Unlocking Business Potential: New Book Offers Tools for Small Business Growth

Strategic Glue has unveiled an essential resource for small business owners titled "6 To Fix: How to Grow a More Valuable Small Business." This book, authored by Terry Sullivan, a seasoned marketing expert and founder of Strategic Glue, aims to reshape the way small businesses approach marketing—not just as an expense, but as a crucial tool for building an enterprise that can command a premium when it comes time to sell.

The Present Landscape of Small Business Sales

According to findings from the Exit Planning Institute, a staggering 80% of privately owned businesses that are put up for sale do not find buyers. This troubling statistic suggests that many small businesses are either over-reliant on their owners or lack the necessary systems that would appeal to potential buyers. Terry Sullivan’s premise hinges on the idea that many owners are missing out on the meaningful marketing strategies that can convert their companies into enticing propositions.

Introducing Value-Creation Marketing

Sullivan introduces his concept of value-creation marketing through the "6 To Fix Marketing Strategy Framework." This innovative framework correlates six key marketing strategy areas—Brand, Customer, Offering, Communications, Sales, and Management—with the essential drivers of value creation. The approach highlights how three of these areas pertain to assets that help generate earnings, while the other three focus on the systems that enhance the value of those earnings.

In his own words, Sullivan states, "Value creation isn't new. But value-creation marketing to build a small business worth buying so owners can finally sell — is." This paradigm shift encourages business owners to view their marketing efforts as foundational investments rather than just routine expenses.

The Three-Tier Framework for Business Owners

The book acts as a gateway to the broader 6 To Fix Marketing Strategy Framework Program, consisting of three tiers:
1. Diagnostic Audit: This initial phase scores the business across the six strategy areas to identify where value is leaking.
2. Strategy Playbook: Here, tailored marketing strategies are crafted for each of the six areas, focusing on maximizing value creation.
3. Fractional CMO + Human Execution: This tier provides a comprehensive marketing management approach, integrating both AI and human insights to ensure effective execution on a monthly basis.

The official launch of the book includes a free e-book PDF for attendees of the launch webinar on October 8, with Kindle and print editions available on Amazon starting October 22. While primarily designed for owner-operators of businesses valued between $1 million and $15 million, the concepts are applicable to leaders of private equity-backed businesses in the $15 million to $25 million range, and indeed any owner seeking to enhance their business’s value.

For interested readers, the website 6ToFix.com offers a free scorecard assessment to evaluate the six marketing areas that may compromise future sale values. The platform also allows users to register for the launch webinar, reserve or purchase the book, and sign up for release notifications. Additionally, Terry Sullivan is available for review copies, interviews, podcast appearances, and speaking events upon request.

About Terry Sullivan and Strategic Glue

Terry Sullivan boasts over 35 years of experience as a four-time entrepreneur, with one successful exit, and has consulted for hundreds of businesses across various sectors. He is also an established author, having penned four books on marketing, including academic textbooks, and has taught at the university level for 15 years.

Strategic Glue LLC operates as a marketing consultancy that aids owner-operators in leveraging value-creation marketing to build transferable enterprise value through its 6 To Fix Marketing Strategy Framework, along with consulting and coaching services. For further insights, visit strategicglue.com.

For media inquiries, contact Benjamin Sullivan at Strategic Glue via email at [email protected] or by phone at 314-266-8896.