Why Corporate Relationships Matter
For Industrial & Manufacturing SMBs ( Small & Medium Businesses) , strategic corporate relationships are not just an afterthought—they’re a critical driver of long-term growth.
In fact, one of the McKinsey research shows that one-third of a company’s earnings are influenced by how well it engages with external stakeholders, including regulators, policymakers, and industry bodies .Despite this, most SMEs remain stuck in a cycle of crisis management, leaving little room for proactive stakeholder engagement.
The reality?
58% of companies see external influencing as a top priority, but only 12% actually succeed at it.
If your business isn’t actively building corporate relationships, you’re leaving revenue and growth opportunities on the table.
The BASE Model: A Framework for SMBs
To help industrial SMBs navigate this challenge, we at Ignite Growth Solutions (IGS.) introduce the BASE Model, a structured approach to stakeholder engagement:
🔹 B – Bridge the Gap
Leadership must commit to being the connector between the company and its stakeholders. Start by dedicating at least 20% of your time to stakeholder engagement—ideally, 30%.
🔹 A – Appoint Ambassadors
Empower your business and functional leaders to act as additional relationship bridges. A strong internal team ensures broader and more consistent stakeholder outreach.
🔹 S – Storytelling for Influence
A compelling communication strategy aligned with your company’s mission helps stakeholders see your relevance. Frame your messaging around how your business impacts their goals.
🔹 E – Engage Consistently
Stakeholder engagement isn’t a one-time effort—it requires a structured, annual approach. Plan interactions based on priority and availability to maintain long-term trust.
Why This Matters Now
Ignoring stakeholder relationships puts your business at a competitive disadvantage. SMBs that master external engagement gain faster approvals, stronger industry credibility, and better crisis resilience.
Take Action Today
✅ Assign your Marketing Leadership to champion the BASE Model.
✅ Integrate stakeholder engagement into your Annual Marketing Plan.
✅ Factor in availability and emotional energy when planning engagement types.
Ready to shift from firefighting to strategic growth?
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