Navigating Change and Driving Success: Lessons from Gerri Knilans of Trade Press Services
Adaptability and innovation are critical for sustained success in today’s rapidly evolving business landscape. Gerri Knilans, President and Founder of Trade Press Services, offers invaluable insights from her nearly three decades of experience. In a recent episode of the Inspectations podcast, Gerri shared her journey and the strategies she employed to keep her business thriving. Here are key takeaways and advice for business leaders looking to navigate change and drive success.
1. Embrace Change and Pivot When Necessary
Gerri’s journey with Trade Press Services began nearly 30 years ago with a mission to help B2B clients get published in magazines. However, the advent of the internet revolutionized the publishing industry, necessitating a shift in their business model. Recognizing the need to adapt, Gerri expanded their services beyond article writing to include white papers, books, blogs, newsletters, email campaigns, and press releases. Her ability to pivot in response to market changes has been a cornerstone of her company’s success.
Advice for Leaders: Stay attuned to industry trends and be prepared to pivot your business model as needed. Embrace new technologies and expand your service offerings to meet evolving market demands.
2. Maintain Integrity in the Age of AI
The rise of AI has brought both opportunities and challenges. Gerri highlighted the increase in plagiarism incidents, emphasizing the importance of maintaining the integrity of the written word. Trade Press Services takes a proactive approach by running all articles through plagiarism checks and ensuring that clients' thoughts and expertise are authentically represented.
Advice for Leaders: Leverage AI to enhance efficiency, but remain vigilant about ethical standards. Implement checks and balances to ensure the authenticity and originality of your work.
3. Diversify Your Offerings
During the 2008 recession, Gerri identified the need to diversify her company’s services. This led to the expansion into immigration services, helping individuals seeking visas demonstrate extraordinary expertise through published articles. This diversification has not only broadened their client base but also provided a new revenue stream.
Advice for Leaders: Diversify your service offerings to mitigate risk and tap into new markets. Explore niche areas where your expertise can add significant value.
4. Build and Retain a Talented Team
A key to Trade Press Services’ success has been its unique business model of working with independent contractors. This approach provides flexibility and allows them to attract top talent. Gerri emphasized the importance of trust, integrity, and personalized support in building a cohesive team.
Advice for Leaders: Foster a work environment built on trust and integrity. Provide your team with the support they need and encourage regular communication to ensure alignment and engagement.
5. Plan for the Future
As Gerri looks ahead, her focus is on succession planning and transitioning out of day-to-day operations. She envisions her team continuing to evolve and embrace new technologies while expanding their services.
Advice for Leaders: Prioritize succession planning and develop a clear roadmap for the future. Ensure that your business can continue to thrive without your constant oversight by empowering your team and developing their leadership skills.
Gerri Knilans’ story with Trade Press Services is a powerful example of how adaptability, integrity, and strategic diversification can drive long-term success. For business leaders, these lessons underscore the importance of staying flexible, embracing change, and continuously evolving to meet new challenges. By applying these principles, you can navigate the ever-changing business landscape and position your company for sustained success!
For more insights and inspiring stories from industry leaders, be sure to tune in to the next episode of the Inspectations podcast!
