/better clients! Yes, there are a myriad of business books out there which preach the idea of being an 'expert in your field' so that prospects will come to you and you can 'Grow Your Service Firm'. However, THIS book gives you a step by step guide to what this means, and how to go about it.How does it work? Robert Craven defines The Expert! as someone who has five indelible characteristics:The Expert! focusesThe Expert! writesThe Expert! possessesThe Expert! knowsThe Expert! speaksThere are also two additional concepts underpinning The Expert! Model:The Expert! has an `ology'The Expert! uses testimonials and endorsementsFive things plus two concepts. Surely it can't be that easy? What makes this book stand out is the fact that Robert Craven makes these ideas become reality with an action point in each chapter. By following the steps he suggests, you will be able to turn the first five characteristics into daily habits. 'Grow Your Service Firm' is a doing book not a reading book!I bought the book 'Grow Your Service Firm' thinking I would take a sneaky look and decide whether to send it back, but it so thoroughly involves the reader that before I knew it I had already started underlining and making notes of action points.For example, if you go to a networking event armed with Robert Craven's 'Grow Your Service Firm' book, you just have to remember five little phrases: `We work with..' `who have a problem with..' `What we do is...' `So that...' `Which means' And this means Bang! You have ticked off 'The Expert! focuses' chapter. Not only that, with your one minute elevator pitch done, and your business neatly explained, you have also encompassed `The Expert! speaks'. And by meeting people and making connections, suddenly `The Expert! knows' also has also been taken care of too.By turning the characteristics of an expert as explained in The Expert! model into an attitude of mind, there is no doubt that it really is possible to Grow Your Service Firm! Thank you Robert Craven!

The media could not be loaded.  I want share my thoughts on Robert Craven's book `Grow Your Service Firm'.As a service provider myself unlike manufacturers and retailers, I have a bigger challenge in getting people to buy my services ... they can't touch, see or smell what I do.And that's why service providers like us need to be more creative in how we market ourselves, sell ourselves and ultimately grow our business.And that's where `Grow Your Service Firm' comes in. Robert Craven shares his vast experience in helping service businesses grow by showing us:- How to distinguish ourselves and beat the competition- He takes us through a seven step process on how to be seen as an expert in your industry. He also shares his 22 point Action Plan which will get you to expert status- And because we don't have physical products to sell he takes us through what makes a powerful marketing tool kitThere are so many great ideas, tips and strategies contained within theses pages.As a service provider myself I'm going to be reading and re-reading this book over and over again ... I can see it becoming my bible.It really is an excellent book and I highly recommend it - Robert Craven `Grow Your Service Firm'.

Ok, but confiding to read, not well written or presented

if you have a service firm get this book...clear easy to read with some great advice you start using today.

Very poor book. Mostly consists of a braindump of very obvious concepts such as be an expert and stand out from the rest etc. Possibly useful if you have no idea what you're doing.

this book is a must read for anybody offering a service, well written & easy to digest!am already reaping the benefits!

This book covers a broad range of strategies for growing a professional services firm. I like that the chapters are short enough that you can read one or two chapters a day and then ponder the questions and challenges during the day. I also like the templates and frameworks and I particularly liked the one for constructing a short pitch which was different to what I have seen before and it works very nicely. In some areas I would have liked a bit more meat in some areas but I guess it’s good to leave your readers wanting more!