During the Eras Tour, every time there was rain, Taylor Swift, one of the greatest entrepreneurs in history, called it a lucky concert. My daughter and I attended the last show in Miami. And it rained.

For so many reasons, I was not a fan of rain. But that night Taylor Swift said, “So we are obviously having a very, very special, unique kind of concert tonight, and that is the kind of concert where it just rains the entire time. That’s what we affectionately refer to as a rain show.”

She went on to inform us that, “This night, tonight, was the very last opportunity we possibly could have on the Eras Tour to have a rain show because every stadium from here on out is indoors.”

And my daughter and I were there. One of the top 10 memories and experiences of my life. An experience when my perspective changed. Thank you, Taylor.

Take This Opportunity

Throughout the last few weeks in Dallas, it has rained.

Sometimes those rains were torrential downpours. Some questioned whether in person meetings should be had. If event dates should be changed. And so on.

At Front Porch Marketing, we are fortunate to work with clients and entrepreneurs who recognize the blessings of rain and what opportunities it signifies. Lucky rain means new beginnings. New opportunities. Fresh starts.

Here are some examples:

1. The stock market. Our clients in the financial industry are stead fast in their actions and spending more on marketing due to the opportunities and shifts in the market. As well as capitalizing on the acquisition of smaller firms by larger ones.
2. Commercial real estate. While this industry continues to be a challenge, we have two clients that are rockin’ new opportunities. One is using the time to further define their brand and opportunities. Another is finding inspiration in some of their down time to create a new business concept and opportunity.
3. A business-to-business company has identified a unique opportunity to enhance their core offerings. And it is ecommerce driven, as well as outside of their core expertise — offering branded merchandise.
4. A nonprofit that wants to further establish itself, and grow beyond its founder. The organization engaged us to refine its mission and define its brand architecture and then rename the organization and develop its identity. From there, we will build a marketing plan to communicate its core offerings to its best target.

Making the Most of the Rain

What are you, as a business owner, entrepreneur or business leader, going to make of a rain show?

Rain or shine, our tenured, passionate and steadfast team, is “enchanted to meet” and work with brilliant business owners who are weathering the storm.

What’s your business growth opportunity for next year? Identify it. Now is the time. Q4 is upon us. Before we know it, it will be January 2025. So take the time now to really contemplate where you want to take your business next. Once you have that nailed down, you’ll have a clear place to steer yourself in Q1.

Your Growth Opportunity Is Not Swayed by Circumstances

Your business growth opportunity for next should be based on YOUR business. Not so much on outside forces happening in the world. Despite the economy. Or the uncertainty due to the election. Strong brands will survive and thrive in 2025. What makes you a strong brand?

Uncover Opportunities With Probing Questions

Ask yourself some of these questions when you review your business in Q4. These questions will help you determine your success for 2025 based on your successes in 2024.

1. Review your 2024 key clients or customers’ successes. Where have you seen the most business growth this past year?

Make a list. This will give you insight into where your business growth opportunity might be for next year. Looks for patterns and trends in your business’ success. You might just be getting started in some area of your business that will continue to pay off.

2. Is your team convicted that the brand is important?

Review your brand’s foundation. Is your brand strong? Does your leadership team articulate your brand clearly at every internal touchpoint? Your audience needs to be able to recognize you and count on you. They want to see you as the voice of authority, every time they turn to you for answers.

3. Are you communicating consistently?

Consistent communication is key to having a strong brand, and a strong presence in the marketplace. If you are not communicating clearly and consistently about your brand, you are diluting your brand and the competency of your organization.

4. Does your target care about what your brand stands for?

The stronger the emotional connection to your brand, the more likely the target will be predisposed to your organization. What were your successes with your audience this past year? Plan to do more of whatever that was.

Other questions to ask yourself about your business, looking for your business growth opportunities in 2025:

• Are you leveraging your senior team’s strengths?
• What are your strategies? Define these and then everything else should fall under that.
• What are your holes in marketing resources? What do you need help with?

Pro-Tips For Growth

Identifying your business growth opportunities is just your first step to a successful 2024. Reviewing 2024, there are areas where we see success for small to midsize businesses and nonprofits in 2025. Make sure you have this Pro-Tip list covered in Q4 this year, and follow the path to uncover your own insights and build your business in 2025. If you need help along the way, Front Porch has your back.

• Identify your growth opportunity.
• Make sure you have the team needed to realize your goals for your clients.
• Have a plan. Be focused. A marketing plan is important to maximize resources and reduce unneeded spend.
• Sharpen messaging. Review your message map. Make edits where necessary.
• Be strategic. Define strategies and then tactics that will help you accomplish the strategies.
• Remember, tactically, less is more.