Can you lead a small business to success by prioritising advocacy and knowledge-sharing over profit? In a climate where around half of all start-ups fail within three years, the hunger to “sell, sell, sell” is understandable. But when you lose sight of the values that drove you in the first place, you may also lose the secret to long-term success…
Luckily, we know a small cybersecurity consultancy who passed the three-year test, and then some – with a self-proclaimed “tiny” team to boot. For ADAS, client advocacy, education at the discovery call, and giving back to their professional community is how they conduct business.
“Those principles of work persist through us into everything we do,” says Savva Pistolas, Technical Director at ADAS. More from him throughout, as we explore the value of going beyond profits.
It’s rough out there
Rising costs, supply chain disruptions, and economic uncertainty make it hard for small businesses to survive, nevermind thrive. Owners typically wear multiple hats, trying to lead from the front while managing the back-end all at once. That’s probably why a lot of SMEs are built to sell, not to sustain.
For many, the focus has moved from long-term value to short-term gains, like quick profits or chasing trends rather than creating something with value. Savva says:
“Cyber is an interesting field – you get into it because you’re technical or want to be a penetration tester. But it’s the people and the relationships (and helping sort out headaches for those people) that make the work fun and rewarding.”
The business of purpose and advocacy
Of course, driving new business is essential for profit growth. But increasingly, customers and employees expect companies to demonstrate purpose, resilience, and a commitment to helping others win – whether they’re going to make you money in the short-term or not.
“We’re a really approachable and public-minded team. Specifically, our backdrop of not-for-profit and law enforcement means that we’re a company made up of people that like to help, which seems to be hard to come by these days,” says Savva.
ADAS is a business that truly understands, respects and benefits from the value of educating their potential clients while advocating for their current ones. This approach not only helps businesses build trust and drive word-of-mouth marketing, but improves customer loyalty and retention too. By championing the needs of others ahead of trying to make quick transactions, you can create a sustainable brand reputation and a competitive advantage for your business.
Savva adds, “Whilst we’ve got the chops to do the work, we really like to set ourselves apart from the crowd with a commitment to excellent customer service, patience, and access to subject matter expertise at the discovery call, and serving as an advocate for our client base.”
Embody your values, love your sector
ADAS has been part of the Fasthosts Partner Programme for just over two years. During that time we’ve learnt more about how value-driven they are. Their people-centric approach isn’t a mask! Their roots represent a real passion for protecting and digitally maturing businesses – and it shows.
Savva says: “There’s always room for a proactive approach to cyber, and that excitement or ambition is what we love to inspire and celebrate when we find it.”
Their value proposition is centered around helping prospects navigate their problems – and if they feel a business could benefit more from help elsewhere, they won’t take the job. Instead, signposting them to where they can get the right support, leaving the door open for a future relationship when they’re ready. As a small team, these principles don't get lost in other functions. And being as well-networked within their sector as they are, ADAS is the discerning cybersecurity partner you need by your side.
Savva adds, “The joy and satisfaction we get is from a job well done, and from meeting and helping the people that make up hard working organisations all over the UK and beyond.”
Keep the SME wheel turning
The reality is, no matter your size, we all operate in the UK’s micro-business economy. Being a client advocate, giving no-strings advice at a networking event, or saying “no” to new business for the right reasons, only serves to support that economy and make a more prosperous climate for all of us.
One way Fasthosts feeds the SME machine is through our Partner Network, where you can get expert help from independent web professionals and trusted Fasthosts Partners. Speaking of which, you can check out ADAS’ profile right here.
For everything else online, from web hosting to website building, get in touch with Fasthosts today.
