Alternative strategies for fixing common recurring problems within organizations of all sizes. In this presentation by Stephen Bush, these ongoing challenges are also referred to as Zombie Business Problems.

1. How to Fix Recurring Business Problems
Stephen Bush

2. “You may have to fight a battle
more than once to win it.” (Margaret
Thatcher)
How to Fix Recurring Business Problems
Some problems keep recurring within
organizations. I refer to these challenges as Zombie
Business Problems.

3. “If you choose to not deal with an
issue, then you give up your right of
control over the issue and it will select
the path of least resistance.” (Susan
Del Gatto)
How to Prevent Zombie Problems
The choice is yours — ignore recurring problems,
fix them or prevent them.

4. Recurring Problems —
Inadequate New Business Development or Fundraising
Many organizations are underusing proposals.
Marketer-centric sales processes are less effective.
Suggested Strategy —
Increase use of one-page and unsolicited proposals.
Emphasize customer-centric sales processes.

5. Zombie Problems —
Overpromotion
Suggested Strategy —
Emphasize educational content.
Reduce unnecessary links and promotional language.
Too much promotion and not enough information.
Potential buyers want high-quality content.

6. How to Prevent Zombie Business Problems
“Intellectuals solve problems —
geniuses prevent them.” (Albert
Einstein)
Would you rather learn from mistakes or prevent them?

7. Zombie Business Problems —
Ineffective Press Releases
Suggested Strategy —
One option: stop using press releases altogether.
Replace with alternative educational content.
Most press releases are not effective.
Limited value for most organizations.

8. How to Fix Zombie Problems
“All problems become smaller if
you don’t dodge them but confront
them. Touch a thistle timidly, and it
pricks you; grasp it boldly, and its
spines crumble.” (Admiral William F.
Halsey)
Grasp Zombie Business Problems boldly.

9. Zombie Business Problems —
Obsolete Business Writing Strategies
Using old or obsolete solutions for new problems.
Key example of obsolete: brand-centric strategies.
Suggested Strategy —
Add or enhance inbound marketing strategies.
Think Outside of the Blog — alternative content.

10. “It’s not that I’m so smart — it’s
just that I stay with problems
longer.” (Albert Einstein)
Persistence and planning are likely to be required.
How to Fix Zombie Problems

11. Zombie Business Problems —
Emphasizing SEO More Than Needs of Customers
Too much content is geared toward search engines.
Consumers often scan instead of reading everything.
Suggested Strategy —
Include plenty of content research and marketing.
Adopt a customer-centric writing style.

12. Recurring Business Problems —
More Success Tips
To prevent low quality, avoid a low-bidder mentality.
Enhance communication and negotiation skills.
Reduce traditional advertising and cold calling.
Always Have a Plan B.
Improve collaborative strategies.

13. Always Have a Plan B.
Stephen Bush