Kevin Jogin Strategy

The THINK Model, A Guide to Building a Successful Business

the think model, a guide to building a successful business The THINK Model, A Guide to Building a Successful Business The THINK Model A Guide to Building a Successful Business

In today’s competitive business environment, entrepreneurs must adopt innovative strategies to attract and retain customers. One such strategy is the THINK Model, a framework focusing on Trustworthy, Helpful, Inspiring, Necessary, and Kind qualities to build a strong, reliable brand. This article will explore how Australian businesses can apply the THINK Model, using local examples to highlight its effectiveness.

What is the THINK Model?

The THINK Model is a structured approach to business that emphasizes the following five elements:

  • T = Trustworthy: Building trust with your customers.
  • H = Helpful: Offering solutions that genuinely address customer needs.
  • I = Inspiring: Motivating and uplifting your audience.
  • N = Necessary: Providing essential products or services.
  • K = Kind: Demonstrating care and empathy in all interactions.

By implementing this model, businesses can enhance their reputation, foster customer loyalty, and drive growth.

How Businesses Use the THINK Model

1. Trustworthy

Building trust is foundational for any business. In Australia, consider the example of Bunnings Warehouse:

  • Bunnings has earned customer trust by offering high-quality home improvement products at competitive prices.
  • Their “lowest price guarantee” and easy return policies reinforce their reliability.
    Action Tip: Clearly communicate your commitment to quality and back it up with transparent practices like warranties or satisfaction guarantees.

2. Helpful

Being helpful means solving real problems for your customers.
Example: Commonwealth Bank

  • The bank’s app provides tools like budgeting features and real-time expense tracking to help customers manage their finances better.
  • Their “How-to” guides on topics like first home buying empower Australians to make informed decisions.
    Action Tip: Develop content, tools, or resources that directly address your customers’ pain points. For instance, a local café could offer free recipes or cooking tips to engage its audience.

3. Inspiring

Inspiration can set your business apart by creating an emotional connection.
Example: Canva (Australian Startup)

  • Canva inspires creativity by providing accessible design tools to everyone, from students to small business owners.
  • Their user-friendly platform and success stories motivate people to explore their creative potential.
    Action Tip: Share success stories from your customers or team. Highlight the positive impact your business is making on the community or environment.

4. Necessary

Necessity refers to offering products or services that are essential to your audience.
Example: Woolworths

  • During the pandemic, Woolworths ensured continuity in grocery supplies while introducing contactless delivery and priority shopping for vulnerable customers.
    Action Tip: Identify what makes your business indispensable. A plumber in Sydney, for example, could emphasize 24/7 emergency services.

5. Kind

Kindness fosters goodwill and strengthens relationships with customers.
Example: Qantas Airlines

Practical Application for Australian Entrepreneurs

Case Study: Small Business Using THINK

Imagine you run a boutique skincare business in Melbourne. Here’s how you can apply the THINK Model:

  • T = Trustworthy: Use Australian-certified organic ingredients and display certifications on your website.
  • H = Helpful: Share skin-care tips on your blog or create how-to videos for customers.
  • I = Inspiring: Share stories about how your brand supports local farmers.
  • N = Necessary: Offer products targeting specific Australian needs, like sun protection or remedies for dry skin caused by the climate.
  • K = Kind: Add a free sample or a handwritten thank-you card with every order.

Free Resources to Educate Your Customers

A great way to attract customers is by offering free and valuable content, a strategy similar to Google’s Think with Google platform. Businesses can:

  • Publish case studies showing how customers have benefited from their products.
  • Provide tools or calculators tailored to Australian users (e.g., a GST calculator for small businesses).
  • Create guides and tutorials relevant to your industry.

For example, an Australian gym could create free fitness programs targeting popular activities like surfing or rugby.

Local Examples of THINK Model Success

1. Seek.com.au (Trustworthy and Helpful)

  • This Australian job platform provides detailed company reviews, career advice, and job alerts, building trust and offering essential help to job seekers.

2. Atlassian (Inspiring and Necessary)

  • Known for its productivity tools, Atlassian inspires with its workplace culture while providing vital tools like Jira for project management.

3. OzHarvest (Kind and Necessary)

  • This food rescue charity demonstrates kindness by distributing surplus food to those in need while addressing food wastage in Australia.

Key Takeaways

  • Build trust through consistent quality and transparency.
  • Help customers solve problems with free resources and support.
  • Inspire with uplifting stories and meaningful contributions.
  • Make your product or service indispensable.
  • Show kindness in every interaction.

By adopting the THINK Model, your business can create a lasting impact, gain customer loyalty, and stand out in the competitive Australian market. Start today, and see the difference THINKing can make!