The Step Up Advantage

By Dr Shanker Viswanath

"The STEP-UP Advantage - 12 Easy Ways to Unlock 2X Business Growth"

             Welcome to a simple yet effective way to enhance your business growth! 'The STEP UP Advantage' isn't just another book—it's your secret weapon. With 12 practical and easy-to-implement strategies, this book empowers you to expand your business exponentially, all without draining your marketing budget. 

             From pinpointing your niche to establishing market dominance, and from crafting your personal brand to closing high-value deals, this book is a treasure trove of actionable insights. No fluff, no complex theories - just straightforward, proven methods tailored for entrepreneurs like you. 

             Say goodbye to costly marketing endeavours and hello to sustainable, efficient growth. Join the ranks of successful business owners who've embraced these strategies and witness your business soar to new heights. 

             Are you ready to STEP UP your game?
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About the Author

Dr Shanker Viswanath is a Fellow Chartered Accountant with approximately 29 years of rich local and international experience with various multinational companies in finance, audit, consulting, and operational aspects. 
His exposure spans consulting, pharmaceuticals and healthcare, media and advertising, shipping, freight and forwarding, banking and financial services, gems and jewellery, liquor, retail, manufacturing, education, and the hospitality sectors. He has nine years of experience delivering and facilitating training programs as a full-time learning and development professional. 
He has various international & local training certifications to his credit. 
1.    Honorary Doctorate: D. Litt. (Honoris Causa)
2.    International Business Coach
3.    Train the Trainer from the Image Consulting Business Institute (ICBI), accredited by the National Accreditation Board for Education and Training in India (NABET). 
4.    Certified in Emotional Intelligence and Emotional Skills Assessment Process 
5.    Certified Facilitator in Emotional Intelligence 
6.    Certified Life and Business Coach 
7.    Professional Programme in Soft Skills Training (PPSST) from Image Consulting Business Institute (ICBI), accredited by the Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA) for the soft skills program
8.    Certified Process Facilitator from 60 Bits Consulting, accredited by the National Skill India Mission (NSIM) for Process Facilitation
9.    Certified Facilitator for the GOAL (Games Oriented Active Learning) Program – In and Outbound
Shanker aims to make his training programs and workshops a tangible experience, focusing on making the learning experiential, engaging, and fun with real-life examples rather than mere knowledge transfer. He feels that in that manner, the learners can relate better to the programs and workshops and their real-life experiences. 

He firmly believes, "The Will of the Divine does not take one where the Grace of the Divine cannot protect one."

• Language: English
• Publisher: Author Tree Publishing
• Release date: Feb 7, 2024
• ISBN: 9789394807723

Book preview

The STEP UP Advantage

Copyright @ 2024 by Dr Shanker Viswanath

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in whole or part including photocopying, recording or other electronic or mechanical methods without the prior written permission of the publisher.

Cover designed by Authors Tree Publishing, image used from free stock library.

ISBN: 978-93-94807-72-3

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First Edition. 2024

This book has been published with all reasonable efforts taken to make the material error-free after the consent of the author. No part of this book shall be used, reproduced in any manner whatsoever without written permission from the author, except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical articles and reviews. The author of this book is solely responsible and liable for its content including but not limited to the views, representations, descriptions, statements, information, opinions and references [content]. The content of this book shall not constitute or be construed or deemed to reflect the opinion or expression of the publisher or editor. Neither the publisher nor editor endorse or approve the content of this book or guarantee the reliability, accuracy or completeness of the content published herein and do not make any representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, including but not limited to the implied warranties of merchantability, fitness for a particular purpose. the publisher and editor shall not be liable whatsoever for any errors, omissions, whether such errors or omissions result from negligence, accident, or any other cause or claims for loss or damages of any kind, including without limitation, indirect or consequential loss or damage arising out of use, inability to use, or about the reliability, accuracy or sufficiency of the information contained in this book.

Printed In India

The

STEP UP

Advantage

12 Easy Ways to Unlock 2X Business Growth

Strategies,

Tactics,

Evaluations &

Principles to

Upskill &

Progress

Written By

Dr Shanker Viswanath

Business Growth Specialist 

Table of Contents

Foreword

"T

he STEP UP Advantage – 12 Easy Ways to Unlock 2X Business Growth" by Dr Shanker Viswanath is a fresh book in a garden of many by many such gurus.

A Business has four key elements:

Biz model

Sales and marketing

Operations

Finance

The difference that Shanker makes is that he has a grip on all four aspects of the Business due to his background as a Fellow Chartered Accountant, Business Leader and subsequently a Trainer and Coach of repute.

I met Shanker through LinkedIn many years ago and have become a fan of his acronyms, style of explaining and of course the empathy he brings into the listening to you.  Rarely has it happened that he has been non-responsive to anyone who communicates with him. To distil your knowledge into a book is easier said than done. However, Shanker has done a terrific job in this maiden venture of his also.

The simple methods explained in the book will definitely make an impact in your life and business for sure. There are lots of practical implementable idea that can move the levers of your business and I would recommend the reader to take many notes and highlight the book all over.

I will strongly recommend anyone who is an entrepreneur or a leader or into sales and marketing to definitely read this book - not just once but again and again.

Warm Regards,

Dr Raghunandan Jagdish, PhD

Managing Director and CEO

(Nandan GSE Pvt Ltd)

Tele: [phone]

Web: www.nandan.co.in

Mail: [e-mail] 

www.linkedin.com/in/RaghuJagdish

Foreword

"T

he STEP UP Advantage – 12 Easy Ways to Unlock 2X Business Growth" is a 'must-read' for any business leader who wants to create the change we need for our organizations and the way we approach our professional lives. Following this book will certainly bring in better business outcomes and a positive, practical approach to our lives. This will guide executives and leaders to reach their full business and individual potential.

I personally felt enriched by reading this book, and it left me with a feeling that had I read this earlier in life, it certainly would have made me more successful. As a matter of fact, this book is a summary of all the things that my best teachers in life and work have taught me over the years. The STEP UP Advantage teaches us the importance of making a positive difference in our lives, look at life and business practically and will make more realistic, positive leaders out of us.

Dr Shanker has a unique blend of insight and practical advice for any leader to become better, and practical steps to improve performance. He is intuitive and logical at the same time – I am confident one would come away with valuable insights into his own ways of working after reading this book. He brings to this book the full impact of his learnings from the three decades of work around the world at leadership levels.

This will certainly be most helpful for those who struggle with changing their working styles for the better. Whether you are creating strategy or implementing strategy, this book will be of great help to you to achieve more.

Regards,

Major Krish Vembu (Retd.)

Global HR Leader and HR Transformation Strategist

Foreword

I

n today's dynamic business landscape, untapped potential lurks everywhere. Dr Shanker Viswanath, in his insightful book The STEP UP Advantage – 12 Easy Ways to Unlock 2X Business Growth, boldly illuminates the path to unlocking that potential for both individuals and their businesses. This is no mere book; it is a transformative journey, a roadmap to doubling your growth.

I had the opportunity to read the first three chapters of the book. Dr Shanker Viswanath understands that true success begins within. In the first chapter, he tackles the critical role of mindset, behavior, and attitude. He shatters the chains of limiting beliefs with the powerful image of an elephant held back by a mere rope. Just as the elephant can break free, so too can we, by embracing a positive mindset and taking Whatever It Takes action. He provides a valuable 15-point checklist to assess your current mindset and a 5 P model (Personal, Positive, Present, Potential, Powerful) to cultivate a winning mental framework.

Chapter 2 plunges into the heart of business, exploring twelve fundamental principles as transformative expeditions. Each principle is dissected through a clear structure: What is it? How does it apply? How can you implement it? This practical approach demystifies business principles and leaves you empowered to act. Dr Shanker Vishwanath reminds us that success is not a solo act; it is a symphony orchestrated by these guiding principles working together in harmony.

Finding your niche, the bedrock of any successful business takes center stage in Chapter 3. Dr Shanker Viswanath lays out the Why and How of niching, offering a 4-step approach and highlighting pitfalls to avoid. This chapter empowers you to carve out your unique space in the market, ensuring your voice is heard and your impact felt.

The STEP UP Advantage – 12 Easy Ways to Unlock 2X Business Growth is more than just a book; it is a potent catalyst for change. It is a beacon of hope for MSME owners in India, guiding them toward seizing the immense opportunities that lie ahead. By unlocking the power within and mastering the art of business, you can not only double your growth but also create a ripple effect of success that extends far beyond your venture. I am eagerly looking forward to read the entire book.

So, embark on this STEP UP journey with Dr Shanker Vishwanath. It is time to unlock your 2x potential and rewrite your business story.

Best Regards,

P. Kaniappan

Managing Director

ZF Commercial Vehicle Control Systems India Limited

Dedication

I dedicate this book to:

My wife, Bhavani, and our daughter, Sakhi, the two strong pillars of my life. I sincerely appreciate your unwavering support, encouragement,