The secret strategies of the nation’s fastest-growing companies

Sherpa! was recently ranked as one of the fastest-growing companies in the US according to Inc. magazine. Part of the process was an interview about the various strategies. First, the top 6 advertising strategies. Oh, how the times are a changin'!

1. Word of Mouth -72%
2. Print - 52%
3. Email - 52%
4. Search Engines - 45%
5. Direct Mail - 43%
6. Banner Ads - 28%

This is what the nation's fastest-growing companies had to say:

• 48.7% think their competition is stiff. Only 6.7% consider it slim.
• 67% think Good Employees are the most important factor for success. . I have to concur! It was when Sherpa! won the Best Place to Work award that we also won the Fastest-Growing Private Firm in Atlanta as well. Coincidence? I think not. I do have to ask, however, how they are defining "good"?
• 36% think "Effective Strategy" is the most important factor. This is 1% less than "Hard Work." This surprises me -- to me creating an effective strategy *is* "hard" work.
• Only 6% think timing is the most important factor. Come on guys, give credit where credit is due. Do you really think you would be making millions on technology if we were circa 1700? Just because you little to no control over it doesn't make it an important factor for success. A big part of success is being in the right place at the right time, and having the right background, experience, and gumption to see that opportunity. Maybe that is what they mean by "Good Employees"?
• 97% plan to add staff in the next 12 months. So are we -- let us know if you think you have the right stuff!
• 71% plan to hit new markets with their existing products as a means to expand. Only 57% state introduction of new products. I'd like to see more innovation and less repetition.
• 37% sell their products or services via the Internet. Still an untapped market.

You can see the entire report online.